Due to recent family related stress I simply forgot to apply for new tacho card on time before it expired, assuming that same rules apply for lost/stilen/damaged and expired.
I applied for new one only couple days before it expired, continuing to drive on expired one for 3 days before my holiday. I also notified my shift manager, before expiration, by providing her the reference number. I wasn’t stopped by anyone in the office and continued to drive for those three days. Tacho was flashing off course, but like I mentioned. I thought I was legal having 15 calendar days until my new card arrived, as is the case if the card was lost/stolen.
Yesterday, coming back from holiday they suspended me with pay until investigation finishes.
I know I screeed up, in hot sight I should’ve taken days off to deal with grief, but shouldn’t shift manager take part of the blame for not stopping my to drive until my new card arrived?