Experts warn drivers could face £300 fines for making one common mista

Drivers are being warned they could face fines of up to £300 for a simple but increasingly common mistake. Experts say a growing number of motorists are being caught driving vehicles that exceed their legal weight limits, often without realising it.

Many of the cases involve people moving home or transporting work equipment, with enforcement officers reporting a rise in overloaded vans on UK roads. Drew Hamilton, a van expert at First Step Vehicle Solutions, said many drivers have little understanding of how much their vehicle can legally carry.

“Too many motorists assume a van can take whatever they can fit into it,” he said. “That assumption is leading to overloaded vehicles on the road every day, and it can result in fines of up to £300 and, in some cases, penalty points.”

Every van has a Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW), which is the maximum legal weight the vehicle is allowed to reach. This includes the van itself, the driver and passengers, fuel, tools, accessories and all cargo. If the combined weight exceeds the GVW, the vehicle is classed as overloaded, and penalties can be issued depending on how far over the limit it is.

Hamilton warned that the risks go far beyond financial penalties. He said overloaded vans are significantly harder to control, with longer braking distances, reduced steering response and increased strain on tyres, suspension and brakes. This added pressure raises the risk of blowouts or mechanical failures, particularly at higher speeds or in windy conditions.

House moves are one of the most common causes of accidental overloading, with drivers stacking furniture and boxes into vans in a bid to save time. Tradespeople can also fall into the trap, especially when tools and equipment are repeatedly loaded and unloaded throughout the day.

Hamilton urged drivers to make weight checks part of their routine. He advised motorists to locate their van’s GVW, which is usually found inside the door frame or under the bonnet, and to weigh loads whenever possible. Public weighbridges, he said, are far more accessible than many people realise, and weighing individual items can help prevent misjudging total weight.

He also reminded drivers that everything counts towards the legal limit, including fuel, roof racks, accessories and the driver themselves. “A van can look half empty and still be overweight if the items inside are particularly heavy,” he said.

Correct loading is equally important. He advised placing heavier items low down and close to the centre of the load area, securing them with straps or nets to prevent movement under braking. Drivers who collect or drop off goods during the day were also urged to recheck their weight regularly, as it is easy to exceed the limit without noticing.

For those who frequently operate close to their van’s GVW, Hamilton suggested upgrading to a larger vehicle. He said having extra capacity is far safer than running just below the legal limit day after day.

Hamilton concluded by warning that understanding and respecting weight limits is essential. “Avoiding a fine is only part of the issue,” he said. “An overloaded van puts the driver and everyone else on the road at risk.”