If you operate a vehicle, especially an HGV (Heavy Goods Vehicle) or a bus, you may have heard of a PG9 notice. But what exactly is it, and how does it affect your vehicle and operations? In this blog post, we’ll explain PG9 notices, covering everything from what they are to how they impact your driving privileges and business. Whether you’re dealing with it now or just want to learn how to stay compliant, we’ll give you all the information you need.
What is a PG9?
The DVSA (Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency) issues a PG9 as a formal prohibition notice when a vehicle has a significant defect that makes it unroadworthy or unsafe. The term “PG9” specifically refers to the type of defect and the notice that drivers or operators may receive after a roadside inspection. While it typically applies to HGVs, buses, and large vehicles, it can also apply to smaller vehicles if the defect is severe.
PG9 Offences
You commit a PG9 offence when you drive a vehicle with a safety defect that violates road safety regulations. This defect can include faulty brakes, worn-out tyres, broken lights, or serious structural problems. Inspectors usually find these defects during routine roadside checks.
Common PG9 defects include:
- Braking system issues (e.g., faulty or insufficient braking power)
- Lighting defects (e.g., broken or non-functioning lights)
- Suspension problems (e.g., damaged shock absorbers)
- Tyre wear or damage
- Engine or exhaust emissions issues
In some cases, you might receive a PG9 for something as simple as a blown bulb, but in more severe cases, the defects could cause accidents.
PG9 Prohibition Removal
If you receive a PG9 prohibition, you may wonder how to remove it. Once you repair the defects, the vehicle must undergo a re-inspection to prove that you’ve resolved the issues.
The general process for PG9 prohibition removal involves:
- Fixing the defects: Make sure you repair all the issues listed on the PG9 notice.
- Booking a re-inspection: Arrange for the DVSA to inspect the vehicle once you finish the repairs.
- Passing the inspection: If the vehicle passes the re-inspection, the DVSA will remove the prohibition and clear the vehicle for use again.
Acting quickly and professionally when dealing with a PG9 prohibition is crucial because failure to repair the defects could result in fines or further legal action.
Can You Drive an HGV with a Defect?
No, you cannot drive an HGV (or any vehicle) with a significant defect if the DVSA has issued a PG9 notice. Can you drive an HGV with a defect if you haven’t received a PG9? Technically, you could still drive a vehicle with a minor defect, but you must immediately repair any defect that impacts road safety, such as broken brakes or faulty lights.
Operating a vehicle under this prohibition can lead to serious consequences, including fines, suspension of driving privileges, or even criminal charges if the defect results in an accident.
DVSA Categorization of Defects
The DVSA categorizes defects to determine their severity. They classify defects into three categories:
- Immediate/Red PG9: The vehicle poses an immediate danger to road safety and cannot be driven until the DVSA passes it after specific repairs.
- Delayed/Amber PG9: The vehicle remains roadworthy but requires repairs within a set timeframe (usually 10-15 days). If you don’t resolve the issue, the DVSA may upgrade the prohibition to red.
PG9 defects on buses often fall into the dangerous category because buses carry passengers, and the risk to public safety is much higher.
List of PG9 defects
You can see the whole document related to PG9 defects and their categorization on the UK government’s website.
PG9 and Fines
When you receive a PG9, you could face fines based on the defect’s severity. Minor defects might lead to small fines, but driving with a dangerous defect can result in significant financial penalties. In addition to fines, you could face further penalties, including suspension of your operating license and additional prohibitions, if you continue to violate regulations or fail to fix defects after receiving it.
What to Do if You Get a PG9
If you receive this notice, stop driving the vehicle immediately. Continuing to drive a vehicle under a PG9 prohibition is illegal and can lead to serious legal consequences.
Here’s what you should do:
- Read the notice carefully: Understand what defects the notice has identified and how severe they are.
- Repair the vehicle: Address all defects listed in the notice.
- Schedule a re-inspection: After repairing the vehicle, arrange for a DVSA inspection to lift the prohibition.
- Comply with regulations: Make sure your vehicle complies with all DVSA standards to avoid future notices.
FAQs
The PG10 form is essentially a clearance notification that indicates:
1- The vehicle has been inspected.
2- It is now roadworthy and compliant with the necessary safety or regulatory standards.
3- The prohibition (which prevented the vehicle from being used) has been lifted.
PG9C is used to indicate that the vehicle is still not fit for service after repairs have been made, and as a result, the prohibition continues
Yes, police officers authorized by DVSA can issue this prohibition.
A prohibition lasts until you repair the defects and the vehicle passes re-inspection. The notice doesn’t have a fixed expiry date, but the prohibition remains in place until the DVSA deems the vehicle roadworthy again. The duration depends on how quickly you make the necessary repairs and arrange the re-inspection.
You can get it removed by fixing the issue and getting it retested/re-inspected. That is the only way.
Conclusion
Receiving a PG9 notice is a serious matter for any vehicle operator. It indicates a significant defect that makes your vehicle unsafe for the road and requires prompt action. However, by understanding what a PG9 is, how to fix defects, and how to remove the prohibition, you can minimize the disruption to your business and avoid fines and penalties.
By staying proactive with vehicle maintenance and ensuring that your fleet meets all regulatory standards, you can keep your vehicles safe, legal, and ready for the road.