
How to Lift a PG9 Prohibition Notice on Your Trailer: A Step-by-Step Guide
Receiving a PG9 Prohibition Notice from the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) can be daunting. This notice indicates that your trailer has been deemed unroadworthy due to safety defects. However, with the right steps and professional assistance, you can address the issues and get back on the road safely and legally.
What is a PG9 Prohibition Notice?
A PG9 Prohibition Notice is issued by DVSA examiners when a trailer is found to have defects that compromise its safety. There are two types:
- Immediate Prohibition: Issued when defects pose an immediate danger, requiring the trailer to be taken off the road immediately.
- Delayed Prohibition: Issued for less severe defects, allowing a short period (up to 10 days) for repairs before the prohibition takes effect.
In both cases, the trailer must be repaired and pass a re-inspection before it can be used on public roads again.
Steps to Lift a PG9 Prohibition Notice
1. Comprehensive Inspection and Repairs
Begin by addressing all defects listed in the PG9 notice. It’s advisable to have a full inspection to identify any additional issues that may not be listed but could affect safety.
At Sleaford Trailers, our NTTA-accredited technicians are trained to perform thorough inspections and carry out necessary repairs to meet DVSA standards.
2. Documentation and Evidence
After repairs, documentation is crucial:
NTTA Declaration of Inspection Certificate: Certifies that the trailer has been inspected by an NTTA Trusted Workshop.
Roadworthiness Inspection Record: Details the inspection and confirms that defects have been rectified.
3. Submission to DVSA
Submit the completed documents to the DVSA. This initiates the process for lifting the prohibition.
4. Await DVSA Confirmation
The DVSA will review the submitted documents and, if satisfied, will issue a PG10 notice, officially lifting the prohibition. Until you receive this confirmation, the trailer must not be used on public roads.
Why Choose Sleaford Trailers?
As an NTTA Trusted Workshop, Sleaford Trailers meets stringent industry standards for trailer servicing and repairs. Our team is trained to handle PG9-related issues efficiently, ensuring your trailer is safe and compliant.

Contact Sleaford Trailers
If you’ve received a PG9 Prohibition Notice, don’t hesitate to contact us. Our experienced team is here to guide you through the process and ensure your trailer is back on the road safely.
Phone: 01529 462188
Always ensure that your trailer is maintained regularly to prevent safety issues and avoid receiving a PG9 Prohibition Notice.
Frequently Asked Questions about PG9 Prohibition Notices
Can a trailer remain off the road indefinitely after receiving a PG9 notice?
Yes. There is no fixed deadline for clearing a PG9 prohibition. However, if no update is received after 28 days, the DVSA may follow up with the trailer owner or operator. If the trailer is scrapped instead of repaired, a signed letter confirming its destruction may be requested.
Can I drive the trailer to the repair facility?
Only if the DVSA has issued a PG9B exemption notice, which allows limited movement under specific conditions.
Who is responsible for transporting a prohibited trailer to the repair workshop?
Transporting the trailer to an NTTA-approved repair facility is the responsibility of the trailer owner. If the trailer is not roadworthy, it must be recovered or transported using a legal method.
What happens if a customer refuses to pay for repairs or declines to have the trailer fixed?
Garages are not legally allowed to retain the trailer or force repairs. If the customer refuses service, they may remove the trailer without work being done. In such cases, the garage can report the incident to DVSA through the official channel.
Is it enough to just repair the items listed on the PG9 notice?
No. A full inspection should be carried out, and any additional defects must also be repaired before submitting the trailer for clearance. DVSA expects the trailer to be fully roadworthy, not just partially repaired, based on the original list.
What steps should I take if I believe a PG9 Prohibition Notice was issued unfairly?
If you disagree with a PG9 notice, you can appeal the decision by contacting the DVSA within 14 days of issuance. Provide any supporting evidence or documentation that may aid your case. It’s advisable to continue addressing any noted defects during the appeal process to ensure safety and compliance.
How does a PG9 Prohibition Notice affect my Operator Compliance Risk Score (OCRS)?
Receiving a PG9 can negatively impact your OCRS, which is used by the DVSA to assess the risk level of operators. A lower score may result in increased inspections and scrutiny. It’s crucial to address defects promptly and maintain thorough maintenance records to mitigate this impact.
What is a PG9B exemption notice, and when is it applicable?
A PG9B exemption notice allows a prohibited vehicle to be moved under specific conditions, such as being unladen or traveling only to a repair facility. This exemption is granted when the DVSA examiner believes that moving the vehicle poses no additional risk.
Can a PG9 Prohibition Notice be issued for defects that occurred during the journey?
Yes. However, if the defect is deemed to have occurred during the current journey and was not present during the pre-use checks, a delayed prohibition may be issued. It’s essential to provide evidence, such as a nil defect report from the start of the journey, to support this.
What is an ‘S’ marked PG9 Prohibition Notice, and why is it significant?
An ‘S’ marking on a PG9 indicates a serious failure in the vehicle’s maintenance system. This suggests that the defect should have been identified and rectified through regular maintenance checks. Receiving an ‘S’ marked PG9 can lead to further scrutiny by the Traffic Commissioner and may impact the operator’s compliance record.