How to Deal with a DVSA Prohibition Notice

You’re at the roadside or in your depot when the DVSA inspector finishes their checks, walks over, and issues a PG9 Prohibition Notice.

It’s a moment every operator dreads — but how you respond matters just as much as what caused it.

In this post, we’ll explain:

• What a DVSA prohibition notice is

• The difference between immediate and delayed prohibitions

• What causes them

• What to do next

• How to challenge one if needed

• How to avoid future issues

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Whether you operate one van or a small fleet, this guide will help you handle a prohibition the right way — and protect your Operator Licence.

🚫 What Is a DVSA Prohibition Notice?

A prohibition notice is a legal order issued by a DVSA vehicle examiner when they find your vehicle:

• To be mechanically dangerous

• To have a serious defect

• To breach roadworthiness or operator licence rules

The notice makes it illegal to use the vehicle until the problem is fixed and the prohibition is removed.

⚠️ Immediate vs Delayed Prohibitions

There are two types of prohibition notices under PG9:

Type	Meaning
Immediate	Vehicle is too dangerous to be driven. It must not move until repaired.
Delayed	Vehicle can be used for a short time, but must be repaired by the stated deadline.

S-marked prohibitions: If the DVSA believes the defect arose from a serious failure of management or maintenance, the notice may be marked with an ‘S’. This often leads to further enforcement or a call to Public Inquiry.

🧾 Common Reasons for Prohibition Notices

Issue	Example
Brake defects	Inoperative brakes, poor brake test results
Tyre problems	Exposed cords, illegal tread depth
Lights and indicators	Inoperative or mismatched lamps
Steering or suspension faults	Excessive play, broken springs
Load security failures	Inadequate strapping or shifting load
Tachograph misuse	Operating without required calibration or card
Vehicle overloading	Exceeding legal weight limits
Exhaust or emissions issues	Tampering or visible excessive smoke

✅ What to Do If You Receive a Prohibition Notice

1. Stay Calm and Professional

• Don’t argue on the spot

• Cooperate with the DVSA inspector

• Ask for clarification if you don’t understand something

2. Read the Notice Carefully

• Note whether it’s immediate or delayed

• Check if it’s S-marked

• Understand what must be repaired or corrected

3. Don’t Use the Vehicle

• If it’s an immediate prohibition, the vehicle must stay off the road

• You can only move it if authorised, e.g. to a garage on trade plates

4. Arrange Repairs Immediately

• Use a qualified mechanic or your usual maintenance provider

• Ask for a repair invoice or job sheet

• Check and test the full vehicle — not just the listed defect

5. Get the Vehicle Reinspected (if required)

Some prohibitions must be cleared by DVSA before the vehicle can go back into service.

This may require:

• Booking a vehicle presentation at an ATF or DVSA site

• Showing invoices and repair evidence

• A vehicle inspection to lift the prohibition

6. Record Everything

• Keep copies of the prohibition notice

• File all repair documents in your compliance folder

• Note actions taken and dates — it shows you acted responsibly

7. Notify Your Transport Consultant or Legal Advisor (if applicable)

If the prohibition was serious or marked with an “S,” it’s wise to get professional advice — especially if DVSA mentions referring the case to the Traffic Commissioner.

📝 Can You Appeal or Challenge a Prohibition?

Yes — if you believe the prohibition was wrongly issued, you can challenge it in writing by contacting the DVSA.

You’ll need to:

• State your reasons clearly and factually

• Provide technical evidence if possible (e.g. garage inspection report)

• Be respectful and professional

Note: Challenging a prohibition doesn’t remove your obligation to repair the vehicle immediately.

🔄 The Impact of Prohibitions on Your Operator Licence

Prohibitions are recorded and can affect your:

• OCRS risk score

• Reputation with the Traffic Commissioner

• Likelihood of being stopped again

• Risk of being called to a Public Inquiry

S-marked prohibitions are particularly serious — they suggest that poor systems or management, not just a one-off defect, were the root cause.

📚 Include the Prohibition in Your Records

Use the incident as a learning opportunity.

Create a short incident report that documents:

• Date and time of prohibition

• Officer’s name and notes

• Nature of defect

• Action taken (repairs, retraining, system changes)

• What has been done to prevent recurrence

This shows the DVSA or Traffic Commissioner that you’re proactive and taking compliance seriously.

🔧 How to Prevent Future Prohibitions

Step	Description
Regular Safety Inspections	Schedule PMIs every 6–10 weeks with competent providers
Daily Walkaround Checks	Train drivers and keep records of all defects and sign-offs
Quality Maintenance Providers	Use qualified, reliable mechanics and review their work
Pre-MOT Checks	Conduct internal inspections before presenting for test
Tacho and Load Checks	Make sure drivers understand their responsibilities
Record Keeping	Store all inspection, repair, and enforcement records for 15+ months

👥 What If You're a One-Vehicle Operator?

Even if you’re self-employed with one van or lorry, you're still expected to meet full compliance standards.

That means:

• You must do (and record) walkaround checks

• Your maintenance must be documented

• You must act on defects immediately

• You must know and apply the law around tacho and load safety

Being small doesn’t excuse non-compliance — it just means you are responsible for everything.

🧠 Final Thoughts

A DVSA prohibition notice is serious — but it doesn’t have to define your business.

What matters most is how you respond:

• Fix the defect

• Document the repairs

• Review your systems

• Learn from the experience

And if you’ve been given an S-marked prohibition or had multiple issues, it’s time to seek advice and rebuild your compliance systems from the ground up.

Prohibitions are avoidable — and with the right approach, so are the bigger consequences that come with them.

Next in the series:👉 What to Do If You Receive a Letter from the Office of the Traffic Commissioner