Drivers have been warned that overloading their car this May bank holiday weekend could result in substantial fines of up to £300, penalty points on their licence, and potentially invalidated car insurance.
New Research Reveals Lack of Awareness
A recent survey of 13,136 motorists found that nearly half (42%) cannot correctly identify all the signs that their car is overloaded. Furthermore, one in five (21%) are unaware of the full consequences of doing so, which can include fines of £300, points on a licence, and invalidated car insurance.
The study also revealed that a third (33%) of drivers do not understand the term ‘Maximum Authorised Mass’ from their car’s handbook. This is the legal permissible weight of the vehicle, including its maximum load of passengers, fuel, and cargo when fully loaded.
Fines and Penalties for Overloading
Here is exactly what it could cost motorists:
- A £100 fine for up to 10% overloading, plus up to 3 points on your licence
- A £200 fine for between 10% and 14% overloading, plus up to 3 points on your licence
- A £300 fine for between 15% and 30% overloading, plus up to 3 points on your licence
- A court summons and vehicle immobilisation for serious cases of 30% or more overloading
Risks of Overloading
Overloading your car can lead to dangerous handling, affecting braking distance and steering control. It can also cause tyre blowouts as uneven, heavy loads put additional pressure on tyres. Increased fuel costs result from the car having to work harder, and many motorists do not realise that exceeding load limits may void their insurance policy.
Signs Your Car is Overloaded
Greg Carter, Technical Specialist at The AA, shares the tell-tale signs that your car is overloaded:
- The back of the car may look lower than usual, with less gap between the top of the wheel and the wheel arches
- The tyres look underinflated, even when the pressure is correct
- The brakes feel less sharp with a noticeable increase in stopping time
- The car wallows when cornering
- From a driver's perspective, the view of the road can be obscured as the bonnet is higher in relation to the driver's seat
Motorists are advised to check their vehicle's handbook for the Maximum Authorised Mass and ensure they do not exceed it to avoid fines and stay safe on the road.
