Van drivers are facing thousands of pounds in penalties for carrying too much weight, as official figures show over £390,000 in fines were handed out for overloaded or unsafely loaded vans in the past year alone.
As average fines now reach £2,000 per offence, overloading is one of the most expensive and easily avoidable mistakes a van driver can make, according to new research from Go.Compare van insurance.
The research found that 208 drivers were convicted of exceeding their vehicle’s Maximum Authorised Mass (MAM) in the 2024/25 financial year, resulting in fines totalling £391,964.90. MAM is the legal weight limit of a van, including cargo, fuel, tools, and passengers.
Even a small amount of excess weight can result in an instant fine or court summons, the research found.
Overloading not only breaks the law, it also puts both the driver and public safety at risk. Increased weight can significantly increase stopping distances, heighten the risk of tyre blowouts, and affect steering and handling.
Data shows a clear upward trend, with more fines being issued and over £70,000 more collected in penalties than in the previous financial year.
In the financial year 2024/25 Go.Compare Insurance found there were 214 reported cases of overloading, resulting in 208 convictions, with the total in fines amounting to£391,965.
Related offences like construction and use, which include uneven or insecure loads and breaches like axle overloads, added a further £50,924 in fines over the same period.
This compares to the previous year when there were 193 cases of overloading, resulting in 187 convictions, resulting in fines totalling £317,846.
The insurance comparison site is urging van owners to be aware of their van’s weight limit, reminding drivers that overloading can also invalidate their insurance, with convicted drivers facing higher premiums or denied cover entirely.
Steve Ramsey, motoring expert at Go.Compare, said: “Avoiding an overloading fine really comes down to awareness and routine. Know your van’s weight limit, factor in everything you’re carrying, not just the cargo, and get into the habit of checking daily.
“It’s easy to assume you’re under the limit, but it doesn’t take much to cross the line. A couple of extra toolboxes, some building materials, or even a second passenger can tip the balance.
“And it’s not just the financial concern, any motoring conviction must be declared to your insurance provider. Offences like overloading or construction and use breaches can lead to higher premiums, limited options, or even policy cancellation. That’s a steep price for something that’s easily prevent.”
