What are the consequences of overloading the vehicle?

Flying on vacation by plane, everyone knows exactly how much their suitcase can weigh. The standards that are strictly adhered to at the airport are designed to eliminate the risk of overloading the car and thus ensure the safety of passengers on flights. This is clear enough that no one will argue with it. How is the car? When you drive your own car on vacation, have you noticed how much your luggage weighs? Probably not, because a vehicle cannot fall from the sky like an airplane. Yes, it cannot, but the consequences of overloading the car are no less dangerous. You do not believe? Check!

What will you learn from this post?

• What does the carrying capacity of the car depend on?
• What are the consequences of overloading a vehicle?
• Can I get a fine for overloading a car?

Shortly speaking

Overloading of a vehicle is a movement in excess of the permissible total mass of a vehicle or a combination of vehicles. A vehicle that is too heavy has a negative effect on steering control and can damage important parts of the vehicle. In addition, driving an overloaded car is a violation of traffic rules and can result in heavy fines not only for the driver, but also for those involved in organizing the transportation.

What determines the carrying capacity of the car and where to check it?

The permissible load capacity of the vehicle is the total weight of the vehicle indicated in the registration certificate. It consists of weight of cargo, people and all additional equipment, i.e. installed in the car after leaving the factory... In other words, it is the difference between the permissible total weight and the unladen weight of the vehicle. This can be verified in the marketing authorization in clause F.1.

Exceeding the permissible weight of a passenger car

Contrary to its appearance, it is not difficult to exceed the permissible gross vehicle weight. Especially if you are traveling on a two week vacation with the whole family. Adding up the weight of a driver, three passengers, a full tank of fuel, a lot of luggage and even bicycles, it may turn out that the GVM is not much larger. Therefore, when choosing, for example, a bike rack or roof rack, make sure that they were not only comfortable and roomy, but also lightweighte.

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Overloading vehicles is a common problem in the transport industry.

In trucks and vans up to 3,5 tonnes, the risk of overloading is mainly related to the weight of the transported goods. Drivers are often unaware of congestion because the data entered in CMR transport documents do not always correspond to reality. There are special industrial scales near roads in Poland and abroad, which show the real weight of the entire vehicle or set.. Experienced bus and truck drivers can recognize an overloaded vehicle by its behavior. Then they can refuse to carry out the transportation or impose a possible order on the client. Often, however, they decide to continue driving, breaking the rules, damaging the car, and penalizing themselves. The driver will not miss the need to transfer part of the cargo to another car, and in the worst case, the loss of transport rights.

Consequences of vehicle overload

Even a slight excess of the permissible vehicle weight negatively affects its handling, significantly increases the braking distance, reduces engine power and increases the risk of costly, difficult-to-fix malfunctions. Frequent repetitive driving with excessive stress accelerates the operation of the car and the wear of all components, in particular brake pads and discs, discs and tires (in extreme cases, they may even burst). Heavy vehicle weight reduces vehicle height, so any bumps in the road, high curbs, protruding manholes or railroad tracks can damage the suspension, shock absorbers, oil pan or exhaust system. The repair of these elements in new car models costs up to several thousand zlotys.

Uneven axle overload

The car is also overloaded in the event of improper placement of luggage or goods. Then his weight is unevenly distributed and more pressure is concentrated on one axis. This affects the road conditions - it is much easier to skid when cornering or during heavy braking.

What does traffic rules say about vehicle overload?

In the European Union, various road transport inspectorates are responsible for enforcing DMC and axle load regulations. In Poland, exceeding the permissible weight of the vehicle specified in the registration certificate by up to 10% of its total weight is subject to a fine of PLN 500, over 10% - PLN 2000 and 20% up to PLN 15. The financial consequences concern not only the driver of the overloaded vehicle, but also the owner of the car, the person loading the goods, and other persons indirectly involved in the violation of the law.for example, the owner of the car, the organizer of the transport, the freight forwarder or the sender. Importantly, fines can be imposed on each other, and their amount can significantly exceed the value of the car.

A roadside control officer who detects violations may impose a monetary fine even if the cargo of the vehicle poorly provided or when it protrudes more than a meter or is incorrectly marked.

Overloading a car, be it a truck or a car up to 3,5 tons, is extremely dangerous and unjustified. In addition to financial fines, a driver driving a car with excess PMM or uneven axle load can lead to the technical condition of his car being in a deplorable state. Therefore, when packing luggage or equipment necessary for work, use common sense and make sure it doesn't weigh too much. If your vehicle has been damaged by excessive overloading and you need spare parts to repair it, check out avtotachki.com for a wide range of mechanical parts at great prices.

Also check:

9 most common reasons for traffic fines in Poland

Unfastened seat belts. Who pays the fine - the driver or the passenger?

Compulsory car equipment abroad - what can they get a fine for?

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