Lost your tachograph card — what to do? A complete guide for drivers in the EU
Lost your tachograph card? Do not worry — it is inconvenient, but not critical if you act correctly. In this article, we will explain what to do, where to apply, how to restore your tachograph card in Poland, and avoid penalties.
Why you cannot drive without a tachograph card
According to EU Regulation No. 165/2014, a driver is obliged to use a personal tachograph card when operating a vehicle.
If the tachograph card is lost, damaged, or stolen:
- Driving without a card is permitted for no more than 15 calendar days (or longer if it is necessary to return the vehicle to the base).
- In Poland, the fine for a driver can reach PLN 2,000, and for a carrier — up to PLN 5,000.
- In other EU countries, fines can be even higher.
Important: even if the loss occurred during a trip, the law requires the driver to take all possible steps to recover the Tachograph card. This is not a “green light” to drive without identification, but only a temporary solution.
It is very important to show that the request for a new card was submitted without delay—the sooner, the better. However, if the problem arose simply because the card was forgotten at home, there will be no leniency: this is regarded as a violation of the Tachograph operation mode.
While the new card is being manufactured, the only way to confirm your work modes is through daily printouts from the Tachograph. These need to be done at the beginning and end of the shift, and then signed. These paper reports temporarily become the only proof of compliance with the rules.
What to do if you lost your tachograph card — a step-by-step plan
Step 1. Report to the issuing authority
In Poland, tachograph cards are issued by PWPW (Polish Security Printing Works) through voivodeship Municipal offices (Competent authority). Report the loss as soon as possible.
Step 2. Fill out the application for a new card
The form can be downloaded from the PWPW website or obtained at your Municipal office (Urząd).
Step 3. Prepare the documents:
- Passport or ID card.
- Driver’s license.
- Color photo 35×45 mm.
- Completed application.
Step 4. Pay the state fee
In 2025, the cost of processing a new tachograph card in Poland is PLN 172.
Step 5. Submit the documents
You can submit them in person, by mail, or through an authorized representative.
Production times and what to do while waiting
- The average production time for a new tachograph card is up to 10 business days, but it may be longer during peak periods.
- Until a new card is received, the driver has the right to work, but is obliged to make printouts from the tachograph at the beginning and end of each shift, indicating:
- Full Name
- driver’s license number
- signature
These printouts serve as proof of compliance with work and rest regulations.
What to do if the trouble occurred not in Poland, but in another EU country? The situation is standard: the driver lost the Tachograph card, and now you need to act clearly in order not to violate European standards.
If the loss happened on an international trip:
- Immediately report the loss to Poland—to the body that issued the card (PWPW or voivodeship office). Even if you are hundreds of kilometers away, the processing of a new card still takes place through Poland.
- If necessary, notify the police of the country where it all happened. This is important in theft situations—then the local protocol will be additional evidence.
- Continue driving in accordance with European requirements:
- make printouts from the Tachograph every time you start and finish work;
- indicate your details and signature on the printout;
- keep all printouts until you receive a new card.
- Completing the trip or returning to Poland is quite permissible. The rules allow extending the period of work without a card if it is necessary to get to the company’s base or parking lot.
If the loss caught you far from the company’s home site:
- the driver has the right to continue driving;
- the permissible period of work without a card may be increased;
- during the inspection, the inspector needs to show daily printouts and confirmation that a new card has already been ordered.
This procedure allows you to calmly finish the international route or return to Poland, remaining within the framework of EU regulations and without risking a fine.
Useful tips for the driver
- Keep all documents related to the card replacement: application and proof of payment. They may be requested during the inspection, and the presence of copies greatly simplifies the explanations.
- It is better to store Tachograph printouts for at least 28 days—and even more reliably to keep them longer, until the new card is activated and the data is transferred to the system.
- Never use someone else’s card. Any attempts to circumvent the rules are instantly considered a serious violation and can result in a large fine.
How «Mark’s Driving School» can help
We process and replace tachograph cards for drivers in Poland and other EU countries.
What we offer:
- Consultations on tachograph card restoration.
- Assistance with filling out and submitting documents.
- Full support until the ready card is received.
- Additional services: processing of Code 95, driver chip cards, medical certificates, and psychological tests.
Losing a Tachograph card is inconvenient, but with the right actions, you can avoid serious problems and fines. The main thing is to report the loss in time, submit an application and correctly process the printouts.
