Most drivers are unaware of the potential penalties of driving an overloaded vehicle 
In a recent survey1 by Europcar UK, nearly three quarters (73.5%) of Brits admitted to overpacking their car for their summer holidays. Almost a third (31%) are unaware this could lead to a fine and penalty points if they are pulled over by police. Just 16% correctly stated the maximum penalty is a £300 fine and three points on the driver’s licence.
“When preparing for a summer holiday in the UK, packing for all weather-related eventualities means it’s easy to accidentally overpack,” commented Sarah Clarke, Consumer Marketing Manager for Europcar UK. “However, if throwing in those last minute just-in-case items leads to overloading the car, drivers could find themselves in hot water. It’s not just about the pillows blocking the rear view or lose items shifting around dangerously on the back seat. Drivers could receive a fine and penalty points if their vehicle is over its weight limit.”
Drivers with vehicles weighing 5-9% more than the maximum limit could receive a £100 fixed penalty notice2. Overloading by 10-14% would attract a £200 fine, and overloading by 15% or more could lead to a fixed penalty of £300. Each fine comes with 3 penalty points on the driver’s licence.
A vehicle’s weight limit will be noted in its handbook as well as usually on a plate or sticker somewhere on the vehicle. Weighing luggage (and passengers) or taking the loaded vehicle to a weighbridge are the only ways to be certain if the vehicle is within its weight limit, but there are visible tell-tale signs that a car may be carrying too much weight. The most obvious is that there will be less space between the tyres and the wheel arch.
A vehicle carrying too much weight will be harder to control, the brakes will be less effective, and all the occupants will be at greater risk of injury in the event of a collision, loss of control or even just heavy braking, if items are not properly secured. Overloading can also cause long term damage to brakes, suspension and tyres – all potentially costly to repair or replace.
Sarah Clarke continued: “The size of vehicle required for the school run, the daily commute, or as a runaround for local trips is likely to be far smaller than what we need for a summer holiday and all the paraphernalia we like to take with us.
“Of course, it doesn’t make financial sense for drivers to invest in an every-day vehicle large enough to safely transport all the luggage, camping equipment or sporting items holidaymakers need to transport on holidays once or twice per year. Instead of taking on the higher cost of the vehicle and increased fuel consumption, Europcar allows drivers to rent a car that will meet their packing needs without sacrificing comfort or safety on the road.
