Van overloading offences increase with fines hitting £390k

There has been an increase in the number of fines being issued for the overloading of vans, according to figures from the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA).

During the past financial year (2024/25), data suggests that there were 208 convictions for overloading of light goods vehicles (LGVs), compared with 187 the previous year (2023/24).

According to the new research from GoCompare van insurance, the 208 convictions for exceeding a vehicle’s maximum authorised mass (MAM) resulted in fines totalling £391,964.90 – £71,000 more than the previous year.

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.

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.

In total, there were 270 convictions for overloaded or unsafely loaded vans in a single year in 2024/25, equating to one conviction every working day, and almost £450,000 in fines overall.

However, that amount has been put into perspective with a record-breaking fine imposed on a fleet for repeated overloading offences, following a hearing at Bristol Magistrates’ Court in May.

Starling Distribution Services was ordered to pay £759,000 – the biggest fine being issued ever for a DVSA prosecution – after being convicted of overloading and defective vehicle offences for its milk delivery service.

Steve Ramsey, motoring expert at GoCompare, 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.

“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 preventable.”