Driver Identification Solution For Vehicles and Fleets

GPS Vehicle Tracking: Driver ID

GPS vehicle tracking has become an essential tool that empowers businesses to actively monitor driver safety and vehicle performance in real-time, track their movements, and verify their compliance with safety and efficient practices. However, one feature that is often overlooked is driver identification. In this article, we will explore the importance of driver ID, along with GPS vehicle tracking, and how it can benefit your business through the use of fleet vehicle solutions.

What Does Driver Identification Do?

Driver monitoring is a feature in GPS vehicle tracking systems that allows businesses to identify which driver is operating a specific vehicle at any given time. This is done through the use of a unique identification tag, or RFID card, that is assigned to each driver. The driver must swipe their tag before starting the vehicle, and the GPS device will then track their movements and activities.

This feature isolates your vehicle’s ignition system, making it almost impossible to start the engine until it is unblocked. This is achieved by installing an automotive relay on the starter motor, which is controlled by the vehicle's tracking device's digital outputs. Activating the vehicle's digital output activates the relay, which in turn disables the starter motor.

The authorised driver feature controls the vehicle’s ignition, preventing any uncertified drivers from starting the engine until a valid ID is scanned. Therefore, only authorised operators can start your equipment vehicles. Each time an RFID tag is swiped on the reader to start a car, the tag ID is logged on the GPS tracking system, and all the tracking data is associated with the active driver.

Keep Track Dart3 and Keep Track G70 Electrical Schematic

▼Wiring Diagram Keep Track Dart3 GPS Tracker

▼Wiring Diagram Keep Track G70 GPS Tracker

Why is Having Driver Tracking Important For Fleet Vehicles?

Driver identification offers several benefits for businesses that rely on GPS vehicle tracking. Here are some of the key reasons why driver ID is important:

Accountability and Safety

By using driver ID, businesses can hold their drivers accountable for their actions while on the road. This can help improve driver behaviour and reduce the risk of accidents. In the event of any incidents, GPS real-time tracking can provide valuable data to determine the cause and hold drivers accountable.

Efficient Resource Management

With driver ID, businesses can track the usage of their vehicles and ensure that they are being used for authorised purposes. This can help prevent unauthorised use of company vehicles, reduce fuel costs, and improve overall resource management.

Accurate Payroll and Billing

Driver ID can also help businesses accurately track the hours worked by each driver and ensure that they are paid accordingly. This can eliminate any discrepancies in payroll and billing, saving the company time and money.

Best devices for Driver ID and Immobilisation of Vehicles and Equipment

Keep Track Dart3 Bluetooth®

Robust and affordable equipment tracking device with inputs/outputs, remote immobilisation for fleet management

Key Features

• Engine Hours, Secondary Run Time, ODO
• Cellular LTE-M (Cat-M1)/NB-IoT Connectivity
• Backup battery in case of loss of power or tampering
• High-performance, high-precision GPS tracking device
• 1 x Ignition Digital Input, 3 x Digital Inputs, 1 x Analog Input, 1 x Switched Ground Digital Output, Switched Power Out

Keep Track G70 Bluetooth®

Rugged vehicle, trailer, or heavy equipment tracking device with inputs/outputs, remote immobilisation for fleet management, equipment monitoring, driver ID, theft recovery

Key Features

• Engine Hours, Secondary Run Time, ODO
• Backup battery in case of loss of power or tampering
• Waterproof and ultra-rugged (IP68)
• 1 x Ignition Digital Input, 3 x Digital Inputs, 1 x Analog Input, 1 x Switched Ground Digital Output

Tracking Temporary Drivers

In some cases, businesses may need to track the movements of vehicles with temporary drivers. In such cases, it is possible to get a temporary driver ID for the operator. This ID will not be linked to a specific driver, but it will still allow the GPS tracking system to track the vehicle's movements.

What This Means for Your Business!

Driver ID is a crucial feature in GPS vehicle tracking, offering numerous benefits for businesses. It allows for accountability, efficient resource management, and accurate payroll and billing. In cases where a driver's identity cannot be disclosed, a non-driver ID can be obtained. If you're a business owner with a fleet of vehicles, consider implementing driver ID within your GPS tracking system to enhance your operations and ensure the safety of both your drivers and vehicles.

Is it legal to track drivers using GPS and Driver ID?

Yes, in most cases, GPS tracking is legal in Australia when used for business purposes, like managing fleet vehicles or ensuring driver accountability. However, there are legal obligations to consider, especially when tracking employees. It's essential to be transparent, get consent where required, and understand your responsibilities under Australian privacy laws.

➔ Learn more about GPS tracking laws in Australia to make sure your fleet stays compliant.

Have you used Driver ID in your fleet or vehicle? What worked well and what didn’t?