Most mileage logs ultimately contain a number showing how many business miles were driven. An odometer photograph can give you additional evidence showing the reading at the beginning or end of the journey.
Odometer photos are not an HMRC requirement, but they can make it easier to review how the mileage in your journey record was calculated.
What HMRC expects from a mileage log
HMRC guidance for employee mileage claims says mileage logs should include the reason for every journey and the postcode for the start and end points. A useful business mileage record also keeps the date and business miles alongside those journey details.
When the business journey took place
Why the journey was necessary
Where the journey began
Where the journey finished
The business miles recorded for the journey
Optional information such as odometer readings or photos
Why use odometer photos?
A photograph can provide a visual record of the mileage reading displayed by the vehicle at a particular point in the journey. Used alongside the journey details, that can make the record easier to check later.
Visible readings
The photograph can show the actual odometer figure rather than relying only on a number typed into a log.
Useful supporting evidence
Start and end readings can help you check that the recorded mileage is consistent with the vehicle readings.
No continuous GPS required
The process can record mileage evidence without keeping continuous background location tracking running.
Useful with more than one vehicle
Keeping the reading with the vehicle and journey can make your records easier to review later.
How to record a journey with odometer photos
Before you set off
When safely parked, photograph the odometer so the reading is clear and easy to read.
Record the journey purpose
Add why you are travelling, such as a client meeting, site visit or supplier collection.
Complete the journey
Drive normally. Never try to photograph or enter information while driving.
Take the end reading
Once you have arrived and parked safely, photograph the odometer again.
Check the journey details
Make sure the purpose, locations and mileage are complete and accurate.
Keep the evidence with the journey
Store the readings or photos alongside the relevant journey rather than leaving them as unidentified images in your camera roll.
Manual photos and spreadsheets vs a mileage app
You can record odometer photos without a specialist mileage app. Take the photographs with your phone, note the journey details and keep a spreadsheet showing the mileage.
The difficulty often comes later: matching individual photos to the right journey, remembering the purpose and location, and keeping everything organised over several months.
A mileage app can keep the reading, journey details and supporting evidence attached to the same journey record.
Logging odometer readings with Going A2B
Going A2B was designed around a simple start-and-finish journey process.
Start the journey
Photograph your starting odometer or enter the reading manually.
Drive
Complete your business journey normally.
Finish the journey
Photograph the finishing odometer or enter the reading manually.
Keep everything together
Going A2B keeps the mileage, purpose, date, time, locations, vehicle and optional supporting evidence together in the journey record.
You can also add an optional evidence photograph for things such as a delivery, site visit, meeting or document handover.
Completed journeys feed into your mileage records and downloadable reports.
Tips for clear odometer photographs
- Make sure the main odometer reading is visible and in focus.
- Avoid glare or reflections where possible.
- Take the photograph only when the vehicle is safely parked.
- If the vehicle display switches off quickly, take the end photograph before turning the ignition off.
- If a photograph is unreadable, record the reading manually rather than relying on an unclear image.
Going A2B
Try odometer-photo mileage logging on your next journey
Record your start and finish readings, keep your journey details together and let Going A2B build your mileage records as you go.
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Frequently asked questions
Does HMRC require odometer photos?
No. HMRC does not require mileage records to be kept in a specific photo-based format. Odometer photos can provide useful supporting evidence alongside an accurate journey log.
Do I need a photo for every journey?
Not necessarily. Going A2B lets you photograph the odometer or enter the reading manually. The important point is to keep accurate journey information and review your records.
What should I record for each business journey?
A useful record includes the date, business purpose, start and end locations and the business miles travelled. HMRC guidance for employee mileage claims specifically asks for the reason for each journey and the start and end postcodes.
Official HMRC guidance
Odometer photographs are supporting evidence rather than a specific HMRC requirement. Always keep accurate journey records and check current HMRC guidance for your circumstances.