Motorists heading out this Bank Holiday weekend could be caught breaking a simple rule many are likely to be completely unaware of, leaving them at risk of a £300 fine. Packing the car for a weekend away may seem harmless, but road users could find themselves overloading their vehicle, which is considered a safety risk because heavier cars become much more difficult to control.
Heavier vehicles can place more strain on tyres and suspension, potentially increasing the likelihood of an accident. Rule 98 of the Highway Code states that drivers must not overload their vehicles past their limit.
Penalties on a sliding scale
Road users who ignore the rules and get behind the wheel regardless could run the risk of being slapped with a fine of up to £300 and three penalty points on their driving licence. Penalties are issued on a sliding scale, with motorists hit with higher charges depending on how much their car is over the limit.
According to the RAC, road users will be hit with a £100 bill if their car is found to be 10% over the weight limit. This will rise to £200 for vehicles overloaded by between 10% and 14%, and £300 for cars that have exceeded the weight limits by 15% or more.
Check your vehicle's maximum weight
Every vehicle has a Maximum Authorised Mass (MAM), which is the total maximum weight that a vehicle is legally allowed to carry, including its own weight and the load, including passengers. Motorists can usually find their MAM on their car's Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) plate or by looking in the driver's handbook.
Keith Hawes, Director of Nationwide Vehicle Contracts, said: "With roads expected to be especially busy this August bank holiday, and many travellers switching to cars due to rail disruption, it's more important than ever that drivers prepare properly before setting off."
Damage risks from overloading
The RAC has previously stressed that motorists are fully responsible for making sure the weight of their car is below the maximum limit at all times. They also stressed that overloading the car could backfire, with motorists likely to inflict damage on their vehicles.
The RAC explained: "The extra weight can damage essential components like the suspension, tyres, and brakes. It will also overwork the engine, which may result in overheating.
"In the most extreme cases, overloading will result in structural damage to the frame of the vehicle."
