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Last updated: 25 March 2026

If your van is always “just about full”, it’s worth checking the numbers. Overloading doesn’t only risk a fine — it can also affect braking, handling and tyre safety.

The famous “9 in 10” stat: what it was (and when)

The widely quoted “9 in 10 vans are overloaded” figure comes from DVSA weighings carried out in 2015. SMMT reported that 88.5% of 2,381 vans weighed that year were overloaded, worse than the previous year’s 84% of 3,337 vans.

That’s a useful wake-up call — but it’s historic, not a live snapshot of today’s entire van fleet.

What’s the risk if you overload a van?

GOV.UK guidance for running vans is blunt: you must not overload your vans. The relevant limit is the van’s design gross weight (sometimes called gross vehicle weight / laden weight) shown on the VIN plate, and it includes the vehicle, fuel, driver/passengers and the load.

When you exceed limits, common risks include:

• Longer stopping distances and less effective braking
• Reduced stability and steering control (especially in corners or emergency manoeuvres)
• Increased tyre stress and failure risk
• Higher wear on suspension and driveline components

SMMT also warned that overloading can undermine the performance of safety tech such as collision warning and autonomous emergency braking (AEB), because those systems are calibrated for a vehicle operating within its intended weight range.

DVSA penalties: what the fine bands look like

DVSA uses graduated fixed penalties for excess weight offences. GOV.UK lists the typical penalty levels as:

• Less than 10% overload: £100
• 10% up to (but not including) 15%: £200
• 15% and over: £300

It also notes DVSA examiners often allow a 5% leeway before issuing a penalty or prohibition (with exceptions, including large absolute excesses).

Recent reporting based on DVSA/Go.Compare analysis (financial year 2024/25) suggests overloading enforcement continues, with hundreds of cases and substantial total penalties.

A practical “don’t overload” checklist (works for trades and fleets)

1) Know your limits

• Find the design gross weight on the VIN plate
• Work out your payload (what you can carry) by subtracting kerb weight from gross weight (check manufacturer specs)
• If you regularly carry dense loads (bags of mortar, paving, plant), pay attention to axle weights — you can be legal on gross weight but illegal on an axle

2) Use a weighbridge when the job changes

• If you’ve added racking, a towbar, extra batteries, a conversion, or you’ve changed what you carry day-to-day, get a weighbridge ticket. It’s the quickest way to stop guessing

3) Load placement matters

• Put heavy items low and forward, secured
• Avoid piling weight behind the rear axle (hurts stability and braking)

4) Roof racks: treat them as a last resort

• Roof loads raise the centre of gravity and can push you into overweight territory faster than you think. Check both the van’s roof-load rating and your total payload

Insurance relevance (kept realistic)

Overloading is a legal and safety issue first. If you crash while operating illegally (including being overloaded), it can complicate liability decisions and the handling of a claim. The safest approach is not to assume “it’ll be fine” — stay within plated limits and keep simple proof (payload calcs, weighbridge tickets for heavy jobs).

Sources

1. SMMT — “Widespread van overloading is undermining tech advances” (26 April 2016; includes DVSA 2015 weighing figures and safety-tech warning).
2. GOV.UK — “Running a fleet of vans” (design gross weight explanation; must not overload).
3. GOV.UK — DVSA roadside checks: fines and financial deposits (graduated penalties for excess weight; leeway note).
4. Motor Transport — reporting on Go.Compare/DVSA overloading cases and convictions (FY 2024/25).