Never exceed the weight limits for your vehicle as this can be dangerous. It will also mean that your vehicle uses more fuel as the engine has to work harder.

You MUST also ensure that any load

is fastened securely
doesn’t obscure your view
doesn’t stick out dangerously.

Make sure that any objects or animals

you carry are secured safely.

Dogs should be strapped in with a special car harness or travel behind a grille. Other animals should be carried in cages or special carry-boxes, which should be secured with the seat belt.
Make sure packages are securely stored, preferably in the boot of the vehicle, where they should be strapped down or wedged in to stop them moving around.

If you do need to carry packages inside the car, make sure that they won’t move if you have to brake or turn suddenly. In particular

strap down any large or heavy object with the seat belt
don’t put anything where it would obstruct your vision
don’t carry any items in the driver’s footwell. If you put something elsewhere on the floor, make sure that it can’t roll around the vehicle.

Carrying a heavy load may have an effect on the handling of your car, so

allow a greater stopping distance
adjust your headlights and increase your tyre pressure to take account of the load
distribute the weight evenly, as any change to the vehicle’s centre of gravity will affect the braking and steering.

Consider fitting

a specially designed roof box to carry bulky items. This is streamlined to save fuel and will also hold the load more securely
special cycle racks on top of or behind the car to carry cycles more securely. If they’re fitted behind the car, make sure that the number plates and lights aren’t obscured.

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