From missing tachograph card to exceeded daily driving time and incorrect fastening: here are the errors that most often result in fines or loss of license — and the simple practice that prevents them.
Introduction
Professional bus driving is regularly monitored by the Road Safety Authority and police — both at roadside inspections and by reviewing tachograph data. The errors that most often result in fines are rarely major traffic accidents; they are administrative and technical violations that accumulate in a busy everyday life.
Tachograph and driving / rest time
- 01Forgotten driver card: driving without an active driver card in the tachograph. Prevent: keep the card in your jacket pocket and insert it as the first thing you do.
- 02Exceeded 4.5-hour limit: a delay, extra trip or communication with passengers means the driver forgets the break. Prevent: use the alarm in the tachograph.
- 03Break in wrong order: 30 + 15 min is not legal — only 15 + 30 min. Prevent: take the full 45 min in one go if you are unsure.
- 04Weekly limit exceeded: you keep a good eye on the daily limit but forget that the week's total is approaching 56 hours.
Vehicle and equipment
- 01Expired calibration: the tachograph must be calibrated every 2 years—many forget to follow up.
- 02Missing emergency equipment: fire extinguisher with expired service date or missing emergency hammer at emergency exit.
- 03Defective lights: driving with defective brake lights or indicators — normally detected during the pre-departure check, if it is carried out.
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