Dick Lovett is warning UK drivers over the school summer holidays that overpacking their cars could leave them facing £300+ fines and invalid insurance, with more than half admitting they would drive with dangerously reduced rear visibility.
As millions begin their journeys to holiday homes, beaches and foreign holidays via ferries and tunnels, motoring experts at Dick Lovett say many drivers may be unknowingly breaking the law by overloading their vehicles with luggage and equipment.
Survey data of 1,000 nationally representative UK drivers aged 18+ highlights a major seasonal safety risk: 62% don’t know their car’s legal weight limit, 55% would drive with blocked rear visibility, and 22% say they’d even do it on long journeys, right when Britain’s roads are at their busiest.
What many drivers don’t realise is just how easy it is to overload a car without noticing.
For example, a BMW 3 Series Touring has a payload of around 595kg. Four adults weighing between 75 and 85kg each can account for over 300kg before a single suitcase is added. Factor in luggage and holiday essentials like bikes, and it’s easy to push the car beyond its legal limit. In smaller cars, such as a MINI hatchback, payload limits are lower still, meaning just a couple of passengers and a full boot can quickly result in an overloaded vehicle.
The Road Vehicles (Construction and Use) Regulations 1986 put full responsibility on the driver to make sure their car isn’t overloaded, and police or DVSA officers can stop any vehicle and send it to a weighbridge. If it exceeds its Maximum Authorised Mass, you could be hit with fines of £100–£300 on the spot, and in more serious cases, face a court summons or an immediate ban on continuing their journey.
Alex Lee, driving expert at Dick Lovett, warns that even relatively small overloads can lead to dangerous handling, tyre failures, and extended stopping distances, “People underestimate how easy it is to overload a car during a summer trip. A few heavy suitcases alongside a family of passengers can push a vehicle past its legal limit without you realising. Overloaded cars don’t steer or brake properly, and when roads are wet, icy, or busy, this becomes a serious hazard.
“It’s not just about fines; handling insurance is a big concern. If your car is overweight or visibility is compromised, and you’re involved in an accident, your insurer could reduce or even refuse your claim.”
“With so many people travelling across the country during the summer break, we want to remind motorists to pack smart, avoid blocking the rear window, and check their vehicle’s weight limit when packing. A few minutes of preparation can prevent expensive fines, rejected insurance claims, or, worst of all, a serious accident.”
To make it even easier for drivers to stay safe, avoid fines, and protect their insurance, Alex shared his top six tips for loading a car ahead of a long drive:
1. Check the MAM/GVW before loading your car:
“Exceeding your car’s Maximum Authorised Mass (MAM) or Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) is illegal and could affect your insurance.
If your vehicle is overweight and you’re in an accident, your insurer could reduce or refuse a claim. Always check your car’s weight limit, you can find this on the VIN plate or in your owner’s manual and never exceed it.”
2. Distribute weight evenly and keep heavy items low:
“Properly distributing weight in your car is crucial for safe handling. Keeping heavy items low reduces the risk of tyre failure or loss of control.
“If an accident occurs due to poor loading, insurers may investigate whether overloading or uneven weight contributed to the incident, which could impact your claim.”
3. Keep the rear window clear:
“Blocking the rear window of your car might feel normal when loading lots of luggage, but it seriously reduces your ability to judge distance, spot hazards, and reverse safely.
“If police deem your visibility was dangerously compromised, you could be fined, and insurers could question whether poor visibility contributed to any accident, potentially affecting a claim.”
4. Secure all loose items:
“Loose objects in the car can become dangerous projectiles in sudden stops or collisions.
“Accidents caused by unsecured luggage can raise liability questions, which could impact insurance claims. Take a few minutes to tie down or store items safely.”
5. Consider a roof box carefully if space is limited:
“When your car is full, a roof box can be a great way to improve rear visibility and free up space inside the cabin, helping you drive more safely and comfortably.
“However, drivers should remember that a roof box adds weight to the vehicle, and the combined weight of passengers, luggage, and the roof box itself must still stay within the car’s Maximum Authorised Mass (MAM).
“Used sensibly, a roof box can be a helpful solution, but it’s important not to overload the vehicle, especially when travelling with a full car of passengers.”
6. Adjust tyre pressure according to manufacturer guidance:
“Extra weight affects tyre performance. Driving with incorrect pressures increases the risk of tyre failure, which could lead to accidents.
“Insurers may check whether tyres were maintained correctly after a claim, so always adjust your car’s tyre pressures as recommended when carrying additional load.”
