Overloading — Goods Vehicle
Carrying goods in excess of the registered Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW).
Fine (1st)
₹20,000 + ₹2,000 per extra tonne
What the Law Says
Commercial goods vehicles are assigned a Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) that must not be exceeded. Overloading damages road infrastructure, causes tyre blowouts and brake failures, and makes vehicles difficult to control. The penalty is calculated as a base fine plus a per-excess-tonne surcharge, making overloading economically costly. The vehicle can be detained at a weigh station until excess load is offloaded.
"Whoever drives or causes to be driven in any public place a motor vehicle... with a load in excess of the permissible load... shall be punishable..." — Sec. 194, MV Act (as amended 2019)
Consequences
- ₹20,000 base fine
- ₹2,000 per extra tonne of excess load
- Vehicle detained until excess load is removed
- Operator (not just driver) is also liable
How to Avoid This Violation
- ✓Always weigh the load before dispatch against the vehicle's RC
- ✓Distribute load evenly to stay within axle weight limits
- ✓Factor in the vehicle's own weight (tare weight) when loading
What to Do If Caught
- 1.Offload excess cargo at the weigh station or designated area
- 2.Pay the fine — detention continues until both fine paid and load reduced
- 3.Operators should review dispatching processes to prevent repeat violations
Legal Reference
Section 194, MV Act
Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 — Section 194; MV (Amendment) Act, 2019
Related Violations
Information sourced from Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 — Section 194; MV (Amendment) Act, 2019. For awareness only — consult a legal professional for specific advice.