Tachograph symbols and pictograms
A tachograph uses pictograms instead of text, so they are the same across Europe. Here you find the meaning of all symbols: activities, cards, time, country and warnings. They are EU-standardised; recognise and practise them in the simulator.
The symbols on the digital tachograph are laid down in law (Regulation 165/2014) and identical across the EU. They appear on the display, on the printouts and in the menu. Once you know the pictograms you quickly read what is happening: which activity is running, which card is inserted and whether there is a warning. Below the main groups; in the VYS Tacho simulator you see them exactly as on the real device.
The symbols by group
Activities
Wheel = driving, bed = rest, box = availability, two hammers = other work. These are the four basic activities you switch between.
Cards and people
Person = driver, double person = co-driver, factory/building = company, key = workshop, magnifying glass = control authority.
Time and clock
Clock = time, start and end triangles, hourglass = duration. UTC time is shown with a separate marking.
Country and place
Country codes (NL, D, F...) at the start and end of a shift, plus the special OUT symbol for out of scope and the ferry/train.
Warnings
Exclamation mark = warning or event, crossed-out symbol = fault, with a fault code. Cross/dash = missing data.
Recognise them in the simulator
All pictograms come 1:1 from the manufacturer manual. In the simulator you see them in context, exactly as on the VDO DTCO and Stoneridge SE5000.
Frequently asked questions
Are tachograph symbols the same everywhere?
Yes. They are EU-wide standardised (Regulation 165/2014), so they have the same meaning in every country and on every brand.
What do the two hammers mean?
The two hammers stand for "other work": all work that is not driving, such as loading, unloading or administration.
What is the bed symbol?
The bed stands for rest or break: the time you are not working and freely dispose of your time.
What does the exclamation mark mean?
An exclamation mark is a warning or event, usually with a fault code. It can be an overrun or a technical message.
Where do I learn to recognise the symbols?
In the VYS Tacho simulator you see all pictograms in the right context, exactly as on the real device.
Recognise the symbols in the simulator
See all pictograms in context on a 1:1 recreated tachograph. Free in your browser or app.
Open the simulator