Drivers warned they're at risk of £100 fine when travelling on holiday this summer

Motorists could be hit with a hefty £100 fine for making a simple mistake when heading off on holiday this spring or summer. Packing a vehicle for a trip away may seem completely harmless but could backfire if motorists break a little-known rule.

Joe Parry, spokesperson at online driving instructor marketplace EzLicence, warned that having an insecure load could be a major concern. Items that haven’t been properly secured inside or outside of the vehicle could move around when on the road. This may create a dangerous distraction for motorists with some items even at risk of falling off the car completely.

As well as being a major safety concern, drivers are likely to be hit with a bill for being irresponsible.

Joe said: “Holidaygoers may be loading their vehicles with extra luggage, bicycles, or surfboards. But if this isn’t done safely, it can create hazards.

“When items aren’t stored properly, they can shift in the car or, even worse, fall onto the road and cause a serious accident.

“Not only is this dangerous, but it will also land you at least a £100 fine and three penalty points under Section 42 of the Road Traffic Act 1988, which covers breaches of vehicle use regulations. Just take a few extra minutes to check everything’s tied down and secure before you set off.”

Breakdown experts at the AA stress that drivers are fully responsible for making sure their vehicles are never overloaded before heading off.

The experts stress that drivers must ensure that all cargo and passengers are still under the vehicle’s maximum weight limit which can usually be found in the logbook.

Vehicles up to 10% above the maximum weight will only be issued a £100 fine but the AA warns this could rise. Motorists are likely to face a £200 fine if their models are between 10% and 14% above the limits.

However, a vehicle 15% above the maximum weight will be charged up to £300 and could even be slapped with three penalty points on their driving licence.

The AA added: “For serious cases of overloading a vehicle over 30%, you could receive a court summons. The most severe punishment possible would be a 2-year prison sentence if found guilty of dangerous driving under the Road Traffic Act 1988.

“You may also not be permitted to continue your journey till the weight has been reduced or risk having your vehicle impounded.”