A simple carelessness when organizing luggage for a trip can bring unpleasant surprises. Many drivers end up carrying their car inappropriately without being aware of the risks involved. This situation, in addition to being able to generate inconvenience during the trip, can also give rise to sanctions and compromise safety during driving.
The Club Automobile (ACP) states that overload affects not only the stability of the vehicle but also the safety of all on the road, making it essential to respect the limits established by law.
Well defined legal limits
According to the National Road Safety Authority, the road code clearly specifies the maximum gross weight authorized for each vehicle. This value is in the single automobile document and must be strictly respected to ensure road safety.
Article 114 of the Road Code determines these limits, in order to ensure that the vehicle circulates within the technical parameters for which it was approved. Overcoming these limits calls into question structural integrity and car performance, endangering the driver and third parties.
Inspection and fines applied
At the time of inspection, authorities may request the weighing of the vehicle to verify that the legal limit is being respected. This practice is provided for in Article 116 of the Road Code and has been reinforced, especially during the periods of greater traffic.
When an overweight is confirmed, fines that vary according to the degree of infringement are confirmed. Article 150 establishes a progressive scale that can range from 60 euros for excesses below 200 pounds to 1,200 euros when the excess exceeds 500 pounds. These penalties reflect the severity that the legislator attributes to this situation.
Risk Risk Road Safety
In addition to the fines, excess cargo transport is a significant risk to road safety. Article 115 of the road code requires the load to be accommodated in order not to compromise the driving or stability of the vehicle.
A car with excessive weight may have difficulties in braking, losing stability in curves and being more likely to damage essential components such as tires and brakes. These factors increase the risk of accidents, especially in emergency situations.
Reinforced inspection in critical periods
The Republican National Guard has been intensifying inspection actions, especially in the main road axes during the largest movement, such as summer. This surveillance aims to prevent accidents related to overweight.
This reinforcement in the inspection aims to ensure compliance with the law and to sensitize drivers to the dangers of carrying their vehicle too much, reflecting the increasing concern of the authorities with road safety.
Tips to avoid fines and ensure safety
The Club of Portugal automobile advises drivers to always check the maximum authorized weight of your vehicle before starting any load transport. In addition, it is important to distribute the weight in a balanced way so as not to overload the axes.
Another essential recommendation is to avoid transporting objects in the roof as this changes the center of gravity of the car and can negatively affect its stability. Inside the car, loose objects should be well packed to prevent them from becoming dangerous in case of sudden braking.
The right weight for your trips
Holidays and changes are times when over -loading is more frequent. Many drivers are unaware of the total weight they are carrying and only perceive the infraction when they are subject to inspection.
Reinforces the importance of planning and prior verification of legal limits. Resisting the temptation to take “just one more thing” is critical to avoiding fines and ensuring a safe trip to all occupants of the vehicle.
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