Understand the prohibition
A PG9 prohibition records defects serious enough to restrict use of the vehicle. Read the notice to see whether it takes effect immediately and what must happen before the vehicle returns to the road. Do not rely on the pound to judge whether the defects are repaired.
Keep the PG9 with the seizure papers and give accurate details to any garage or recovery operator. Hiding the prohibition can lead to the wrong collection plan.
The pound may not permit repairs
Published police-pound guidance can prohibit repairs on site, including changing tyres or windscreens. Even a simple-looking defect may therefore require the vehicle to be loaded in its present condition. Ask about access and loading rather than arriving with tools.
Pound staff may identify obvious damage but normally cannot certify roadworthiness. That responsibility does not shift merely because charges have been paid.
Arrange equipped recovery
Use an operator that knows the vehicle’s weight, dimensions and defects. Broken suspension, seized brakes, damaged steering or loose bodywork may call for specialist loading. Check that the destination can receive it and carry out the required inspection or repair.
Ask which operator documents the pound needs and whether the owner must attend. Obtain a written quotation that covers waiting time and unusual equipment.
Insurance and release documents still matter
A transporter does not automatically remove the need for an impound-release certificate. The holding authority may still require insurance before releasing the vehicle. Check this directly and tell the insurer the vehicle will not be driven.
Ownership, identification, licence and authority documents may also remain necessary. Work through the pound’s list even if the mechanical plan is settled.
Safe sequence
A sensible order is:
- read the PG9 and seizure notice;
- confirm release papers with the pound;
- describe defects to a qualified recovery operator;
- book a suitable garage or private destination;
- keep inspection and repair evidence;
- obtain formal clearance where the notice requires it.
Do not drive the vehicle to “see how it feels”. If the prohibition or defect makes road use unlawful, a short trip from the gate is still road use and may endanger other people.
After the vehicle reaches a garage
Release from the compound is only the start of dealing with a prohibition. Keep a file containing:
- the original PG9 notice;
- recovery and storage receipts;
- transport invoice;
- inspection findings;
- repair invoices and parts details;
- evidence of any required clearance.
Give the garage the complete prohibition notice rather than asking it to repair only the most obvious defect. Several related faults may be listed, and a later inspection can fail if one was overlooked. Check whether a particular test, examiner or process must remove the prohibition.
Do not remove, cover or alter a prohibition notice in an attempt to drive. If a mistake is suspected, use the review or appeal information on the official paperwork and obtain advice. A disagreement does not automatically suspend an immediate safety restriction.
Commercial and heavy vehicles can be subject to operator-licensing and Traffic Commissioner consequences beyond the individual repair. A business should notify its transport manager or compliance adviser and keep maintenance records. This general page cannot replace advice for a goods or passenger operator.
When insurance is arranged, describe the transport plan and condition accurately. Do not state that the vehicle will be driven from the pound if it cannot be. The insurer can explain what it covers; the garage or examiner deals with condition; the pound controls release documents.
If the defects arose after a collision, tell the motor insurer before repairs or disposal. It may require photographs, inspection or an approved repairer. Keep the insurance claim separate from the statutory release and prohibition process: payment of a claim does not lift a PG9, while lifting the prohibition does not decide who pays for the work. Do not arrange an MOT as though it automatically replaces the clearance stated on the prohibition notice.