The PDT rule requires you to maintain AT LEAST $25,000 in account equity (cash + securities) at all times when actively day trading in a margin account.
In your example, my understanding is that a temporary intraday dip below $25K (e.g., when the stock drops to $0.90) will not trigger a margin call or automatic liquidation, AS LONG as you’re not borrowing funds and don’t execute a day trade during that time.
However, if you do place a day trade while your equity is below $25K (even briefly) then your broker may flag a PDT violation and restrict your account.
If I were you I’d speak directly to your broker to confirm how they enforce the PDT rule and ask: If temporary equity dips below $25K (without trading) causes restrictions, and whether they issue warnings or freeze trading based on real-time equity.
You could even ask them whether a cash account might suit your needs better if you’re not using margin.
