Fines for overloading

Fines for overloading in freight transport are an important factor in ensuring road safety and preventing damage to infrastructure. Overloading a vehicle leads to the risk of serious damage to its components and structures, which can be dangerous for both the driver and other road users. Overloading a vehicle also damages road infrastructure. Let’s consider the relationship between overloading, safe driving, and the condition of the road surface.

What is the maximum permissible weight

Weight restrictions vary depending on the type of vehicle. All trucks have a maximum “total vehicle weight” indicated in the technical passport. The vehicle’s unladen weight is also indicated in the vehicle documents. Simple calculations can determine the weight of the cargo that such a vehicle can carry. For example, the maximum permissible weight of a loaded vehicle is 40 tons. A vehicle weighs 16-18 tons, and the cargo must not exceed 22 tons. Manufacturers also indicate axle loads that cannot be exceeded.

Why is it important to avoid overloading

There are obvious potential consequences of driving a vehicle with excess weight. 

• Safety. The weight of an overloaded vehicle has a huge impact on handling characteristics. Once the manufacturer’s weight limit is exceeded, the vehicle loses control. The truck’s center of gravity shifts, making it unstable when turning. The extra weight increases the braking distance in any weather conditions, and puts extra stress on the tires and suspension components.
• Road wear. The movement of overloaded trucks costs the country’s budget billions of hryvnias, which go to repairing worn-out roads and bridges. Overloaded axles cause more wear on the road surface than properly loaded vehicles.
• Compliance with legal standards. Although an overloaded vehicle carries more goods, a responsible carrier who operates in accordance with legal standards eliminates the risk of fines and other sanctions, and works calmly.
• Insurance. If the vehicle gets into an accident and is found to be overloaded, the insurance will be canceled. This means that by overloading the truck, the carrier deliberately deprives himself of insurance.
• Fuel consumption. It does not matter what fine for overloading a vehicle can be issued to a driver. The company initially bears losses, since when exceeding the permissible weight parameters, fuel consumption increases. And it costs a lot of money today.

In vain, many drivers and cargo owners think that excess weight will not be detected. On certain sections of European roads, special weighing systems are used at checkpoints. Their sensors read data on the size and weight of a passing vehicle, which allows detecting overloaded vehicles. Cameras on site provide recognition of license plates and an image of the vehicle. The data is transmitted to traffic inspectors who accompany the vehicle to a stationary weighing point. If the violation is confirmed, punishment for overloading a truck cannot be avoided.

What penalties are provided for overloading in Ukraine

As a rule, a fine for overloading depends on the severity of the offense. In some cases, the sanction involves a monetary fine, in others – the imposition of restrictions on driving or holding the vehicle until the requirements are met. In 2024, the fine for overloading in Ukraine is calculated according to the following algorithm:

• less than 2% — 1.7 thousand UAH;
• 2-5% — 5.1 thousand UAH;
• 5-10% — 8.5 thousand UAH;
• 10-20% — 17 thousand UAH;
• 20-30% — 34 thousand UAH;
• over 30% — 51 thousand UAH.

Based on this algorithm, the relevant authorities determine how much of a fine for overloading a truck the carrier company or the owner of the vehicle (if acting under an individual contract) will pay.

The permissible axle load in Ukraine is:

• for vehicles with a single axle — up to 11 tons;
• for trucks with two axles — no more than 16 tons;
• for vehicles with 3 or more axles — up to 22 tons.

To avoid troubles and risks associated with overloading of transport, including accidental, it is enough to purchase axle weighing platforms. They provide the ability to accurately weigh freight transport to meet requirements. And in order not to get a fine for overloading on an axle, it is important to observe the correct arrangement of cargo in the vehicle body. For this purpose, lateral displacement limiters and tension belts are used in trailers and bodies to prevent unauthorized movement of cargo.