You could also invalidate your insurance as campers head for the road this Easter holiday

Now that some schools have already broken up for Easter, and with the bank holiday weekend less than two weeks away, many motorhome owners will be planning their first road trip of the year. Insurance specialist Safeguard have warned of the dangers of overpacking that could see a £300 fine and three points on your licence.

“Whatever your vehicle, it’s easy to pack more than you need for your holiday,” said Mark Sheppard, senior trading manager at Safeguard. “Not only can this quickly lead to clutter and a lack of space, it risks landing you with a £300 fine and three points on your licence. On top of that, overloading your vehicle could also invalidate your insurance policy.

“Ideally, you should aim to distribute the weight of your items evenly around your motorhome to prevent its handling and efficiency from being negatively affected. Once you’ve taken care of that, you’re ready to hit the road with confidence and can start planning your holiday.”

In the UK, overloading a vehicle—whether it’s a car, van, or caravan—is illegal and poses significant safety risks. Each vehicle has a specified Maximum Authorised Mass (MAM), also known as Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW), which is the maximum total weight the vehicle can safely carry, including its own weight, passengers, and cargo. Exceeding this limit can lead to legal penalties and endanger road safety.

Penalties for Overloading:

• Fines: Penalties are based on the percentage by which the vehicle is overloaded: Less than 10% over the limit: £100 fine. 10% to 14% over the limit: £200 fine. 15% or more over the limit: £300 fine. Overloading by 30% or more may result in a court summons, with the possibility of more severe penalties, including higher fines and potential imprisonment if found guilty of dangerous driving under the Road Traffic Act 1988.
• Points on Licence: In some cases, overloading offences can result in penalty points on your driving licence.
• Insurance Implications: Operating an overloaded vehicle may invalidate your insurance policy, leaving you financially vulnerable in the event of an accident.

Safety Risks of Overloading:

• Reduced Vehicle Control: Excess weight can impair steering and braking capabilities, increasing stopping distances and the risk of accidents.
• Tyre Damage: Overloading puts additional stress on tyres, leading to overheating and an increased chance of blowouts.
• Increased Wear and Tear: Critical components like suspension and brakes experience accelerated wear, potentially leading to mechanical failures.

Understanding Vehicle Weight Limits:

• Maximum Authorised Mass (MAM): This is the maximum legal weight of the vehicle when fully loaded.
• Gross Train Weight (GTW): If you’re towing, GTW is the combined weight of the towing vehicle and the trailer, including all loads.
• Axle Weight Limits: Each axle has a maximum weight it can bear. Proper load distribution is crucial to avoid exceeding these limits, even if the overall vehicle weight is within the MAM.

Tips to Avoid Overloading:

1. Know Your Vehicle’s Limits: Refer to your vehicle’s handbook or the manufacturer’s plate (usually found under the bonnet or on the door frame) for MAM and axle weight limits.
2. Weigh Your Load: If unsure about the weight of your cargo, use a weighbridge to ensure compliance.
3. Distribute Weight Evenly: Ensure the load is spread evenly across the vehicle to prevent exceeding axle weight limits and to maintain vehicle stability.
4. Consider Passenger Weight: Remember to account for the combined weight of passengers and cargo.
5. Check Towing Capacities: If towing a caravan or trailer, ensure both the towing vehicle and the trailer are within their respective weight limits and that the GTW is not exceeded.

Dos and don’ts before you leave

Do: Tell a friend or family member where you’re going.

Do: Research the rules of the road. If you’re venturing outside the UK, there could be many regulations you’ll need to comply with, including low emission zones.

Do: Perform a full service of your vehicle, both inside and out, before you set off.

Don’t: Rely on plastic – take some emergency cash. You can never predict when an emergency could arise and you need cash in a hurry.

Don’t: Forget your insurance. Make sure you have the right level of cover in place to protect you against theft, breakdown and damage.