Avoiding DVSA Prohibitions: Common Vehicle Maintenance Failures
- stuart47304
- Jul 8
- 4 min read
For any operator — but especially those running on a Restricted Operator Licence — a DVSA prohibition can be a wake-up call, a warning… or a catastrophe.
Prohibitions are issued when a vehicle is found to be mechanically unroadworthy or dangerous, and they signal serious failings in your maintenance system. The good news? Most of them are completely avoidable.
In this post, we’ll cover:
What a DVSA prohibition is
The types of prohibitions
The most common maintenance failures that trigger them
Real-life examples
How to avoid them
What to do if you receive one
Let’s help you stay off DVSA’s radar — and keep your vehicles on the road.
What Is a DVSA Prohibition Notice?
A prohibition notice is a legal order issued by the DVSA (Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency) that prevents a vehicle from being used on the road until defects are corrected.
There are two main types:
Type | Description |
Immediate Prohibition (PG9) | Issued for dangerous defects — vehicle must not be driven until fixed. |
Delayed Prohibition | Issued for serious but not dangerous defects — gives time (e.g. 10 days) to repair. |
In both cases, the DVSA records the prohibition, which affects your OCRS (Operator Compliance Risk Score) and may trigger enforcement action — especially if defects are recurring.
Top Reasons DVSA Issues Prohibitions
The most common maintenance-related failings seen at the roadside and during inspections include:
1. Worn Tyres
Tread below 1mm on HGVs
Sidewall damage
Incorrect inflation
Mismatched sizes on same axle
❌ Example: 7.5t tipper pulled at roadside — one rear tyre at 0.7mm tread = immediate prohibition + £100 fine
2. Brake Defects
Leaking air lines
Worn brake linings or cracked discs
Brake imbalance or contamination
Inoperative handbrake
❌ Failing to brake test regularly increases risk of being caught with unsafe brakes.
3. Faulty Lights or Reflectors
Inoperative indicators
Cracked lenses
Missing reflectors
Poor beam alignment
❌ Easily picked up in a daily walkaround — so DVSA sees this as lazy maintenance, not just bad luck.
4. Suspension & Steering Issues
Cracked springs
Excessive play in steering
Loose or missing U-bolts
Worn suspension bushes
❌ Operators often miss these if relying only on driver walkarounds and not regular inspections.
5. Exhaust & Emissions Failures
Excessive smoke
Leaking exhaust joints
Missing silencers or DPFs
Faulty AdBlue systems (for Euro 6 vehicles)
❌ Especially common on older vehicles with high mileage.
6. Bodywork & Load Security
Loose panels
Missing mudguards
Insecure sheeting or doors
Missing or broken tail lift warning signs
❌ These are often picked up during DVSA stop-checks on tipper, scaffolding, or skip vehicles.
7. Dashboard Warning Lights Ignored
ABS, EBS, air system warnings
Engine management lights
Brake wear indicators
❌ If the light is on and you’re still driving, DVSA assumes you’re ignoring defects.
8. Neglected Trailers
Worn kingpins
Brake hoses rubbing or cracked
Defective lights
Missing marker boards
❌ Operators often forget that trailers need their own inspections and records.
Real-Life Case Study: A Small Mistake, Big Consequence
Operator: Self-employed landscape contractor with one 7.5t lorryIssue: Missed 6-week PMI due to workload. Vehicle stopped by DVSA.Defects Found:
Cracked spring
Bald tyre (0.9mm)
Oil leak on rear brake drumOutcome:
Immediate prohibition
£250 in fines
Referred to Traffic Commissioner
Restricted Licence curtailed to 6 months
What Happens When You Get a Prohibition?
🚫 Vehicle is taken off the road (immediately or with delay)
📝 Defect must be repaired and documented
📄 You must complete a PG9 removal form and submit to DVSA
📉 Your OCRS score worsens (affects future risk rating)
⚠️ If it’s serious or repeated, you could be called to a Public Inquiry
How to Avoid Prohibitions: Best Practice Maintenance Tips
✅ 1. Stick to Your Inspection Schedule
Don’t delay PMIs — not even by a week
Use a planner or digital calendar with alerts
✅ 2. Do Proper Daily Walkaround Checks
Don’t tick boxes blindly
Ensure drivers know what to look for (training helps)
Log and act on any defects, even minor
✅ 3. Use Competent Maintenance Providers
Choose garages familiar with DVSA standards
Ensure they document inspections properly
Insist on brake tests at least 3–4 times a year
✅ 4. Act on Warning Lights
Never drive with warning lights showing
Log and repair the fault before further use
✅ 5. Keep Defect Reports and Repair Evidence
Retain reports for 15 months minimum
Log defect date, who fixed it, and when
Keep invoices or job cards for repairs
✅ 6. Audit Your Maintenance Process
Review a sample of recent inspection reports
Cross-check against walkaround check records
Verify that any “advised” defects were followed up
Sample DVSA-Proof Maintenance Checklist
Task | Frequency | Responsibility |
Daily walkaround checks | Every day | Driver |
PMI inspection | Every 6 weeks | Workshop |
Brake test | Every 3 months or with PMI | Workshop |
MOT | Annually | Operator |
Service (manufacturer) | As scheduled | Workshop |
Defect report log review | Monthly | Operator |
✅ Keep everything documented, organised, and easy to access in case of audit.
What If You Receive a Prohibition?
Don’t panic — but act fast:
Fix the defect immediately
Get a written repair confirmation
Complete the PG9 clearance form and send it to DVSA
Review your system — why was this missed?
Log the incident and any remedial action
Prepare evidence if you’re called to a Public Inquiry
Then ask yourself:
“If I had to explain this to the Traffic Commissioner tomorrow, would they believe I’ve learned from it?”
Conclusion
Most DVSA prohibitions are preventable with a solid maintenance routine, daily checks, and attention to warning signs. The best way to stay compliant is not to play catch-up, but to plan, document, and audit your maintenance process.
Remember: a well-maintained vehicle isn’t just legal — it’s safer, more reliable, and cheaper to run.
Next in the series:👉 Understanding Your Responsibilities as a Restricted Operator Licence Holder