Approved tachograph centre special notice 02-25
Published 30 July 2025
Applies to England, Scotland and Wales
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1. Tachograph seals and annual test failures
It has come to our attention that numerous vehicles are being failed at annual test following a recent tachograph calibration, with the cause of failure being noted as “tachograph not properly sealed”.
Investigations have revealed that many of these are as a result of the gearbox seal twist off element from a tachograph seal still being attached, either fully or partially. If the tab is left attached, then these seals will not meet the legal criteria.
Any seals found at annual test or during Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) enforcement inspection, which are not sealed in accordance with the regulations will result in:
- a test failure, or the issue of a prohibition notice, with the requirement that a full calibration be undertaken prior to the vehicle being re-tested/prohibition being removed. If this is undertaken by the same approved tachograph centre (ATC) who did not seal it correctly, this must be completed free of charge.
- vehicle and calibration details being forwarded to Tachosection, who will investigate and take disciplinary action on any calibrations which are not to the required standard.
Some vehicles are being presented with seals which are partially cut off. These will also receive a test failure or prohibition notice. Annex 1C seals are designed with snap off element so they cannot be altered or tampered with. Please refer to manufacturer instructions as to their use.
2. Tachosection change of postal address
The Tachosection postal address has now changed to:
DVSA, Tachograph Section
Broadway Business Park
Chadderton
OL9 9XA
Any post sent to Swansea will be posted onward to the Chadderton address, which may result in a delay in it being actioned.
3. Tachograph Scheme disciplinary process
Please note that the disciplinary element of the tachograph scheme is under review. The aim is to bring the scheme more aligned to that of the DVSA MOT disciplinary process.
As an overview, the MOT disciplinary scheme uses a ‘points’ system, where points are awarded dependant on any issues found. These are added up and if they exceed thresholds, may result in various levels of action from advice to disqualification.