Overloading is one of the fastest ways to turn a normal trip into a costly delay—because it can lead to fines, forced offloading, detention at weighbridges, and permit endorsements. For material holders and fleet operators, the best practice is simple: load within GVW and axle limits printed/approved for the vehicle.
This guide explains the rules in plain language, with real-world steps you can apply before dispatch.
What Counts as “Overloading” in India?
A vehicle is considered overloaded when its laden weight exceeds the Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) specified in its Registration Certificate (RC). The Motor Vehicles Act prohibits driving (or allowing to be driven) a vehicle when the laden weight exceeds the GVW in the RC.
Key terms you should know
- Unladen weight: vehicle weight without load
- Laden weight: vehicle weight with load
- GVW (Gross Vehicle Weight): maximum legal laden weight as per RC
- Axle load: weight carried by each axle (front/rear groups)
The Legal Limits That Matter Most (GVW + Axle Load)
1) Axle load limits (safe axle weight)
MoRTH revised safe axle load limits (commonly used for enforcement and planning). Examples from the MoRTH table:
- Single axle (four tyres): 11.5 tonnes
- Tandem axle (rigid vehicles/trailers/semi-trailers): 21 tonnes
- Tri-axle (rigid vehicles/trailers/semi-trailers): 27 tonnes
2) Overall GVW caps (upper ceiling)
As per the same MoRTH notification table:
- GVW must not exceed total permissible safe axle weight, and in any case shall not exceed:
- 49 tonnes for rigid vehicles
- 55 tonnes for semi-articulated trailers and truck-trailers (except modular hydraulic trailers)
3) Tolerance (don’t misunderstand this)
The MoRTH notification also mentions tolerance up to 5% in GVW allowed for compliance to Section 113(3). This is not a “free pass” to overload—enforcement may still require strict compliance depending on situation.
How Enforcement Works on the Road (Weighbridge Reality)
If an authorized officer believes a goods vehicle is operating in violation of weight limits, they can require the driver to take the vehicle to a weighing device (within specified distance limits). If overweight, the officer can order offloading of the excess weight at the driver’s risk and can also endorse overloading details on the goods carriage permit.
Real-world meaning: if you’re overloaded, you can’t “just pay and go” in many cases—you may be forced to remove excess load and lose time.
Overloading Penalties in India (Section 194)
1) Standard overloading fine
Under the Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Act changes, the overloading penalty is:
- ₹20,000 + ₹2,000 per tonne of excess load
- plus: the vehicle shall not be allowed to move until the excess load is removed
2) Load protruding beyond permissible dimensions
If the vehicle is loaded so the load extends beyond permissible limits (side/front/rear/height), it attracts a ₹20,000 fine (and related liabilities mentioned in the provision).
3) Refusing weighment / related offence
The amendment also increases penalty in Section 194(2) to a ₹40,000 fine.
Who Is Responsible: Load Owner or Driver?
Practically, enforcement happens to the vehicle and driver at the spot. But legally, the Motor Vehicles Act also allows courts to presume the offence was committed with the owner’s knowledge/orders in certain cases.
Operational takeaway: material holders, transport coordinators, and drivers should treat weight compliance as a shared responsibility—confirm before dispatch.
Practical Compliance: How to Avoid Overloading (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Verify GVW and axle configuration from the RC
Before loading, confirm:
- GVW on RC
- axle type (single/tandem/tri) and tyre configuration
- body type (open/closed/container) and its suitability for the cargo
Step 2: Plan load distribution (not just total weight)
Even if total weight looks “okay,” poor distribution can overload a rear axle group.
Rule of thumb for planning:
- keep heavy items low and centered
- avoid stacking heavy goods at tail end
- ensure pallet placement is balanced
Step 3: Use a weighbridge (especially for bulk materials)
If your material is:
- sand/aggregates
- scrap/steel
- packed bags in high count
- goods with uncertain density
…do a weighbridge check. It costs far less than a fine + offloading delay.
Step 4: Prevent dimension violations
Avoid load that extends beyond permissible:
- height (common with loosely stacked bags or tall machinery)
- rear overhang (pipes, rods)
- side bulge (improper lashing)
Checklists
A) Material Holder Checklist (Before Truck Arrives)
- Confirm material type + packing (bags/cartons/pallets/loose/bulk)
- Approx weight & count (bags × kg / pallets × kg)
- Required truck type (open/closed/container)
- Loading method (manual/forklift/crane)
- Route constraints (ghat roads, narrow entry, height restrictions)
B) Loading Supervisor Checklist (At Dispatch Point)
- GVW from RC checked
- Load evenly distributed (no tail-heavy stacking)
- Proper lashing/strapping used
- No protruding load beyond permissible limits
- Photos taken after loading (useful for disputes)
C) Driver Checklist (Before Moving)
- Ask for weight confirmation if bulk/uncertain load
- Confirm tarpaulin and lashing
- Check tyre pressure & suspension condition
- Avoid taking responsibility for unknown weight—confirm before departure
Common Mistakes That Trigger Fines
- “We’ll adjust later” (but you get stopped before that)
- assuming bag count = safe weight (bag weight varies by moisture/content)
- loading heavy items at rear for “easy unloading”
- ignoring height and rear overhang on long materials
- skipping weighbridge for bulk cargo
FAQs
1) What is the fine for truck overloading in India?
The overloading penalty is ₹20,000 plus ₹2,000 per tonne of excess load, and the vehicle may not be allowed to move until excess is removed.
2) Is overloading decided by GVW or axle load?
Both matter. Legally, exceeding GVW on RC is overloading, and enforcement also checks safe axle load limits.
3) Can the officer force offloading at the spot?
Yes. Under the Act, the officer can direct offloading of excess weight and prevent vehicle movement until compliant.
4) Is there any tolerance allowed in weight checks?
MoRTH’s notification mentions tolerance up to 5% in GVW for compliance to Section 113(3). Practical enforcement can still be strict, so plan to stay within limits.
5) What if a truck refuses to go for weighing?
The amended penalty under Section 194(2) is ₹40,000.
Recent Comments