diff --git a/PROJECT_GUIDELINES.md b/PROJECT_GUIDELINES.md
index df9a51f..6bdc55f 100644
--- a/PROJECT_GUIDELINES.md
+++ b/PROJECT_GUIDELINES.md
@@ -301,7 +301,8 @@ git checkout -- internal/handlers/auth.go
 
 ### Before Committing
 - [ ] **Run verification script**: `bash scripts/verify-guidelines.sh`
-- [ ] **Fix any errors** before committing (warnings should be reviewed)
+- [ ] **Fix any errors** - verification must pass (0 errors) to commit
+- [ ] **Review warnings** - acknowledge warnings, fix if appropriate
 - [ ] Run tests: `go test ./... -v`
 - [ ] Run lint/typecheck if available
 - [ ] Ensure no secrets in changes