Spain’s holiday road-trip warning: Pack light or pay up to €4,000

Overpacking in Spain for the summer? You could face a massive fine… You know that last-minute scramble before a summer holiday—the kids want to bring every toy, you’re squeezing in the extra sun cream, and someone’s snuck a paddleboard on top of all the suitcases. What is a road trip if the boot doesn’t burst at the seams with all of its contents?

The Spanish authorities will crack down on vehicles that are overloaded. This could mean a huge blow to your holiday budget.

Spain’s crackdown on overloaded vehicles this summer

There’s no surprise that vehicles, such as lorries, delivery vans and cars, are a Maximum mass permitted (MMA) Set by the manufacturer. The paperwork is right there, but most of us don’t check it very often since we purchased the car. This number isn’t just a technicality—it’s the absolute weight your vehicle can legally carry, including passengers, luggage, and yes, the family dog.

The Guardia Civil promised that it would increase spot checks on Spanish country roads and motorways this summer as millions of people will be taking road trips for holidays. Officers are rolling out portable scales—think weigh-in at the airport, but with a flashing blue light. The officers will compare the weight of your vehicle loaded with that of the official MMA. You’re in serious trouble if you go over.

What happens when you are overloaded? These fines are serious

What kind of penalties are we referring to? They’re not something to be taken lightly.

• If you’re over by 5  per cent o 15 per cent, that’s a €300 fine—probably more than your nicest hotel night.
• If you hit 15 per cent to 25 per cent over, now you’re up to €800.
• If you go crazy and exceed the limit more than 25%, what happens? Brace yourself: it’s a €4,000 fine.

This is not a typo. Simply for having too much in your boot, you’ll be charged four thousand euros. This is not the souvenir you were hoping for.

What drivers do when they are caught overloading cars

It’s actually easier than you imagine. Roof boxes, extra suitcases, a couple of bikes on the back, or even the grandparents squeezed in for the ride – all that weight adds up fast. While it may be tempting to pack until the doors are barely closed, this is a risk that’s not worth it.

The authorities say that these rules aren’t just for being picky. Overloading your car can make it less safe. It affects your braking system, steering and ability to swerve during an emergency. The car will handle differently and be harder to control. If you are unfortunate enough to crash, you might not be covered by your insurance if the car was overloaded.

What should you prepare before driving?

Do yourself a favor if you’re planning to go on a Spanish vacation and avoid unpleasant surprises.

• You can find the MMA of your vehicle in the logbook, or inside the driver’s side door.
• Think about everything you’re taking—including people, pets, and all the luggage.
• Be realistic. Keep in mind that you can always leave things behind if your budget is close to its limit. Is that third pair of trainers really worth €4,000?
• Remember: Roof racks and bicycle carriers are also included!

When you’re stopped for driving over the speed limit, you could not only be fined but you might also have to unload your vehicle at the roadside. Imagine having to choose on the spot which suitcases are left in a layby.

Spain’s summer holidays are legendary. And with so many families taking to the open road in the country, authorities are under pressure from all sides to ensure that everyone is safe. Although overloading may seem harmless, it is a major factor in hundreds accidents each year.

As you prepare for your Spanish trip, consider carefully before adding that extra suitcase. A lighter car isn’t just safer—it could be the difference between a dream holiday and a four-grand disaster.

Enjoy the sun, drive safely, and remember that less is more.