Digital tachograph download: 28- and 90-day deadlines and how not to forget them
The driver card must be downloaded at least every 28 days and the unit installed in the vehicle at least every 90 days. The company must keep the data for at least one year, and the driver must carry the records for the current day and the previous 28 days.
Download deadlines
| Data | Maximum interval between downloads |
|---|---|
| Driver card | 28 days |
| Vehicle unit (tachograph) | 90 days |
These are the maximum deadlines used in the sector. It is wise to schedule downloads more often than the limit so you do not depend on a single day.
What is downloaded and why
The tachograph records driving, breaks, rest periods and other activities. The company downloads this data to check that driving and rest times are respected and to have it available for an inspection. The download produces a file (usually with a .ddd extension) that must be stored intact.
Retention
Downloaded data must be kept for at least one year. In addition, the driver must be able to show at the roadside the records for the current day and the previous 28 days.
Common mistakes
- Downloading the card but not the unit, or the other way round.
- Downloading only when the limit is near, with no margin for holidays, sick leave or breakdowns.
- Not keeping the original file or losing it when changing computers.
- Not knowing who is responsible for the vehicle and for each card.
How to organize reminders
- Record the date of the last download of each card and each vehicle.
- Calculate the deadline (28 or 90 days) and mark it with an advance reminder.
- If your telematics provider downloads remotely, record each download automatically.
- Keep one person responsible per vehicle.
How Fleetaria does it
Fleetaria records data downloads of the driver card and the vehicle unit, and warns when the deadline is approaching or has passed (28 days for the card and 90 days for the vehicle, configurable). The warning appears in the panel and in each trip's traffic light, without blocking departure. It also lets you attach the .ddd file in a manual download.
Two important points. First, there is no remote download without a telematics device in the vehicle: Fleetaria offers an API with a key so that provider can record the downloads. Second, Fleetaria does not interpret the contents of tachograph files.
Frequently asked questions
How often must the driver card be downloaded?
At least every 28 days.
How often must the vehicle's tachograph be downloaded?
At least every 90 days.
How long must tachograph data be kept?
At least one year. Always confirm the current period with your adviser or in the regulation.
Can the tachograph be downloaded without going to a workshop?
Yes, with suitable download equipment or through a remote download service if your vehicle has a compatible telematics device.
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Request a demoThis content is informational and was last reviewed in November 2026. Regulations change: check the current text in the BOE (Spanish gazette) or the OJEU and consult a transport adviser before making decisions with legal consequences.