SOBER drivers could face prosecution this Christmas, if they pile too many party passengers, or too much luggage into one car, warns AA Insurance. An estimated 2500 accidents every year involve overloaded cars.

"Returning home after Christmas parties is obviously a peak time for sharing cars," says Kerry Richardson, managing director of AA Insurance. "But sober motorists should resist the urge to play taxi-driver to every reveller.

"In the event of an accident, the driver's insurance could be invalid if the vehicle has more passengers than it is licensed to carry.

"Not only could the driver have to pay for any vehicle damage if the accident was their fault, but they could also be sued by their passengers - and any other people involved, for personal injury compensation."

Regardless of accidents, the driver could also face criminal prosecution, as the braking and handling of the car changes dramatically if the car is overloaded.

The same applies to Christmas 'booze-cruisers' crossing the Channel for cheap drink from France.

"Work on the basis of 60 bottles equals the weight of one passenger," says Richardson.

"If in any doubt about the carrying capacity of your car, check the manufacturer's handbook."

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