Caught Overloading Your Truck? What to Do Before It’s Too Late – Avoid Hefty Fines and Legal Trouble

Overloading a truck — commonly referred to as “overweight trucking” — is one of the most common offenses faced by transport operators, logistics business owners, and even truck drivers themselves. Many may have encountered this issue, or unknowingly committed the violation without realizing the legal consequences.

This type of offense doesn’t just lead to hefty fines; it can also result in legal action, especially if the overloaded vehicle causes damage to public property or endangers lives.

In this article, we’ll explain:

• Why overloading is illegal
  
• What steps to take if you get caught
  
• When to consider legal representation or consult a lawyer

Understanding your rights and responsibilities can help you minimize losses and avoid unnecessary legal risks.

What Is an Overloaded Truck?

An “overloaded truck” refers to a vehicle whose total weight — including the truck itself and the cargo — exceeds the legal limit set by law. These limits are clearly regulated under the Land Transport Act and specific ministerial regulations that outline the maximum allowable load for each type of truck.

Here are typical legal weight limits for common truck types:

• 6-wheel truck: Not more than 15 tons
  
• 10-wheel truck: Not more than 25 tons
  
• Trailer or semi-trailer: Depends on the number of axles and the trailer configuration

If a truck exceeds the designated weight limit, it is considered a violation of the law, which may result in serious consequences such as:

• Being stopped by highway authorities or traffic police
  
• Receiving an order to stop operating the vehicle
  
• Being forced to unload cargo on the spot to reduce weight
  
• Paying a large fine
  
• Getting a record in the government’s legal system, which could affect future permits or business operations

What to Do If You’re Caught for “Overloaded Trucking”?

If you or your driver is stopped by authorities for overloading a truck, here are the steps you should take:

1. Check the Documents and Ticket
   If the vehicle was weighed at a checkpoint and a ticket was issued, review all the details carefully—this includes the recorded weight, the legal weight limit, and the legal references cited.
   
2. Do Not Rush to Sign an Admission
   Many people mistakenly believe that “signing means the problem is solved.” In reality, signing without legal consultation may be considered an admission of guilt, even if you did not intend to break the law or fully understand the charges.
   
3. If Your Driver’s License is Confiscated or You’re Ordered Not to Proceed
   Ask the officer about the steps needed to resolve the situation. You should also contact the vehicle’s owning company or relevant authority to proceed appropriately.
   
4. Gather Supporting Evidence
   This may include loading documents, records from the point of origin and destination, the vehicle’s empty weight, or other transportation paperwork. These can help clarify your case to the authorities or in court, should legal proceedings follow.

What Are the Fines and Penalties for Overloaded Trucks?

The penalties for overloading a truck under Thai law vary depending on how much the load exceeds the legal limit. For example:

• Overweight by 5–10%: A fine of approximately 5,000–10,000 THB
  
• Overweight by 10–20%: A fine of up to 20,000 THB
  
• Overweight by more than 20%: A fine of up to 50,000 THB, and the vehicle may be temporarily prohibited from operating
  

In some cases, law enforcement may pursue criminal charges, especially if the violation is deemed severe or intentional—particularly when it causes public infrastructure damage, such as harm to roads.

Overloaded Trucks Can Have Long-Term Impacts on Your Business

Beyond fines and legal actions, business operators should be aware of other risks, including:

• Loss of eligibility to bid on certain transportation contracts
  
• Erosion of client trust and doubts about the company’s responsibility
  
• Increased operational costs to resolve legal or logistical issues
  
• If an accident occurs while the truck is overloaded, the insurance company may deny coverage, citing the excessive load as a breach of policy conditions

Consulting a Lawyer Immediately Is the Best Solution

Even though being caught for “overloaded trucking” may seem like a minor issue, mishandling it from the beginning can lead to legal disputes, unnecessary expenses, and a loss of business credibility.

Wongsakorn Law Office strongly recommends that you consult a lawyer as soon as the incident occurs, especially in cases where:

• You believe the weighing result may be inaccurate
  
• You possess documents that can be used to contest the charge
  
• You suspect the authorities acted unlawfully
  
• You are uncertain about the next steps to take
  

A lawyer can assist by reviewing all documents and legal references, representing you in court or legal proceedings, and filing appeals to protect your rights and interests properly.

Overloaded Trucking Is Not a Small Matter Being charged or prosecuted for this offense can affect your business operations, reputation, and financial stability. If you or your team faces this situation, stay calm and seek legal counsel promptly to ensure your case is handled correctly and to minimize future risks. For immediate legal consultation, please contact Wongsakorn Law Office.