Standard UK driver’s licences permit operation of vehicles with up to 9 seats, two axles and a Maximum Gross Vehicle Weight (MGVW) of 3.5 tonnes. This total encompasses the vehicle itself, all passengers, and cargo combined.
Obtain the vehicle’s “mass in running order” from hire companies, then subtract this from 3.5 tonnes to determine remaining capacity for passengers and equipment. Given that a long-wheelbase Mercedes Sprinter weighs over 2,600kg empty, this leaves limited carrying capacity after adding nine passengers.
Violations result in vehicle impoundment until weight restrictions are met, along with potential fines and licence points.
Alternatives include hiring drivers licensed for larger vehicles, employing trailers, selecting lighter vehicle models, or strategically shipping merchandise rather than transporting it throughout entire tours.