Common Driver Hours Infringements - And How HGV Drivers Can Avoid them

As a HGV driver, you’re at the heart of a safe and compliant transport operation. Your tachograph records, breaks, and working hours aren’t just about regulations, they’re about protecting your licence, your job, and your safety on the road. 

Most driver hours infringements happen because of small, easy-to-avoid mistakes. This guide breaks down the common issues and how you can stay compliant every day. 

Why Staying on Top of Driver Hours Matters 

When you record your hours correctly, you protect: 

• Your licence – infringements can lead to warnings, penalties, or formal reviews 
• Your safety – proper rest prevents fatigue and accidents 
• Your professionalism – accurate records show you’re in control of your day 
• Your Employer– supporting a compliant, well-run fleet 

Good habits behind the wheel make a big difference. 

Common Infringements and How to Avoid Them 

Below are the issues most drivers see in their tachograph reports — and how to prevent them. 

1. Moving the Vehicle Without Your Digi Card Inserted 

Even a short movement in the yard counts as driving.
If the tachograph isn’t recording your time, it becomes an infringement. 

How to avoid it: 

• Insert your card before you move the vehicle, even a few metres 
• Wait for the tachograph to read your card properly 
• Make it the first thing you do when you get in the cab 
  
  

2. Not Completing Manual Entries 

Missing manual entries is one of the biggest causes of incorrect records.
Any time you’ve been doing work, rest, or breaks away from the vehicle — and the card wasn’t in — you must add that time manually. 

How to avoid it: 

• At the start of your shift, record: 
• rest taken 
• any work you did before inserting the card 
• At the end of your shift, enter: 
• any activity after removing the card 
• If your tachograph asks for manual entries — never skip it 
  
  

Manual entries protect you, proving you were compliant even when the truck wasn’t recording. 

3. Not Changing the Tachograph Mode Correctly 

Drivers often forget to switch between: 

• Driving 
• Other work 
• POA 
• Break/rest 
  
  

Incorrect mode = inaccurate records. 

How to avoid it: 

• Take a second to switch modes whenever you change activity 
• Check the tachograph screen before you start moving 
• Ask for refresher training if you’re unsure 
  
  

4. Missing Breaks or Cutting Them Too Fine (Driving Hours & WTD Breaks) 

Breaks aren’t just about the 4.5-hour driving rule. Under the Working Time Directive (WTD), drivers must also take a break after 6 hours of work, even if they haven’t reached their driving limit. 

Many infringements happen when drivers only focus on their driving time and forget their WTD obligations — or run too close to the 4.5-hour rule and get caught out by unexpected delays. 

How to avoid it: 

• Plan your day so you take a break before hitting 4.5 hours of driving 
• Remember: if you reach 6 hours of total work, you must take a break under WTD 
• Don’t leave breaks until the last minute — traffic, queues or delays can quickly push you into an infringement 
• Use tachograph alerts, apps, or planner notes to track both driving time and working time 
  
  

Taking breaks at the right time keeps you compliant under both driving hours rules and WTD — and helps prevent fatigue on the road. 

5. Exceeding Daily or Weekly Driving Limits 

Sometimes this happens because a driver didn’t realise how the day was adding up, especially on long routes or unexpected detours. 

How to avoid it: 

• Keep an eye on your cumulative driving time 
• Keep a record of your Driving Time and Working time Each week 
• Speak up if the schedule becomes unrealistic 
  
  

7. Late Digi Card or Vehicle Unit Downloads 

A simple oversight, but can still cause problems for your employer 

How to avoid it: 

• Know your operator’s download routine 
• Set reminders 
• Download your card at the end of every shift or at the end of the week if you’re tramping 
  
  

8. Ending the Shift Incorrectly 

Removing the card while still moving or before confirming your manual entries causes errors in the record. 

How to avoid it: 

• Always stop fully before removing your card 
• Complete manual entries before getting out of the cab 
• Double-check the tachograph confirms end of duty 
  
  
  

How These Mistakes Affect Drivers 

Infringements can lead to: 

• formal meetings 
• retraining 
• written warnings 
• impact on your employment record 
• issues with DVSA if repeatedly non-compliant 
  
  

And most importantly, they can put your licence and livelihood at risk. 

Good tachograph habits protect you every single day. 

Practical Tips for Staying Compliant 

✔ Create a start-of-shift routine (insert card → manual entry → mode check)
✔ Review your tachograph regularly to spot patterns
✔ Plan your break locations early
✔ Add manual entries whenever the tachograph didn’t record your activity
✔ Ask for help if you’re unsure — don’t guess
✔ Build buffer time into your day
✔ Keep your Digi Card clean and undamaged 

Final Thoughts: Professional Drivers Stay in Control 

Most infringements aren’t caused by deliberate rule-breaking, they’re caused by simple things drivers forget on busy days.
But with the right habits, tachograph compliance becomes second nature. 

By taking a few extra seconds to: 

✔ Insert your card
✔ Complete manual entries
✔ Switch modes correctly
✔ Plan your breaks
✔ End the shift properly 

You keep yourself safe, legal, and respected as a professional driver.