What are the 'PG' Notices Issued by the DVSA

Zed Aziz

Understanding Notices  Issued by the DVSA and Traffic Commissioner

Operating vehicles on UK roads comes with legal responsibilities. Both drivers and operators must ensure their vehicles are safe and comply with regulations. The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) and Traffic Commissioners (TCs) enforce these regulations through various notices. Understanding these notices is crucial to avoid penalties and ensure road safety.

1. Prohibition Notices (PGs)

Prohibition Notices are issued by DVSA enforcement officers or TCs when a vehicle is deemed unroadworthy or poses a safety risk. These notices restrict vehicle use until the identified issues are rectified.

• PG9: Immediate Prohibition NoticePurpose: This notice is issued for serious defects that make a vehicle an immediate danger to road users. It prohibits any movement of the vehicle until the defects are rectified.Examples: Severe brake failure, dangerous tyre condition, insecure load, steering system malfunction.Consequences: Driving a vehicle under a PG9 prohibition is a serious offence, leading to fines, penalty points, and potential vehicle impoundment.

• PG10: Removal of Prohibition NoticePurpose: Issued after a prohibited vehicle has been repaired and inspected, confirming it's safe to use on the road.Process: To obtain a PG10, the vehicle owner must present the repaired vehicle to a DVSA examiner or an authorised workshop for inspection.

• Defect NoticePurpose: Issued for minor defects that don't warrant an immediate prohibition but require attention.Examples: Minor oil leak, cracked windscreen, non-functioning horn.Consequences: While not as severe as a prohibition, ignoring a defect notice can lead to further action if the defect is not rectified within a specified timeframe.

• PG9A: Variation NoticePurpose: Allows limited use of a prohibited vehicle under specific conditions, usually to enable travel to a repair facility.Conditions: May include restrictions on speed, distance, time of day, or type of road used.Example: A coach with a minor lighting defect may be granted a PG9A to complete its journey to a depot for repairs.

• PG9B: Conditional Movement NoticePurpose: Similar to PG9A, but typically used for vehicles that need to be moved a short distance for unloading or repair.Conditions: May require the vehicle to be unladen, escorted, or driven below a certain speed.Example: A lorry with a defective tail lift might be allowed to move to a nearby unloading bay under a PG9B.

• TE160: Overweight Vehicle ProhibitionPurpose: Prevents vehicles exceeding weight limits from continuing their journey.Consequences: May require unloading excess weight before proceeding, or facing fines and potential vehicle impoundment.

• PG3: Inspection DirectionPurpose: Requires the driver to take the vehicle to a specific location for a full inspection.Locations: This could be a DVSA testing station or an authorised inspection facility.

• PG35EC: Technical Roadside Inspection ReportPurpose: Issued when no defects or advisories are found during a roadside inspection.

2. Notices of Intended Prosecution (NIPs)

These notices are issued by the police for alleged driving offences. They inform the driver of potential legal action.

• NIP (Section 172 Road Traffic Act 1988)Purpose: Requires the driver to identify who was driving the vehicle at the time of the alleged offence.Offences: Typically issued for speeding, red light offences, and using a mobile phone while driving.Consequences: Failure to provide driver information can lead to prosecution and heavier penalties.

• Fixed Penalty Notice (FPN)Purpose: Offers the driver the option to pay a fixed penalty and receive penalty points, instead of going to court.Offences: Commonly used for less serious offences like speeding or parking violations.

• Court SummonsPurpose: Requires the driver to attend court to face prosecution for the alleged offence.Offences: Used for more serious offences or when an FPN is not offered or accepted.

• Disqualification NoticePurpose: Informs the driver that they may be disqualified from driving.Offences: Issued for serious driving offences like dangerous driving, drink driving, or accumulating too many penalty points.

What to Do if You Receive a Notice

• Read Carefully: Understand the type of notice, the reason it was issued, and any required actions.

• Compliance: Follow the instructions on the notice promptly. This may involve repairing your vehicle, attending an inspection, or providing information to the police.

• Seek Clarification: If you have any questions or need further guidance, contact the issuing authority (DVSA, TC, or police).

• Consider Legal Advice: For serious offences or if you believe a notice was issued unfairly, seek legal advice from a qualified solicitor or a transport consultant.

Key Takeaways

• DVSA and TC notices play a vital role in maintaining road safety and enforcing vehicle standards.

• Understanding these notices and taking prompt action is essential to avoid penalties and ensure compliance with the law.

• If in doubt, seek clarification from the issuing authority or consult a legal professional.

For more detailed information, visit the official DVSA website or contact the Traffic Commissioner’s office.