Van drivers are risking a £300 fine or a court order from overloading their vans, according to new reserach Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles.

Almost half (48%) of 1,000 drivers questioned by the firm admitted to overloading their van, despite 89% claiming to know the legal weight restriction for their light commercial vehicle (LCV).

Overloading a vehicle by as much as 30% of its gross vehicle weight could lead to a fine of up to £300. Anything above 30% overloaded and offenders may even be issued with a court summons and a custodial sentence in the most serious cases.

The survey found that 66% of young people (aged 18-24) had driven their van overloaded in the year, followed by 63% of over 65-year-olds.

Additionally, the survey showed that carpenters are the tradespeople most likely to overload their vans (63%); closely followed by builders (60%), electricians (55%) and painter decorators (55%).

Overloading penalties

In the UK, the maximum gross vehicle weight for an LCV is 3.5 tonnes (3,500kg), rising to 4.25 tonnes (4,250kg) for an electric van.

Percentage overweight (of gross vehicle weight)	Penalty charge
5 – 9.99%	£100 fine
10 – 14.99%	£200 fine
15 – 29.99%	£300 fine
Over 30%	Court summons

The Driver and Vehicle Standards Authority (DVSA) says its priority is to protect everyone from unsafe drivers and vehicles.

A DVSA spokesperson added: “It is the driver’s responsibility to ensure their vehicle is safe to drive. They should make sure they know the maximum permitted gross vehicle weight and limits on each axle of their vehicle.

“We take enforcement action against drivers and operators who risk people’s lives by overloading or not securely loading their vehicles.”

It is essential that drivers know and adhere to the DVSA’s regulations, purchasing the right-sized van in order to minimise the risk of overloading vehicles.

Read the Fleet News guide on how to avoid vehicle overloading.