Geofencing

Geofencing is the creation of virtual zones on a map, called geofences, that make a tracking system react automatically when a vehicle enters them, leaves them or stays inside too long. Instead of watching a map all day, a fleet manager defines the places that matter and receives an alert or a log entry only when something happens there.

How geofencing works

The principle is simple: the system compares each new vehicle position with the zones you have defined.

• Draw the zone: a circle around a depot, a polygon following the boundary of a construction site, or a city area.
• Choose the trigger: entry, exit, a stop longer than a set duration, or movement outside permitted hours.
• Choose the action: a real-time alert to the right person, an automatic arrival and departure log, or a line in a report.

Precision depends on the frequency of position updates: a zone that is too small, or a vehicle that reports too rarely, can miss short visits.

Main use cases for a company fleet

• Security: an alert if a vehicle leaves the depot at night or over the weekend.
• Proof of service: arrival and departure times at customer sites are logged automatically, useful for billing and service disputes.
• Time on site: measuring how long vehicles stay at depots, suppliers or workshops to spot waiting time.
• Compliance: knowing when vehicles enter areas with access rules, such as a low-emission zone or a restricted industrial site.
• Vehicle pools: checking that shared vehicles come back to their home site.

Privacy and good practice

Geofencing relies on location data, which is personal data when a vehicle is linked to a driver. Zones should match a legitimate business purpose, drivers should be informed, and private use outside working hours should be handled with care, for example with a private mode. Start with a few meaningful zones: too many alerts end up ignored. Geofences are also easier to manage on a clear dynamic map fed by reliable GPS tracking.

How Dadycar helps

Dadycar is a French fleet management software with built-in fleet geofencing: you draw zones on the map, choose entry, exit or stop triggers, and receive alerts linked to the vehicle and its trips. Positions come from compatible connected vehicles without a box, or from an optional tracker. Data is hosted in France with OVHcloud, and the Fleet plus Telematics plan costs 16 € excl. VAT per vehicle per month.

FAQ

What is the difference between geofencing and GPS tracking?
GPS tracking records where vehicles are. Geofencing adds rules on top of those positions, so the system reacts by itself when a vehicle crosses a zone boundary.

How many geofences should a fleet set up?
As few as the business needs: depots, key customer sites and sensitive areas first. Every zone should lead to a decision or a report.

Is geofencing legal for employee vehicles?
Yes, when it serves a legitimate business purpose, drivers are informed and data-protection rules on location data are respected.