A driver's license restriction limits what you can legally do behind the wheel, but does not suspend or revoke your license entirely

A restriction on your driver's license is a condition that narrows the circumstances under which you can drive. You keep your license and the right to drive, but only under specific rules set by your state's Department of Motor Vehicles or imposed by a court. The most common restrictions are corrective lenses (you must wear glasses or contacts), automatic transmission only, daylight driving only, or no driving on highways. Some restrictions are permanent; others expire after a set period or when you meet a condition—like completing a defensive driving course.

Restrictions differ from suspensions (you cannot drive at all for a period) and revocations (your license is canceled and you must reapply). A restriction keeps you mobile for work, school, or essential errands, but violating it—for example, driving at night when your license says daylight only—can result in a ticket, fines, and escalation to suspension.

Key Takeaways

  • A restriction lets you drive under specific conditions; violating it is a separate traffic offense that can lead to fines or suspension.
  • Common restrictions include corrective lenses, automatic transmission only, no highway driving, and daylight-only driving.
  • Restrictions are printed on your license itself, usually on the back or in a code section; you are responsible for knowing what yours says.
  • Some restrictions are temporary and expire automatically; others require you to complete a course or pass a test to have them removed.
  • If you believe a restriction was imposed in error, you can request a hearing with your state DMV or the court that issued it.

How restrictions appear on your license and what they mean

Your state DMV prints restrictions as codes on the back of your physical license or in a digital notation if you use a mobile license app. Each code corresponds to a specific limitation. For example, code "B" in many states means corrective lenses required; code "E" often means automatic transmission only. Your state's DMV website lists all codes and their meanings, and you can also call your local DMV office to confirm what your codes mean.

You are legally responsible for knowing your restrictions and obeying them every time you drive. A police officer who stops you can check your license record and will cite you if you violate a restriction. For instance, if your license says "daylight driving only" and you are pulled over at 9 p.m., you can receive a ticket even if your driving was otherwise safe. The violation goes on your driving record and can raise your insurance rates or lead to further license action.

Why restrictions are imposed

Restrictions are usually imposed for one of three reasons: medical or physical condition, court order, or administrative requirement. A medical restriction—such as corrective lenses or hand controls for a vehicle—is imposed after you fail a vision or driving test or after your doctor reports a condition to the DMV. A court-ordered restriction typically follows a DUI conviction, reckless driving charge, or other traffic offense; the judge may order no driving on highways, no driving between certain hours, or an ignition interlock device (which requires a breath test before the car starts). Administrative restrictions are set by the DMV itself, often when you renew your license or when your state updates its rules.

Some restrictions are temporary. A young driver might have a restriction on driving with passengers under age 21 for the first six months after licensure; once that period ends, the restriction drops automatically. Others are indefinite until you take action—for example, a restriction for failing a vision test remains until you pass a new vision screening.

How to find out what restrictions are on your license

The fastest way is to look at your physical license. Restrictions are listed on the back or in a designated section, usually as letter codes. If you have a mobile license through your state's app, open it and look for a "restrictions" or "conditions" field. If you cannot read the codes or want confirmation, call your state DMV's customer service line or visit a local office with your license in hand. Many states also allow you to check your license record online through a find portal on the DMV website.

If you received a restriction recently and do not see it on your license yet, it may not have been printed. Restrictions typically appear on your next renewal or replacement license. If you need to know when ready—for example, because you are unsure whether you can drive on the highway—call the DMV directly rather than waiting.

Removing or modifying a restriction

How you remove a restriction depends on why it was imposed. A medical restriction (such as corrective lenses) can usually be removed by passing a new vision or driving test and requesting a license reissue. You typically pay a small fee—often $10 to $30—and the DMV issues a new license without the restriction. Some states allow you to request this online; others require an in-person visit.

A court-ordered restriction requires a different process. You cannot straightforward request removal; you must petition the court that imposed it, usually after meeting the condition (for example, completing a DUI education program or serving a waiting period). The judge then decides whether to lift the restriction. This process can take weeks or months and may require an attorney, though many courts have forms you can file yourself.

An administrative restriction set by the DMV can sometimes be challenged by requesting a hearing. You would need to show that the restriction was imposed in error or that circumstances have changed. Contact your state DMV to learn the process for your specific restriction.

What happens if you violate a restriction

Driving in violation of a restriction is a separate traffic offense. You can be cited and fined even if your driving was otherwise lawful. For example, driving without corrective lenses when your license requires them, or driving on a highway when your license restricts you to local roads, both result in tickets. Fines vary by state but typically range from $50 to $200 for a first violation.

A violation also goes on your driving record and can trigger further action by the DMV. Repeated violations may result in suspension of your license, points on your record (which raise insurance rates), or mandatory attendance at a traffic safety course. If the violation was serious—such as driving with a suspended license when you thought you only had a restriction—you could face criminal charges.

Restrictions versus suspensions and revocations

It is important to understand the difference. A restriction means you can drive under certain conditions. A suspension means you cannot drive at all for a set period (typically 30 days to one year); after the suspension ends, your license is automatically reinstated. A revocation means your license is canceled entirely; you must wait a period (often one to five years) and then reapply, pass tests, and pay fees to get a new license.

If you have a restriction and violate it repeatedly, the DMV may escalate the action to suspension or revocation. Conversely, if you currently have a suspension, you cannot have a restriction—you have no driving privileges at all until the suspension is lifted. Understanding which status applies to you is crucial for staying legal on the road.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive with a restriction on my license?

Yes, you can drive, but only under the conditions listed on your license. If your restriction says corrective lenses, you must wear them. If it says daylight only, you cannot drive at night. Violating the restriction is a traffic offense.

How long does a restriction stay on my license?

It depends on the reason. Medical restrictions may be permanent unless you pass a new test. Court-ordered restrictions often expire after you complete a program or serve a waiting period. Administrative restrictions vary; some are temporary and drop automatically, others require action to remove.

What if I did not know about a restriction on my license?

Ignoring a restriction does not protect you from a ticket. You are responsible for knowing your restrictions. If you received a license and did not read it carefully, contact your DMV when ready to confirm what restrictions explore and what you must do to comply.

Can I get a restriction removed before the expiration date?

Yes, depending on the type. Medical restrictions can often be removed by passing a new test. Court-ordered restrictions may be removed early if you petition the court and show you have met the conditions. Contact the DMV or the court that imposed the restriction to learn your options.

Does a restriction show up on my driving record when I explore for insurance?

Yes. Insurance companies can see your license record, including restrictions. Some restrictions—such as corrective lenses—have little impact on rates. Others, such as restrictions from a DUI conviction, can raise your premiums significantly.