Is it illegal to overload my car and how much can I be fined for it?

WHETHER you’re heading on a road trip or helping with a move, loading your car with excessive heavy cargo can lead to legal consequences.

Here’s everything you need to know about the risks of overloading your vehicle.

Can I get fined for overloading my car?

Driving an overloaded car is illegal and can result in fines.

If you exceed the manufacturer’s weight limits, you could face a fine of up to £300 and receive three penalty points on your licence.

Your vehicle handbook specifies the maximum weight your car can safely carry, including passengers and luggage.

Ignoring these limits poses safety risks, as an overloaded vehicle can strain tyres and compromise handling which increases the likelihood of accidents.

If you have an accident while exceeding these limits, your insurance may not cover the damages, leaving you liable for costs to others and repairs to your own car.

Even if you stay within the weight limit, ensure your tyre pressure is adequate before loading.

While police are unlikely to stop you solely for slight overloading, visibly low suspension or erratic driving due to handling difficulties may attract their attention.

Jack Cousens, head of roads policy for the AA, said: “As families get geared up for time away, parents can end up playing a game of ‘Car Tetris’, as they try to fit suitcases, bags and children into the car.

“In most modern cars, you’d be hard pressed to take the vehicle over its weight restriction.

“However you should always check the handbook and ideally, weigh everything before putting it in the car.

“If you feel you are close to breaching the limit, drivers should head to a weighbridge and get an accurate reading.”

What are the laws regarding loading a car?

Each car has a maximum loading weight, including passengers and luggage.

Here are some of the average weight limits for some of the UK’s most popular cars:

• Volkswagen Golf – up to 548kg
• Ford Fiesta – up to 529kg
• Vauxhall Astra – up to 575kg
• Hyundai i30 – up to 616kg
• Nissan Qashqai – up to 545kg
• Audi A3 – up to 560kg
• Land Rover Discovery – up to 786kg
• Kia Sportage – up to 690kg

Tim Alcock from LeaseVan.co.uk said: “It’s not uncommon to see cars packed with items of furniture, bikes, or even Christmas trees throughout the festive period, but drivers should be very careful and prepare properly if their vehicle is to be loaded in such a way.

“If loads exceed certain lengths or widths, you might have to give advance notice to the police, including details like the time, date, and route of your proposed journey.

“At the very least, you may just have to mark the end of a load sticking out of your vehicle with something like a red cloth, or a high vis jacket, strap or material.

“Some scenarios might also require you to drive with an ‘attendant’ who can give warning of any danger likely to be caused by the vehicle on the journey.

“Vehicles that are overloaded can pose dangers to the driver, passenger, and other road users, and if a vehicles’ gross or axle weight limits are exceeded, the driver risks prosecution.”

What items are banned from being loaded into a car?

Several items are banned or restricted from being loaded into a car due to safety or legal reasons.

These include:

• Explosives and fireworks
• Compressed gases
• Flammable liquids
• Corrosive substances
• Radioactive materials
• Biological hazards
• Overweight or oversized items
• Illegal items