IT Forensics · Car

Forensic analysis of tachographs – reconstructing driving and rest periods for commercial vehicles

Digital tachographs in commercial vehicles record driving, rest and working times, as well as speed data, as required by law, and store this information both on a driver card and in the device’s own mass storage.

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This data is intended to monitor compliance with statutory driving and rest periods, but may also be of forensic relevance when investigating accidents or labour law disputes.

Why LanCologne?

Since its foundation, LanCologne has specialised in professional IT forensics. Our staff have decades of experience in the field of information technology and assist companies, solicitors, private individuals and, on a regular basis, the courts in the technical investigation of complex digital matters.

The examination is, as a matter of principle, carried out exclusively on a forensic copy, a forensic image or a data source captured in a technically equivalent manner that preserves the integrity of the evidence. The original evidence remains unchanged and is stored in a manner that preserves its integrity.

Our services

We systematically retrieve and analyse tachograph data from mass storage devices and driver cards in order to document driving, rest and speed data in a manner that is forensically verifiable.

Typical areas of application

•Evidence of compliance with or breaches of driving and rest periods
•Reconstruction of speed data in commercial vehicle accidents
•Labour disputes involving professional drivers
•Investigation into tampering with the tachograph
•Judicial and non-judicial expert reports
•Cooperation with law enforcement agencies in relation to traffic offences

How a tachograph analysis is carried out

Once the mass storage device and driver card have been backed up, the data sets required by law are extracted and organised chronologically. Any anomalies, such as gaps in the data or indications of tampering, are examined and documented separately.

Why is tachograph analysis relevant in a forensic context?

Tachograph data provides legally required, standardised records which form a particularly reliable basis for reconstructing journey times and speeds.

Tampering with the tachograph, for example to conceal driving times that have been exceeded, may itself be the subject of a forensic investigation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are tachographs compulsory in all commercial vehicles?+
This is governed by the relevant legal requirements and depends on the respective vehicle class.
How long is data stored in the tachograph?+
The mass storage facility usually retains data for a minimum period specified by law; specific timeframes are assessed on a case-by-case basis.
Can tampering with the tachograph be detected?+
In many cases, yes – based on technical anomalies and inconsistencies in the recorded data sets.

LanCologne – Vehicle IT Forensics, Cologne

Do you require a professional forensic investigation into the „forensic analysis of tachographs"? LanCologne can assist you in securing digital evidence in a manner that stands up in court, as well as in the transparent analysis of relevant vehicle artefacts.

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