Lorry question...

Mariposa

Mariposa

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My lovely DAF lorry has just failed her MOT due to a broken internal clock on the dashboard which is linked to a Tachograph, which can't work without the internal clock working. However...we never use the tachograph ( or the clock for that matter!)

I was under the impression that as a non-commercial vehicle we didn't have to use a tachograph...? The garage who's sorting it out ( who have been fantastic I might add) think the MOT centre is being ridiculous but rules are rules.

Rog ( or any other lorry owners..) - do you have to use a tacho when you drive a horse lorry?

And also a thank you to Rog - we turned our CCTV screen to the groom's seat and they didn't question it.
 
We have to sign a declaration form at the MOT or produce a previous one to show that it is a private 7.5t HGV and that we do not need to use a tacho. However I still think it has to be in working order in case the lorry is driven by another person who does need to use a tacho hence why they want it working. I have not specifically asked but it was the impression I got from our mechanic. That is a good case in point as he drives it to the VOSA test centre and therefore needs to use the tacho.
 
Mariposa said:
My lovely DAF lorry has just failed her MOT due to a broken internal clock on the dashboard which is linked to a Tachograph, which can't work without the internal clock working. However...we never use the tachograph ( or the clock for that matter!)

I was under the impression that as a non-commercial vehicle we didn't have to use a tachograph...? The garage who's sorting it out ( who have been fantastic I might add) think the MOT centre is being ridiculous but rules are rules.

Rog ( or any other lorry owners..) - do you have to use a tacho when you drive a horse lorry?

And also a thank you to Rog - we turned our CCTV screen to the groom's seat and they didn't question it.
Click to expand...
For a lorry not over 7.5 tonnes GVW and used privately there is no legal requirement to use a tacho

I am no expert on MOTs but it is my understanding that if something is fitted it must work

A tacho cannot be removed from trucks of certain ages because they must have them fitted by law

Only tachos that are used to record must be properly calibrated but those not used do not have to be but the seal must remain intact

As I said, I am no expert on this but all the above is my understanding ....
 
I've got one in my 7.5 and was told by my mechanic if it's there it does have to be working and I think tested every two years.

Like the seatbelts, I don't have to have them but if they are fitted they must work.
 
Ah that makes sense I guess - although I have no idea how they passed it last year -it must have slipped through the net!

Slightly irked that its going to cost me £500 to replace something we don't use...and pay for a second test!

EDIT - thanks Rog - that all makes sense.
 
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cyberhorse said:
Can it be removed then? Does not have to work if it is no longer there?
Click to expand...
EU law dictates that for LGVs of a certain age, a tachograph must be fitted - no ifs buts or maybes

That could be changed if the UK gets out of the EU
So could the law about horseboxes over 7.5 tonnes if we got out
 
And a lot of other EU ****. Don't get me started on that one! I think our previous lorry was OK on a J reg, it did not even have a limiter. New one goes nutty on the ECU if you don't put a disc in even though we don't need it. There is probably some info buried somewhere on a .gov site.

Try this:

https://www.gov.uk/tachographs
 
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The garage has managed to find some kind of reconditioned one. It does seem bonkers to me that a non commercial vehicle has to have one fitted, I understand that rules are rules....but I think that rule is silly ( I could use a stronger word....!)

Anyway, they are refitting the tacho and the new clock today and hopefully can get a new test slot early next week. Here's hoping everything else is ok this time...my credit card is at bursting point!
 
I think this is down to British law, Construction & Use Regulatiuons. These regulate the build etc of vehicles & basically somewhere in them it says that if a certain items are fitted to your vehicle then they must work. You have a Tacho fitted to your vehicle & although you don't require one as a private vehicle as it is fitted it must work.

It sounds strange but I assure you it's true, it's just like if you have two bulbs illuminating your rear number plate & one of them is out, although your plate is still illuminated the broken bulb must be replaced as it must work if fitted. :(
 
I know you are all waiting with bated breathe for an update ;)

The lorry passed with the new tacho and clock.

My credit card is about to explode.

If all else fails and I can't pay the mortgage, as least I have an MOTed lorry I can live in!
 
Our 7.5t lorry had a tacho that never ever worked, it was completely faulty in the sense wires had been cut, but that never failed the plating? Sold the lorry 2 years ago so may have changed since then
 
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