Van drivers are facing steep financial penalties for avoidable offences, with new research showing overloading tops the list of the most expensive mistakes.
Figures from Go.Compare, based on DVSA data, show that in 2024/25, overloading offences carried an average fine of £2,078 – higher than any other van-related violation. Other major penalties included unpaid vehicle tax (£1,500), construction and use offences (£914), missing plating and testing requirements (£610), and operating without the correct licence (£429).
A van’s weight limit covers everything on board – from fuel and tools to passengers. Exceeding the legal allowance, even by a small amount, can lead to fines issued at the roadside and also increases safety risks. Construction and use breaches typically relate to issues such as worn tyres, faulty brakes, or insecure loads. Beyond the immediate financial penalties, such offences can also affect insurance.
Steve Ramsey, motoring expert at Go.Compare, explained “Some of these offences sound technical, but they often come down to simple oversights like skipping a safety check, forgetting your tax renewal, or underestimating the weight of your tools. If van drivers make sure they’re aware of these rules, they shouldn’t get caught out.”
Any motoring conviction must be declared to your insurance provider, and failing to do so could invalidate your policy. Convictions for overloading or construction and use offences can lead to increased premiums, even for first-time offenders.
So, it’s important to take steps to avoid falling foul of these errors. The fines are getting bigger, while a conviction means that your insurance costs can rise, too. Take the time to check your load, your paperwork, and your van’s condition could save you thousands of pounds.