Cartetach: Complete Guide to Digital Tachograph Cards
Introduction
Cartetach, officially referred to as Carta Tachigrafica, is a legally regulated digital smart card that forms the backbone of the digital tachograph system used in Italy and throughout the European Union. It is mandatory for monitoring professional driving activities in commercial vehicles such as heavy trucks, buses, and long-distance coaches.
The introduction of Cartetach marked a turning point in European road transport regulation. It replaced unreliable paper logbooks with a secure, encrypted, and legally enforceable digital system. Beyond compliance, Cartetach plays a crucial role in protecting drivers’ health, improving road safety, ensuring fair competition, and strengthening trust between drivers, companies, and authorities.
What Exactly Is Cartetach?
Cartetach is a personalized electronic smart card that allows a digital tachograph to identify and authenticate users. It connects a real person or organization to the data recorded by the tachograph.
In simple terms:
- The tachograph is the recording device
- Cartetach is the key that activates and identifies users
Without a valid Cartetach card, the tachograph cannot legally record or assign driving data.
Why Cartetach Is a Legal Requirement
Cartetach is mandatory under EU transport legislation, including Regulation (EC) No. 561/2006 and Regulation (EU) No. 165/2014. These laws exist to address serious risks in the transport industry, such as driver exhaustion, unsafe driving practices, and unfair labor conditions.
Cartetach helps authorities:
- Enforce maximum driving time limits
- Ensure minimum daily and weekly rest periods
- Detect manipulation or fraud
- Protect public road safety
How Cartetach Works: From Card Insertion to Data Storage
When a Cartetach card is inserted into a digital tachograph, the process works as follows:
- Card authentication – The tachograph verifies the card’s identity and type
- User recognition – The driver or user is uniquely identified
- Automatic activity logging – Recording begins instantly
- Encrypted data storage – All records are digitally signed and secured
The entire process runs automatically, reducing human error and eliminating manual record manipulation.
Driver Activity Categories Recorded by Cartetach
The digital tachograph records activities in clearly defined categories:
- Driving – Time spent actively controlling the vehicle
- Rest – Daily and weekly rest periods
- Availability – Waiting time while ready to work
- Other Work – Loading, unloading, cleaning, maintenance, administration
These categories allow inspectors to accurately calculate compliance with EU working-time rules.
What Data Is Stored on a Cartetach Card
Cartetach stores critical professional data, including:
- Driver’s identity and card number
- Daily and weekly driving hours
- Break and rest period history
- Vehicle registration numbers
- Card insertion and removal timestamps
- Tachograph errors and system faults
- Evidence of attempted tampering
This data is legally valid evidence across the EU and can be used in inspections, disputes, and court cases.
Why Cartetach Data Is Legally Powerful
Cartetach data has strong legal status because it is:
- Digitally signed
- Encrypted
- Time-stamped
- Tamper-resistant
This ensures transparency and prevents falsification. Any attempt to misuse the system—such as card sharing or manipulation—is treated as a serious offense.
Types of Cartetach Cards in Italy
Italy officially recognizes four types of Cartetach cards, each serving a specific legal role.
Table: Official Cartetach Card Types and Uses
| Card Type | Color | Issued To | Main Purpose | Validity Period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Driver Card | White | Professional drivers | Records individual driving & work activities | 5 years |
| Company Card | Yellow | Transport companies | Access & download vehicle tachograph data | 5 years |
| Workshop Card | Red | Authorized workshops | Installation, calibration & maintenance | 1 year |
| Control Card | Blue | Enforcement authorities | Roadside & company inspections (read-only) | Authority-defined |
Each card type is strictly regulated and misuse can lead to criminal penalties.
Who Issues Cartetach Cards in Italy
In Italy, Cartetach cards are issued by the Camera di Commercio (Chamber of Commerce). The issuing office is determined by:
- The driver’s official residence
- The company’s registered headquarters
Cards issued in Italy are recognized and valid throughout the European Union.
How to Apply for a Cartetach Card
Applicants can submit their request through:
- In-person application
- Registered postal mail
- Certified email (PEC)
- Digital application platforms
All applications must include accurate documentation such as identity proof, photographs, and professional credentials.
Online Application Through the TACI Platform
Italy provides a modern digital solution known as TACI (Telematic Application for Tachograph Cards) via the Telemaco platform. This system enables:
- Fully online applications
- Digital signatures
- Secure electronic payments via PagoPA
TACI significantly reduces processing time and administrative errors.
Processing Time and Card Delivery
Once approved, Cartetach cards are generally issued within 15 working days. Delivery options include:
- Registered postal delivery
- Personal collection
- Collection by an authorized representative
Renewal, Expiry, and Replacement Rules
- Renewal requests can be made 30 days before expiry
- Driving with an expired card is illegal
- Lost, stolen, or damaged cards must be reported within 7 days
Temporary driving without a card is allowed only under strict legal conditions and with manual records.
Cost of Cartetach Cards
Standard costs include:
- Driver Card / Company Card: €37
- Postal delivery: additional fee
- Workshop cards: additional stamp duty
Payments are made through official electronic systems.
Penalties for Misuse or Non-Compliance
Violations can result in:
- Heavy financial fines
- Suspension of driving privileges
- Vehicle immobilization
- Sanctions against transport companies
Both drivers and employers are legally responsible for compliance.
Cartetach and Smart Tachograph Version 2
The rollout of Smart Tachograph Version 2 introduces:
- Automatic border-crossing recording
- GNSS satellite location tracking
- Enhanced anti-fraud mechanisms
Despite technological upgrades, Cartetach remains the central access and identification tool.
Advantages of Cartetach for Drivers and Companies
Cartetach provides measurable benefits:
- Reduced accident risk
- Protection from driver exploitation
- Clear legal compliance
- Lower administrative burden
- Strong legal protection
It creates trust and accountability across the transport sector.
Conclusion
Cartetach (Carta Tachigrafica) is not just a smart card—it is a critical legal instrument that supports road safety, fair labor practices, and transparent enforcement across Italy and the European Union.
For professional drivers, transport companies, workshops, and enforcement authorities, understanding and correctly using Cartetach is not optional—it is a legal, professional, and ethical responsibility.
FAQ’s About Cartetach
What is Cartetach used for?
Cartetach is used with digital tachographs to record driving time, rest periods, and work activities in compliance with EU transport law.
Who must use Cartetach cards?
Professional drivers, transport companies, authorized workshops, and enforcement authorities.
How long is a Cartetach Driver Card valid?
Five years from the date of issue.
What should I do if my Cartetach card is lost or stolen?
Report it within seven days and apply for a replacement immediately.
Is Cartetach valid across the European Union?
Yes, Italian-issued Cartetach cards are valid throughout the EU.
Can Cartetach data be changed or deleted?
No. All data is encrypted, digitally signed, and tamper-proof.
