The summer rush has already begun, and thousands of drivers are preparing to leave the city behind, seeking moments of relaxation at favorite destinations.

Whether it’s for short getaways or long trips, road safety should remain a priority.

Every driver who takes the wheel these days must demonstrate responsibility and caution, safeguarding their own lives as well as those of their passengers and other road users.

So let’s take a look at what is prohibited to carry in our cars.

Heavy items

Article 32 of the current Traffic Code states that once our car is loaded, the gross weight may not exceed that specified by the manufacturer and stated on the registration document.

Hazardous Items

One of the most common mistakes travelers make involves loading the car, which can cause property damage to our car or even bodily harm to us or other road users.

Therefore, according to the K.O.K., the load must be arranged and stowed in such a way that it does not expose the driver and/or passengers to danger, but also that no damage is caused by spillage or falling of the load on the road.

Cables, ropes, chains, and covers used to secure or protect the load shall be tightened and securely fastened as required by the K.O.K.

Objects that are distracting and “blinding”

Objects we carry while traveling should not interfere with the driver or reduce the driver’s visibility. Of course, our cargo should not be… an obstacle to other road users, putting them in danger.

At the same time, our luggage should not cover front and rear lights, license plates, the vehicle’s country of registration insignia, and any reflective elements that the vehicle bears from its manufacturer. With the lights covered, our vehicle is not visible at night, which poses significant risks.

Too far away objects

The chances of causing an accident are also increased by objects that are too far away, such as a pipe or large sticks, for example. As stipulated by the current K.O.K., the load must not protrude from the rear of the vehicle by more than 30% of the total length of the body.

In case you want to transport objects that do not comply with the above restriction, the K.O.K. states that “prior permission from the locally competent technical department is required.”

Objects dragged on the ground

It is also prohibited to transport objects that are dragged on the ground during the journey, and this contact causes damage to the road surface or endangers the safety of other road users.

You may only transport objects that touch the ground if they do not cause damage to the road or threaten other road users, and only with “special permission from the local Technical Service”.

The fine

The administrative fine for the above offences amounts to 80 euros, while in the case of dangerous loading, even immobilisation of the vehicle may be imposed, according to the K.O.K.

Many people in the car

The car’s registration states the maximum number of passengers, with the K.O.K. prohibiting exceeding that number. This has to do with the manufacturer’s specifications and the number of seat belts inside the car.

It should be noted that a driver who carries more passengers than the prescribed number or in the wrong way is punished with an administrative fine of 80 euros.

Finally, it is generally prohibited to transport goods in our car, while in some cases this is allowed as long as we have the necessary documents with us.