Tachograph Calibration Support & Diagnostics

Specialist calibration support for workshops, technicians, and operators dealing with complex tachograph issues. From our approved workshop in Waterford, we handle advanced diagnostics, fault finding, and calibration on every tachograph type.

When Is Calibration Required?

Tachograph calibration is a legally regulated process triggered by scheduled intervals and specific operational events. The summary below covers the most common triggers – useful whether you’re operating a fleet, running a workshop, or trying to work out if a unit needs attention. If a case falls outside the standard scope, we can support you.

Scheduled Interval

Digital and smart tachographs require calibration every two years. Analogue tachographs require a full calibration every six years and an intermediate inspection every two years.

Following Repair

If a repair or modification affects the tachograph system’s calibration characteristics, or if the system requires re-sealing, a full calibration may be necessary.

Tyre Size Change

A change in the vehicle’s tyre size affects the accuracy of speed and distance recording. A new calibration is required whenever tyre size changes, including when moving between summer and winter tyres of a different size.

Vehicle Unit Replacement

If a tachograph unit is replaced, whether due to failure, damage, or upgrade – the replacement unit must be calibrated before the vehicle returns to operation.

Vehicle Registration Change

Where a vehicle is re-registered or transferred, the tachograph must be recalibrated and a new calibration plaque issued in line with the updated vehicle details.

Inaccurate/Suspect Calibration

Operating a vehicle with inaccurate tachograph calibration parameters creates compliance and enforcement risk. Where suspect data is identified, the unit should be checked promptly.

How We Work With Workshops and Operators

Bringing a vehicle or a referred case to ETS is a straightforward process, designed to fit alongside the work your local workshop is already doing.

Initial Conversation

Call us on 051 348331 or email the workshop. We'll talk through the issue - vehicle, tachograph type, what's already been tried, and whether the case needs a full calibration, diagnostic work, or both.

Workshop Booking

We agree a slot at our NSAI-approved workshop in Waterford. Where the case has come through a partner workshop, we coordinate directly with them on timing and any prior records.

Inspection, Diagnostics, and Calibration

Our NSAI-approved technicians inspect the unit, identify the root cause, carry out the calibration, and verify the result. Adjustments, wiring checks, and security certificate updates are all completed in-house.

Records Updated and Findings Shared

A calibration plaque is issued and fitted. Records are updated, the vehicle is ready to return to operation, and - where relevant - diagnostic findings are shared back with the referring workshop.

Why Operators Trust ETS for Calibration Support

Tachograph calibration is a regulated process. The workshop carrying it out must be NSAI approved, follow defined procedures, and issue valid documentation. Beyond that minimum, complex cases need experience and specialist equipment.

Euro Tachograph Solutions has been working in tachograph compliance for over 30 years. Calibration isn’t a side service for us – it’s the workshop floor we operate from every day. That depth is what makes us a useful escalation point for fellow workshops and a reliable option for operators with persistent issues.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often does a tachograph need to be calibrated?

Digital and smart tachographs must be calibrated every two years. Analogue tachographs require a full calibration every six years and an intermediate inspection every two years. Calibration is also required outside these scheduled intervals following a repair, tyre size change, vehicle unit replacement, or change of registration. ETS can check when your vehicle’s calibration is next due if you are unsure.

What does NSAI approval mean and why does it matter?

NSAI approval means the workshop has been assessed and authorised by the National Standards Authority of Ireland to carry out tachograph calibrations. Only NSAI approved workshops can issue a legally valid calibration plaque in Ireland. A calibration carried out by an unapproved workshop does not satisfy the legal requirement, and an operator relying on it would be non-compliant during an RSA inspection. Always confirm that your calibration provider holds current NSAI approval before booking.

Does changing tyre size require a new calibration?

Genuinely surprising to many operators – this is the kind of thing fleets get caught on. The tachograph calculates speed and distance based on the vehicle’s tyre circumference. Any change in tyre size – including fitting seasonal tyres of a different size – requires a new calibration. Operating with the wrong tyre size on record means the tachograph is recording inaccurate data, which creates compliance risk regardless of how recently the previous calibration was carried out.

What is the difference between a digital and a smart tachograph?

Digital tachographs have been mandatory on new vehicles in scope since 2006. Smart tachographs are the latest generation – Version 1 became mandatory on new vehicles from 2019, and Version 2 from 2023. Smart tachographs include additional functionality including automatic GNSS location recording at border crossings and loading or unloading points, and DSRC remote communication capability that allows data to be read by roadside enforcement officers without stopping the vehicle. The core compliance obligations are the same across all types, the calibration procedures differ. Euro Tachograph Solutions carries out calibrations for all three types.

What happens if a vehicle is operating with an expired calibration?

A vehicle operating with an expired calibration plaque is not in compliance with EU tachograph regulations. During a roadside check, RSA officers will inspect the calibration plaque. An expired calibration can result in the vehicle being prohibited from use until a valid calibration is in place. It also reflects poorly on an operator’s overall compliance record, which can affect how the RSA assesses the operation more broadly. We recommend keeping a record of each vehicle’s calibration due date and booking in advance to avoid any gap in compliance.

Should I bring my vehicle to ETS or to my local workshop for calibration?

For routine, scheduled calibrations, your local NSAI-approved workshop is usually the most practical option. We tend to handle cases where there’s a fault to identify, a complex configuration, or where another workshop has referred the job to us. If you’re unsure, give us a call and we’ll point you in the right direction.

What does "advanced calibration" actually mean?

Standard calibration is a defined procedure carried out at scheduled intervals or after specific events. Advanced work includes fault diagnosis on intermittent issues, investigating suspect or inconsistent data, dealing with non-standard installations, and resolving cases where a previous calibration hasn’t held. It’s the work that sits beyond the routine.

Need Specialist Tachograph Calibration?

If you’re dealing with a complex tachograph issue, a fault that isn’t resolving, or a case your workshop has flagged for specialist input, we can help. Speak to our team about what’s needed – or pass our details to the workshop handling your fleet.