Drivers have been issued an urgent warning to avoid engaging in a dangerous TikTok trend which could see them slapped with hundreds of pounds worth of fines.
In recent weeks, Google searches for "car tent box" have shot up more than 80 per cent, with many calling it the UK's next big outdoor trend.
The videos show people travelling with tents packed away into a box on the roof of their cars, essentially turning the vehicles into makeshift campervans.
They then attach it to the car's roof to create a roof tent, allowing them to sleep off the floor and be as close to their vehicles as possible.
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Experts are calling on drivers to ensure their roof boxes are suitable for their cars
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Vehicles shown in the TikTok videos range from larger and studier Land Rovers to smaller Ford Focus models.
While many drivers will take inspiration from the viral TikToks, experts are warning that they could be breaking road rules with
Tom Roberts, van and leisure expert at Auto Trader, said the car roof tent can be handy given that it doesn't require any towing accessories and only requires the correct roof bars.
However, he urged motorists to check the vehicle's manual to see the dynamic and static roof load limit of their car, calling it "crucial".
The expert added: "My best tip is to ensure that your car’s dynamic roof load limit is more than the weight of the roof box - that will ensure its static roof load limit will be more than enough for when it’s time to make camp.
"To clarify, dynamic roof load limit refers to the maximum weight of anything attached to your car’s roof while it’s driving.
"Static roof load limit is the maximum weight of anything attached to your car’s roof while it’s parked (the tent, its box, people sleeping in it, etc), and is usually around five times as much as the dynamic roof load limit.”
Motorists heading for a staycation or holiday must ensure that they are not driving a vehicle that is overloaded as it is the driver's responsibility to ensure it is safe.
A £100 fine will be on offer for a car that is 10 per cent overloaded, a £200 fine if the vehicle is between 10 and 14 per cent overloaded, and a £300 charge if the vehicle is 15 per cent too heavy, in addition to three points on their licence.
Roberts added: "Drivers can find the dynamic roof load limit of their car in the vehicle’s manual – and it can usually be looked up online."
He also called on drivers to ensure they are being safe when dealing with these measurements as a short trip away could see them hit with hefty fines.
Similar popular Google search terms associated with "car tent box" include "roof rack" which has seen a huge £140 boost in traffic, as well as "ten box cargo" becoming a breakout search term.
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Millions are expected to staycation around the UK this summer
PAData from Go.Compare earlier this year found that staycations would be the most popular holiday choice for 2024 as 33 per cent say they plan to skip international travel in favour of a staycation.
One-in-10 also said they plan to go camping or caravanning in the UK, with more than four-in-10 set to enjoy the British countryside this summer.
