Cartetach, officially known as Carta Tachigrafica, is a legally regulated digital smart card used in Italy and across the European Union. It works together with the digital tachograph installed in commercial vehicles such as trucks and buses. Its main purpose is to ensure road safety, fair working conditions, and compliance with EU transport laws.
This system replaces old paper-based records with secure digital data, making driving activities transparent, traceable, and legally verifiable.
What Is Cartetach and Why It Exists
Cartetach is a smart card that allows a digital tachograph to function correctly. Without a valid card, the tachograph cannot properly identify who is driving or accessing the vehicle data. For this reason, using Cartetach is mandatory for vehicles covered by EU tachograph regulations.
The card was introduced to prevent driver fatigue, reduce road accidents, and stop manipulation of driving records. It ensures that all recorded data is accurate and tamper-resistant.
How Cartetach Works in Daily Use
When a Cartetach card is inserted into the tachograph, the system automatically recognizes the card type. From that moment, all driving and work-related activities are recorded in real time. The driver does not need to manually log most activities, as the system records them automatically.
Each record is time-stamped and securely stored. Once data is saved, it cannot be changed or deleted, even by workshops or authorities.
What Information Is Stored on a Cartetach Card
A Cartetach card stores detailed information about driving and work activities. This includes driving time, rest periods, breaks, availability time, and other work. It also records events such as card insertion, removal, and system faults.
This information is used during roadside inspections and company audits. Authorities rely on this data to verify compliance with driving-time regulations.
Legal Importance of Cartetach Data
Data recorded through Cartetach has legal value. It can be used as official evidence during inspections, disputes, or court proceedings. Because of this, accuracy and proper use of the card are extremely important.
Any attempt to misuse, alter, or manipulate the card or tachograph is treated as a serious legal violation.
Types of Cartetach Cards in Italy
There are four official types of Cartetach cards. Each one has a specific legal role and must only be used for its intended purpose.
Driver Card (White Card)
The Driver Card is issued to professional drivers. It records individual driving and work activities and is strictly personal. A driver must insert the card before starting to drive a regulated vehicle.
The card is valid for five years. It cannot be shared or used by another person. Misuse can lead to heavy fines and legal penalties.
Company Card (Yellow Card)
The Company Card is issued to transport companies. It allows companies to access and download data from the tachograph installed in their vehicles. This helps companies meet legal obligations and prepare for inspections.
The card is valid for five years. Companies are required to regularly download and store tachograph data for compliance purposes.
Workshop Card (Red Card)
The Workshop Card is used only by authorized workshops and technicians. It allows calibration, installation, activation, and maintenance of digital tachographs. This card is the only one that can modify tachograph settings.
Because of its sensitive role, the workshop card is valid for only one year and is protected by a secure PIN.
Control Authority Card (Blue Card)
The Control Card is issued to law enforcement and inspection authorities. It allows inspectors to check driver and vehicle data during roadside checks or company inspections.
This card provides read-only access. Authorities cannot modify any data, ensuring the integrity of recorded information.
Who Issues Cartetach Cards in Italy
In Italy, Cartetach cards are issued by the Chamber of Commerce (Camera di Commercio). The competent office depends on the applicant’s residence or company location.
Cards issued in Italy are valid throughout the European Union, allowing cross-border enforcement.
How to Apply for a Cartetach Card
Applications can be submitted in several ways. Drivers and companies may apply in person at the Chamber of Commerce, by registered mail, or by certified email. Italy also offers a digital submission system for faster processing.
All applications must include complete and accurate documentation. Missing or incorrect documents often cause delays or rejection.
Digital Application Through the TACI Service
The TACI (Telematic Application for Tachograph Cards) service allows online submission of applications. It is accessible through the Telemaco platform and requires a digital signature.
This system reduces paperwork, speeds up processing, and allows electronic payment through PagoPA.
Delivery and Processing Time
Once the application is approved, the Cartetach card is usually issued within fifteen working days. The card can be delivered by registered mail or collected directly from the Chamber of Commerce office.
Delegation is allowed if the applicant cannot collect the card personally.
Renewal of Cartetach Cards
Cartetach cards must be renewed before they expire. Renewal can be requested up to thirty days before the expiry date. Late renewal requests are still accepted, but driving with an expired card is not allowed.
Expired cards must be returned to the issuing authority within thirty days.
Loss, Theft, or Damage of a Card
If a Cartetach card is lost, stolen, or damaged, the holder must apply for a replacement within seven days. In limited cases, drivers may continue driving temporarily while waiting for the replacement, but strict conditions apply.
Failure to report the issue on time may result in penalties.
Costs of Cartetach Cards
The standard cost for issuing or renewing a Driver Card or Company Card is €37. Postal delivery requires an additional fee. Workshop cards require an extra stamp duty.
Payments are made electronically using official payment systems.
Penalties for Non-Compliance
Driving without a valid Cartetach card, misusing a card, or failing to download data can result in serious penalties. These include fines, suspension of driving privileges, and vehicle immobilization.
Companies may also face sanctions if they fail to meet data management obligations.
Future of Cartetach and Smart Tachographs
With the introduction of Smart Tachograph Version 2, new features such as automatic border crossing records and GNSS location tracking are being implemented. These changes strengthen enforcement and reduce fraud.
Cartetach remains a central element of this evolving system.
Conclusion
Cartetach is a fundamental part of Italy’s and the EU’s road transport safety framework. It ensures accurate monitoring of driving activities, protects drivers’ rights, and supports effective enforcement of transport laws.
For drivers, companies, workshops, and authorities, proper understanding and correct use of Cartetach is not optional—it is a legal and professional responsibility.
FAQ’s About Cartetach
What is Cartetach and what is its purpose?
Cartetach (Carta Tachigrafica) is a digital smart card used with digital tachographs in commercial vehicles. It records driving time, rest periods, and work activities to ensure road safety and legal compliance under EU transport laws.
Who is legally required to use Cartetach?
Professional truck and bus drivers, transport companies, authorized workshops, and control authorities must use Cartetach cards. Each user is issued a specific card type based on their role. Misuse of any card is illegal.
What are the consequences of driving without a Cartetach card?
Driving without a valid Cartetach card can result in heavy fines, license penalties, and vehicle immobilization. Transport companies may also face sanctions for allowing non-compliant driving.
How long is a Cartetach Driver Card valid?
A Driver Card is valid for five years from the date of issue. Drivers must apply for renewal before expiry. Using an expired card is treated as driving without a card.
What should a driver do if the Cartetach card is lost or stolen?
The driver must request a replacement within seven days. Temporary driving may be allowed only under strict conditions with manual records. Failure to report the loss can lead to penalties.