Brits warned that this ONE common driving mistake this Christmas could risk £300 fine and invalidated insurance

As Brits prepare for Christmas travel, filling their cars with festive food and decor, gifts, or luggage, many may unknowingly be making a critical mistake. Overloading a vehicle can incur a hefty fine and potentially invalidate car insurance, a legal and financial risk few motorists may realise they are taking amid the holiday excitement.  

Every year in the UK, hundreds of motorists get fined for overloading their vehicle, a matter taken seriously by the police and DVSA (Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency). A recent Freedom of Information data request to the DVSA, commissioned by Tempcover, found that in the 2024/2025* period, over 1,400 drivers were stopped with dangerous or unsafe loads, with 55% of them fined for the offence. 

To help Brits adhere to legal loads and avoid being pulled over this Christmas, Claire Wills-McKissick, a temporary car insurance expert at Tempcover, shares essential advice on spotting and avoiding dangerous loading.

The danger of overloading your car

It’s not only Santa Claus who will be venturing to different destinations this Christmas, for many Brits they’ll be going from A to B, loaded with festive goods, heavy gifts and luggage for family travel. Failing to check your vehicle’s maximum load before setting off could be a costly mistake leading to:

• A fine of £100 to £300 (depending on excess weight)
• 3 points on your licence
• Invalidation of your vehicle insurance (This is the most critical financial risk. An insurer may legally refuse to pay out for damages or liability if they determine the vehicle was overloaded beyond its legal limits at the time of an accident, making the driver personally liable for all costs).
• In rare cases (over 30% overload), drivers can risk a prison sentence of up to 2 years

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.

The signs a car is overloaded

You can often tell if a car is overloaded by observing certain signs. 

• Visual check: 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.
• Handling issues: If you experience difficulty steering, turning, stopping, or starting, it can be a key indicator that you are exceeding the safe weight limit.  
• Suspension and braking: Watch out for issues with braking performance, or signs of your tyres or suspension system visibly sagging.

Top tips on how to pack your car more safely

1. Estimate the weight of passengers and luggage, and leave a safety buffer 

When planning, consider the total weight of passengers, items and luggage. Use a common-sense approach to estimate the load, then allow a sensible buffer to stay comfortably under your car’s maximum load capacity. 

To reduce luggage weight, consider sharing bags or getting presents delivered to your final destination.   If you are approaching your car's limits, consider borrowing a larger vehicle and using temporary car insurance from Tempcover.

2. Load the heaviest items first

Even weight distribution is key in helping maintain vehicle stability and handling. Place heavy suitcases low and central in the boot - as close to the car’s centre of gravity as possible.  Reserve smaller items for excess space around them, or for passenger footwells (ensuring your rear view remains completely clear). 

3. Tie loose luggage down

Unsecured luggage or gifts flying around the car can be a finable hazard, particularly if they obscure your view. Use bungee cords and seatbelts to secure all items firmly.

4. Consider your tyres

While low tyre pressure is a separate offence, it is vital to ensure your tyres are inflated to their correct PSI for a loaded vehicle, or even a little bit higher. This  ensures safer weight distribution, and accounts for increased weight of a packed car.