Overloading a vehicle can significantly impair the driver's ability to brake and steer correctly. It is a danger to the driver, passengers, other road users and pedestrians. It is possible to overload smaller vehicles, like vans, as well as heavy goods vehicles.

The law

Trading Standards and the police enforce the laws relating to overloaded vehicles.

You can break the law if:

  • you carry a heavier load than your vehicle is designed to hold, or
  • you have an uneven load causing one (or more) of the axles to bear too much weight.

Most vehicles are fitted with a data plate which specifies the load they can safely carry. Don't forget to allow for the additional weight of the driver and passengers.

Are You the driver?

Do you know that you are liable to prosecution if you drive an overloaded vehicle?

The legislation imposes fines of up to £5,000 for each offence; that is each overloaded axle plus any overloading on total weight. These fines can be imposed on you. It is not just your employer and/or the owner of the vehicle who may be liable. There is every possibility that if an overload is detected you will be prosecuted. You may also get 3 penalty points on your drivers licence.

Think of the problems you will have should your vehicle be prohibited. You will not be able to continue your journey until your load has been redistributed or the excess removed.

Do you know why the overloading provisions of the Road Traffic Acts are enforced?

(1) Vehicles that are overloaded cause excessive wear and damage to roads, bridges, and pavements etc

(2) Serious overloading can affect your your safety by making the vehicle less stable, difficult to steer and take longer to stop when braking.

(3) Overloaded vehicles are in unfair competition with other hauliers. In the long term, keeping within weight limits may keep you employed and your firm in business.

(4) Overloaded vehicles are illegal - this may affect the insurance cover for the vehicle.

Don't leave it to chance

To avoid the possibility of being overloaded:

  • Know the weight limits for your vehicle
  • Check your load before setting out
  • If possible weigh the vehicle and try to establish axle weights. If you cannot do this, take advice but remember that the responsibility is yours, not that of those giving the advice

Contact us

Waltham Forest Trading Standards
Environment and Regeneration
Waltham Forest Council
Sycamore House
Forest Road
Walthamstow  E17 4JF

Email wfdirect@walthamforest.gov.uk
Tel 020 8496 3000