Drivers are being encouraged to check one crucial thing before setting off on Christmas Day.
Drivers are being urged to not overload their cars on Christmas Day (Image: Getty)
Drivers preparing to take to the roads on Christmas Day in cars packed with gifts and other goods have been urged not to make a mistake that could cost them £300. Experts are warning Britons of the risks of overloading a vehicle this festive season, which can result in a substantial fine, points on a licence and even invalidate car insurance.
New figures show that more than 1,400 drivers were stopped in 2024 and the first 10 months of 2025 with dangerous or unsafe loads in the UK. Data from the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA), obtained by Tempcover via a Freedom of Information request, shows 55% of those stopped received fines for the offence.
Claire Wills-McKissick, a temporary car insurance expert from the company, has shared advice on spotting and avoiding dangerous loading.
Drivers are encouraged to check their vehicle’s maximum load before setting off on Christmas Day (Image: Getty)
She said people can often tell if their car is overloaded if they experience difficulty with handling, issues with brakes or signs of tyres or the suspension system visibly sagging.
Ms Willis-McKissick said a visual check can also be a telltale sign of a vehicle being overloaded, encouraging people to pay attention to the distance between the car’s body and the ground, particularly at the rear.
“If the tyres look very close to — or are tucked under the wheel arches — the weight is likely excessive,” she added.
Tips on how to pack a car more safely include:
- Estimate the weight of passengers and luggage, and leave a safety buffer
- Load heaviest items first
- Tie loose luggage down
- Ensure tyres are correctly inflated
Ms Willis-McKissick said: “Beyond the legal implications, driving with a heavy load is incredibly unsafe, putting you, your passengers, and other road users at risk. This is because it affects vehicle handling, impacting stopping distances and reduced driver control.
“Combined with the challenges winter already poses on roads, it’s vital to take the necessary precautions.”
According to Tempcover, failing to check a vehicle’s maximum load before hitting the road could lead to:
- A fine of £100 to £300 (depending on excess weight)
- Three points on licence
- Invalidation of vehicle insurance
- In rare cases (over 30% overload), drivers can risk a prison sentence of up to two years
