How often must a tachograph be inspected in Germany?

At least once within 24 months of the last installation check or inspection (Section 57b(2) StVZO), and under EU law at least every two years (Article 23(1) of Regulation (EU) No 165/2014).

When is an inspection needed before the 24 months are up?

Without delay after a repair of the system, a change to w, a change in tyre size, replacement of a seal, and for digital units if UTC time is off by more than 20 minutes or the registration number changes (Section 57b(2)).

Who may carry out the inspection?

Officially recognised tachograph manufacturers, vehicle workshops they engage, and approved workshops on the EU lists, at a test facility meeting Annex XVIIIb (Section 57b(3)).

What does the inspection cover?

At least: correct installation and suitability for the vehicle, correct operation, type-approval mark, installation plaque, intact seals, no manipulation devices, and tyre size and actual tyre circumference (Article 23(2) of Regulation (EU) No 165/2014).

DE · Expiry & renewal tracking

Plan tachograph inspections before they fall due

German vehicle keepers must have the tachograph re-inspected by an approved workshop at least once within 24 months of the last installation check or inspection (Section 57b(2) StVZO; Article 23 of Regulation (EU) No 165/2014). After repairs or a tyre-size or seal change, an immediate inspection is due.

Keepers of motor vehicles that must be fitted with a tachograph under Regulation (EU) No 165/2014 must, at their own cost, have it checked to confirm that its installation, condition, measuring accuracy and operation comply with the rules (Section 57b(1) of the German Road Vehicle Licensing Regulation, StVZO). An installation check is required after every installation; after that, a periodic inspection is due at least once within 24 months of the last installation check or inspection (Section 57b(2)). EU law also requires approved workshops to inspect tachographs at least every two years (Article 23(1) of Regulation (EU) No 165/2014).

An inspection is also required without delay after any repair of the tachograph system, any change to the vehicle's characteristic coefficient (w), any change to the effective tyre circumference resulting from a change in tyre size, and whenever a seal is replaced. Digital tachographs must also be inspected without delay if the set UTC time deviates by more than 20 minutes or the registration number has changed (Section 57b(2)).

Inspections may only be carried out by officially recognised tachograph manufacturers, vehicle workshops they have engaged, and the approved fitters and workshops on the lists published by the Commission under Article 24(5) of Regulation (EU) No 165/2014, and only at a test facility that meets Annex XVIIIb (Section 57b(3)). After the inspection an installation plaque is fitted; a record is kept of every inspection, which the inspecting company retains for three years (Section 57b(1); Annex XVIII nos. 5.2 and 5.3).

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At a glance

Who it applies to	Keepers of motor vehicles that must have a tachograph under Regulation (EU) No 165/2014 (Section 57b(1) StVZO)
Periodic inspection	At least once within 24 months of the last installation check or inspection (Section 57b(2))
Immediate inspection	After a repair, a change to w, a change in tyre size, or replacement of a seal (Section 57b(2))
Digital units also	UTC deviation over 20 minutes or new registration number (Section 57b(2))
Who inspects	Recognised manufacturers, workshops they engage, or approved workshops on the EU list (Section 57b(3))
Proof	Installation plaque on the vehicle; inspection record kept three years by the inspecting company (Annex XVIII nos. 5.2 and 5.3)

Who is responsible?

The keeper has the tachograph inspected and bears the cost (Section 57b(1) sentence 1 StVZO). The keeper must also ensure that the installation plaque contains the required information, is sealed, is correctly fitted and is neither covered nor dirty (Section 57b(1) sentence 5). If the inspection departs from the standard steps for design reasons, the keeper receives a legible copy of the inspection record (Annex XVIII no. 5.1).

If the deadline passes

A keeper who intentionally or negligently fails to have the tachograph inspected, or breaches the duties concerning the installation plaque, commits an administrative offence (Section 69a(5) no. 6b StVZO in conjunction with Section 24(1) of the Road Traffic Act, StVG).

Seal removed – what now?

Seals may only be removed by approved workshops or control officers, or for a repair or modification of the vehicle that affects the seal; in that case a written statement giving the date, time and reason must be kept on board. Removed or broken seals are replaced by an approved workshop without undue delay and at the latest seven days later (Article 22(5) of Regulation (EU) No 165/2014, as amended by Regulation (EU) 2020/1054). In Germany, replacing a seal triggers an inspection (Section 57b(2) no. 4 StVZO).

Tracking it with ExpirySuite

Add each vehicle with a tachograph and enter the end of the 24 months since the last installation check or inspection as the due date.
Email reminders arrive 60, 30, 14, 7 and 1 day before the date and on the day itself.
The workshop can upload the inspection record through a secure link that is valid for 14 days and needs no account.
Assign a responsible person, such as the fleet manager; emails arrive in each recipient's language. If a date passes, managers get further reminders 3, 7 and 14 days later.

Frequently asked questions

How often must a tachograph be inspected in Germany?: At least once within 24 months of the last installation check or inspection (Section 57b(2) StVZO), and under EU law at least every two years (Article 23(1) of Regulation (EU) No 165/2014).
When is an inspection needed before the 24 months are up?: Without delay after a repair of the system, a change to w, a change in tyre size, replacement of a seal, and for digital units if UTC time is off by more than 20 minutes or the registration number changes (Section 57b(2)).
Who may carry out the inspection?: Officially recognised tachograph manufacturers, vehicle workshops they engage, and approved workshops on the EU lists, at a test facility meeting Annex XVIIIb (Section 57b(3)).
What does the inspection cover?: At least: correct installation and suitability for the vehicle, correct operation, type-approval mark, installation plaque, intact seals, no manipulation devices, and tyre size and actual tyre circumference (Article 23(2) of Regulation (EU) No 165/2014).

Sources

Last checked: Sep 30, 2026 · This page summarises official sources for general information and is not legal advice. Check the linked sources for current rules and fees.

Made for tachograph inspection (Germany)

A ready template for tachograph inspection (Germany) with sensible validity defaults, so you enter less and track more.

Reminders on time

Email alerts at 60, 30, 14, 7 and 1 day before each tachograph inspection (Germany) expires, plus overdue escalation to managers.

Assign an owner

Give each tachograph inspection (Germany) an owner and let employees update their own via a secure link — no login needed.