From April 1st, the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) will be stepping up enforcement with roadside vehicle inspections throughout the UK. Understanding what a Prohibition Notice (PG9) is, and knowing what to do if one is issued, is essential for all vehicle and trailer operators.

What is a PG9 Prohibition Notice?

A Prohibition Notice (PG9) is an official ban preventing a vehicle or trailer from being used on public roads. It is issued by DVSA examiners during roadside inspections when vehicles are identified as unfit or potentially unsafe to operate. A PG9 notice aims to ensure road safety by immediately or conditionally halting the operation of vehicles presenting a safety risk.

Why Are PG9 Notices Issued?

PG9 Notices are issued primarily to:

• Ensure Road Safety: Vehicles presenting a risk of injury or harm due to mechanical faults or maintenance issues must be removed from public roads promptly.
• Notify Operators and Owners: Clearly outlining defects that must be rectified to regain legal operational status.
• Inform Traffic Commissioners: DVSA is legally required to inform the Traffic Commissioner each time a prohibition notice is issued, highlighting maintenance and safety concerns. This may lead to further regulatory actions if issues are not addressed.
• Enable Targeted Enforcement: Identifying operators whose vehicle maintenance practices require improvement and further inspection.

Types of Prohibition Notices: Immediate vs Delayed

Prohibition notices fall into two categories based on severity:

• Immediate Prohibition Notices: Issued when DVSA examiners determine the vehicle or trailer poses an immediate risk to road safety. The vehicle or trailer must not be driven or towed until the defects are fully rectified and the prohibition formally removed.
• Delayed Prohibition Notices: Issued for less immediate safety concerns, allowing the operator a grace period (up to 10 days) to rectify identified defects. The vehicle may continue to be operated until the effective date specified by the examiner, at which point the prohibition becomes active.

Delayed Prohibitions: Severity Bands and Timeframes

The duration of delayed prohibitions varies based on defect severity and the potential safety or environmental risks identified:

Band	Period of Delay	Severity of Defects Listed on PG9
A	Up to 10 days	Fewer than 5 defects in non-critical areas
B	4–7 days	1 defect in a safety-critical area OR 5+ defects in non-critical areas
C	Up to 3 days	More than 1 defect in a safety-critical area

These delays allow operators to plan necessary repairs, minimising operational disruption while ensuring eventual compliance with DVSA safety standards.

Operating a Vehicle or Trailer Under Prohibition

When a PG9 prohibition is in force, driving, towing, or allowing the use of the prohibited vehicle on a public road is an offence. However, limited exceptions apply:

PG9B Exemption Notice

When a PG9 is issued, but the examiner believes the vehicle can be moved for repair without posing a risk, a PG9B exemption notice is issued. 

Conditions for PG9B

The PG9B may specify conditions for the movement, such as: 

• The vehicle being unladen. 
• Not exceeding a specified speed limit. 
• Not towing a trailer. 
• Being towed by a rigid or suspended tow-bar. 
• Not being on the road after lighting-up time. 
• Proceeding to the nearest specified repair facility. 

Traffic Commissioner Actions & Regulatory Consequences

Each PG9 prohibition is formally recorded and shared with the relevant Traffic Commissioner. Repeated prohibitions, serious safety breaches, or persistent maintenance failures can lead to further regulatory actions, including:

• Curtailment, suspension, or complete revocation of operator licences.
• Additional regulatory checks and heightened enforcement scrutiny.

Removing a PG9 Notice – How We Can Help

As an NTTA-approved trailer dealer, we are fully qualified and equipped to assist in lifting PG9 notices from your trailers. Our professional team will guide you clearly through the rectification and re-inspection process, ensuring your trailer is promptly restored to full compliance, safe to operate, and legally back on the road.

Need Assistance with a PG9 Notice?

Don’t leave compliance and safety to chance – contact our team via one of the buttons below for professional guidance and support in dealing with your PG9 notice.