# 39P03 — event_trigger_protocol_violated

> Source-backed reference for PostgreSQL SQLSTATE 39P03.
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# 39P03

## At a glance {#at-a-glance}

39P03 is `event_trigger_protocol_violated`. Fixed event-trigger helpers reject calls outside their required sql_drop, table_rewrite, or event-trigger function context.

<!-- BEGIN SQLSTATE FACTS: generated by scripts/generate.py; do not edit -->

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| SQLSTATE | `39P03` |
| Condition | `event_trigger_protocol_violated` |
| Status | `active` |
| Known present by | `9.5.0` |
| Locked snapshots | `9.5.25, 9.6.24, 10.23, 11.22, 12.22, 13.23, 14.24, 15.19, 16.15, 17.11, 18.6, 19beta3` |
| Macros | `ERRCODE_E_R_I_E_EVENT_TRIGGER_PROTOCOL_VIOLATED` |
| Aliases | `—` |

<!-- source facts: data/errcodes/39P03.json -->
<!-- END SQLSTATE FACTS -->

## Meaning {#meaning}

An event-trigger helper was called without the state it requires. The fixed messages identify `sql_drop`, `table_rewrite`, or a general event-trigger function context, so this is a call-context violation rather than an object-existence error.

## Diagnosis {#diagnosis}

Identify the helper and required event context from the message. Check whether the call belongs in a sql_drop, table_rewrite, or other event-trigger function.

## Response {#response}

Move the helper into the required event-trigger context or remove the invalid call; replaying the same DDL does not change that context.

## Versions {#versions}

The locked catalogue records this condition from 9.5.0 in the listed formal snapshots and 19beta3; fixed source coverage is PostgreSQL 18.6.

## Related {#related}

[`39P01`](../39p01/), [`39P02`](../39p02/), [`P0004`](../p0004/)

## Sources {#sources}

See the fixed [event_trigger.c](https://github.com/postgres/postgres/blob/724edf9bde9d356724ad384a2e196edc3c9f80f7/src/backend/commands/event_trigger.c#L1542-L1545) helper paths alongside the structured [evidence record](../data/evidence/39p03.json).