How to log a tachograph data download
EU regulations require regular downloads of data stored on the tachograph device and on each driver card. For vehicle unit data, the maximum download interval is 90 days; for driver cards it is 28 days. Movcar’s download history log gives you a timestamped record of every download so you can demonstrate compliance during inspections.
Log a download record every time you physically extract data from a tachograph or a driver card — ideally on the same day it happens.
Step 1 — Open the tachograph detail view
From the left-hand menu, click My Fleet → Tachographs. In the list, find the device you downloaded data from and click either the device name or the eye (👁) icon to open the detail view.
Step 2 — Scroll to Download history
At the bottom of the detail view you’ll find the Download history (Historia pobrań) section. It lists every download you have already logged for this device, with columns for download date, next download date, status, notes, and any attached file.
Step 3 — Click “+ Add”
Click the + Add button inside the Download history section (not the page-level “+ Add” button at the top). The download log form opens.
Step 4 — Fill in the download record
| Field | Required | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Download date | ✅ | The date you actually extracted the data from the device. Use today’s date if you’re logging it immediately. |
| Next download date | ✅ | The deadline for the next required download. For vehicle unit data this is typically 90 days after the current download; for driver cards, 28 days. Enter this manually — Movcar uses it to calculate the status badge and send reminders. |
| Notes | — | Any relevant note, e.g. “data downloaded from vehicle” or the name of the person who performed the download. |
| Attachment | — | Attach the downloaded data file (DDD or C1B format for digital/smart tachographs, or a scanned card report for analog devices). Storing the file here keeps it linked to the download date and device record. |
| Expiry reminder | ✅ | Checked by default. Movcar will notify you when the next download date is approaching. Keep this enabled to avoid missed deadlines. |
Tip — log it the same day. Logging downloads on the day they happen means your compliance record is always accurate. If you log retroactively, enter the actual download date rather than today’s date.
Step 5 — Save
Click Save. The new entry appears at the top of the Download history list.
Understanding the status badges
The Status column updates automatically based on today’s date vs. the next download date:
| Badge | Colour | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| UPCOMING | Yellow | The next download date is in the future — no action needed yet. |
| OVERDUE | Red | The next download date has passed — a download is legally overdue. |
The same badge logic applies to the Download status column in the main Tachographs list, so you can see at a glance which devices need attention without opening individual records.
Editing or deleting a download record
Each row in the Download history has its own pencil (✏️) and bin (🗑) icons:
- Use ✏️ to correct the download date, next date, notes, or to add or replace an attached file.
- Use 🗑 to delete an individual download entry. This only removes that entry — all other download records for the device remain intact.
Related
- Add a tachograph record — register the device before logging downloads.
- Edit a tachograph record — update calibration details on the parent device record.
- Delete a tachograph record — remove a device and all its download history.
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