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 a motor vehicle or causes or allows a motor vehicle to be driven in contravention of the provisions of section 113 or section 114 or section 115 shall be punishable..., together with the liability to pay charges for off-loading of the excess load." — Sec. 194(1), MV Act 1988 (amounts 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.