But there is one major risk that is often underestimated. After all, a tachograph contains a lot of data. And that data must be securely destroyed.
IT Recycling supports companies that exchange, dispose of or collect tachographs with professional data destruction, so that your customers remain fully compliant and you yourselves do not incur any liability.
What dates are on a tachograph?
Many companies don’t realize it, but a tachograph is basically a little “black box” that stores privacy-sensitive information. Consider:
- Personal data of drivers (ID numbers, card codes, sometimes name links)
- Driving, working and rest periods
- Location and border crossing records (smart tachographs)
- Speed and distance data
- Vehicle identification (registration number, VIN).
- Logging of card insertion, card reading and error messages
These are personal data according to the AVG. If this information leaks out, for example because old tachographs end up in a bin, are resold or remain in the vehicle, this could lead to liability for both your customers and your own organization.
Why are tachographs playing a big role right now? (New Legislation)
The European Mobility Package requires the mandatory replacement of a large proportion of tachographs in Europe.
Important deadlines:
- Smart tachograph mandatory (version 2) for vehicles >3.5 tons driving internationally
- Aug. 18/19, 2025: vehicles with smart tachograph version 1 must be upgraded to version 2
- July 1, 2026: light commercial vehicles (2.5-3.5 tons) driving internationally are also subject to the tachograph requirement
Because of these regulations, tens of thousands of tachometers are currently being replaced each year, leaving many workshops with large numbers of depreciated units.
And that is precisely where the risk arises:
- Each tachograph contains data
- Data = privacy = liability
How IT Recycling helps companies that replace or collect tachographs
We support workshops, dealers, fleets and collectors with:
- Secure physical destruction of the tachograph
Complete destruction according to DIN 66399 and ISO 27001 guidelines, among others.
- Demonstrable data destruction
You get an official certificate that you can pass on to your client.
- Collection of large volumes
From 10 pieces to thousands per year – we arrange logistics and processing.
- No risk to your business
You focus on maintenance and replacement, we remove all data risks.
We ensure that all remaining data is erased or destroyed before the vehicle proceeds.
Why this is important for workshops and collectors
When you change or take tachographs, there is often the thought, “It’s empty, right?”
But erasure is not always final. In addition, the owner of the vehicle is responsible, and if the tachograph is disposed of incorrectly, the workshop that took it in may also be involved.
With professional data destruction, you prevent:
- Inadvertent leakage of driver or trip data
- Compliance risks for customers
- Potential AVG claims
- Reputational damage in the event of an incident
- Responsibility for improperly disposed of devices
In short, having data destroyed shows professionalism, ensures compliance and gives your clients security.
Working together? We are ready to help
Are you or your organization dealing with the replacement, confiscation or collection of tachographs? We make sure the data is securely, demonstrably and completely destroyed.
Contact IT Recycling for:
✔ structural disposal of tachographs
✔ data destruction with certificate
✔ large and small volumes
✔ compliance and documentation support
Avoid risks. Have tachographs professionally destroyed by IT Recycling.