Overloading your car for a summer road trip could land you with a hefty fine – and invalidate your insurance

If you are planning to head off on a road trip this summer, be careful not to overload your car with heavy baggage or you could find yourself in trouble with the law.

Overloading your car beyond its weight limit is a punishable offence, with motorists facing a hefty fine and penalty points if they break the law.

A punishable offence

While a summer road trip requires plenty of supplies, with some families taking along bikes, toys, or camping gear, alongside clothes and food, cramming too much into your car comes with numerous risks.

Not only can overloading obstruct your rear windscreen view, exceeding the weight limit of your car can attract a fine of up to £300.

Motorists will also be landed with three penalty points on their licence.

Additionally, if you are involved in an accident while your vehicle is loaded beyond its maximum limit, this can also invalidate your car insurance.