ES · Expiry & renewal tracking
Keep tachograph periodic inspections on schedule
Tachographs must be inspected at least once every two years by approved workshops, in Spain type III or type V tachograph technical centres (Article 23.1 of Regulation (EU) No 165/2014; Article 4.2 of Royal Decree 125/2017). Driving without an in-date inspection is a very serious offence (Article 140.34 LOTT).
Tachographs must be inspected periodically by approved workshops, at least once every two years (Article 23.1 of Regulation (EU) No 165/2014). The inspection checks at least that the tachograph is properly installed and suitable for the vehicle, works correctly, carries the type-approval mark, has the installation plaque fitted, has intact seals, has no manipulation devices attached or traces of their use, and the size and actual circumference of the tyres (Article 23.2).
In Spain, periodic inspection or control is one of the technical interventions carried out by authorised tachograph technical centres (Article 2.2 of Royal Decree 125/2017). It can be done by type III centres, authorised for all interventions, and type V centres, for verification, calibration or parameter setting and periodic inspection or control (Article 4.2). The centre issues a technical report for each intervention and keeps a copy for at least five years (Article 13.6).
Seals may only be removed or broken 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 with the date, time and reason is kept on board. Removed or broken seals are replaced by an approved fitter or workshop without undue delay and at the latest seven days later (Article 22.5 of Regulation (EU) No 165/2014, as worded by Regulation (EU) 2020/1054).
At a glance
| Interval | At least once every two years (Article 23.1 of Regulation (EU) No 165/2014) |
|---|---|
| Who inspects | Authorised tachograph technical centre, type III or type V (Article 4.2 of Royal Decree 125/2017) |
| What is checked | Installation, operation, type approval, plaque, seals, manipulation and tyres (Article 23.2) |
| Report | Technical report for each intervention; copy kept by the centre for at least five years (Article 13.6) |
| Seal broken or removed | Replaced by an approved workshop within seven days at most (Article 22.5) |
| If missed | Very serious offence (Article 140.34 of Law 16/1987) |
Who is responsible?
Transport undertakings must train and instruct their drivers in correct tachograph use, check regularly that they use it correctly, and are liable for infringements of the Regulation by their drivers (Article 33.1 and 33.3 of Regulation (EU) No 165/2014). Tachographs may only be installed or repaired by approved fitters, workshops or vehicle manufacturers (Article 22.1).
If the deadline passes
Using a tachograph without its calibration or periodic inspection within the set deadlines and form, after repair at an unauthorised workshop, or without the required seals or plaques is a very serious offence (Article 140.34 of the Land Transport Act, Law 16/1987).
Tachograph inspection versus driver card
The periodic inspection concerns the unit installed in the vehicle; the driver card has its own validity period of no more than five years (Article 26.6 of Regulation (EU) No 165/2014). It helps to record both dates separately: the inspection per vehicle and the card per driver.
Tracking it with ExpirySuite
- Add each vehicle with a tachograph and record the date of the next periodic inspection from the latest technical report.
- Email reminders arrive 60, 30, 14, 7 and 1 day before and on the day itself.
- The technical centre can upload the inspection report 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 Spain?
- At least once every two years, at an approved workshop (Article 23.1 of Regulation (EU) No 165/2014).
- Where is it done in Spain?
- At an authorised tachograph technical centre of type III or type V (Article 4.2 of Royal Decree 125/2017).
- What if a seal is broken?
- An approved fitter or workshop must replace it without undue delay and at the latest seven days after removal or breakage (Article 22.5 of the Regulation, as worded by Regulation (EU) 2020/1054).
- Is driving with an overdue inspection serious?
- Yes. Using a tachograph without its periodic inspection on time is a very serious offence (Article 140.34 of Law 16/1987).
Sources
- Reglamento (UE) n.º 165/2014, relativo a los tacógrafos en el transporte por carretera: artículos 22, 23, 26 y 33 (DOUE en BOE)
- Reglamento (UE) 2020/1054 (nueva redacción del artículo 22.5 del Reglamento (UE) n.º 165/2014; DOUE en BOE)
- Real Decreto 125/2017, requisitos técnicos y normas de actuación de los centros técnicos de tacógrafos: artículos 2, 4 y 13 (BOE)
- Ley 16/1987, de Ordenación de los Transportes Terrestres (LOTT): artículos 140 y 141 (BOE, texto consolidado)
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 periodic inspection (Spain)
A ready template for tachograph periodic inspection (Spain) 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 periodic inspection (Spain) expires, plus overdue escalation to managers.
Assign an owner
Give each tachograph periodic inspection (Spain) an owner and let employees update their own via a secure link — no login needed.