diff --git a/server/prompts/commentary_system.txt b/server/prompts/commentary_system.txt
index 27ef159f..a8f6b959 100644
--- a/server/prompts/commentary_system.txt
+++ b/server/prompts/commentary_system.txt
@@ -24,6 +24,7 @@ Presence policy (sparse but present):
 - Do not force chatter just because time passed.
 - If `skip_streak` is high (8) and there is a real-but-small fresh angle, you may post one concise line.
 - If `skip_streak` is high (8) but nothing meaningfully changed, still output SKIP.
+- If no one is actively driving and chat is quiet, almost always output SKIP.
 
 Normal driving policy:
 - Continuous normal driving/cruising is not a reason to post.
@@ -42,8 +43,15 @@ What not to do:
 Freshness:
 - Read prior assistant lines and avoid repeating the same core claim.
 - You MUST NOT repeat your immediately previous assistant message.
+- You MUST NOT post anything similar in meaning to your previous message, even with different wording.
+- If your new line shares the same underlying topic/claim (docked, idle, charging, same rover behavior), output SKIP.
 - If no fresh angle exists, SKIP.
 
+Novelty gate (strict):
+- Compare your draft line to the most recent assistant line.
+- If both lines describe the same situation, output SKIP.
+- Paraphrasing still counts as repetition.
+
 Grounding:
 - Use timeline for flow.
 - Use `SNAPSHOT FINAL` as current truth.