How Driver's License Restrictions Work
A driver's license restriction is a condition that limits how or when you can drive. It appears on your license as a code or letter — usually printed on the back — and tells law enforcement what you are and are not permitted to do behind the wheel. Restrictions do not suspend or revoke your license; they let you keep driving under specific conditions.
Common restrictions include requirements to wear corrective lenses, use an ignition interlock device, drive only during daylight hours, or avoid certain roads. The restriction stays on your record until a court or your state's Department of Motor Vehicles removes it, which typically happens after you meet the condition or complete a required program.
Restrictions are different from suspensions or revocations. A suspension temporarily removes your driving privilege; a revocation ends it. A restriction keeps you on the road but under rules. Understanding what your restriction means and why it was imposed helps you stay compliant and avoid additional penalties.
Key Takeaways
- Restrictions are printed on your license as codes and limit how, when, or where you can drive without suspending your license entirely.
- Common restrictions include corrective lenses, ignition interlock devices, daylight-only driving, and geographic or vehicle-type limits.
- Restrictions are imposed by courts, the DMV, or both, usually after a traffic violation, medical condition, or conviction.
- You can request removal of a restriction once you have met its condition or completed the required program, typically by contacting your state DMV.
Common Types of Driver's License Restrictions
The most frequent restriction is corrective lenses — your license will show a code requiring you to wear glasses or contacts while driving. This restriction is issued when your vision does not meet the standard without correction. You must wear the lenses every time you drive, or you can be cited for violating the restriction.
An ignition interlock device (IID) requires you to blow into a breathalyzer before your car will start. This restriction is typically imposed after a DUI or DWI conviction. The device records results and reports them to the court or DMV. You pay for installation and monthly maintenance, which usually costs between $60 and $150 per month depending on your state.
Other common restrictions include daylight-only driving (you cannot drive between sunset and sunrise), automatic transmission only (you cannot drive a manual transmission vehicle), or no highway driving. Some states impose restrictions on new or young drivers, limiting the number of passengers they can carry or the hours they can drive. A few states use restrictions to limit driving to specific routes — for example, to and from work only.
Why Restrictions Are Imposed
Restrictions are ordered by a court or your state DMV for several reasons. A medical condition — poor vision, hearing loss, or a seizure disorder — can result in restrictions that keep you and others safe. A traffic conviction, especially DUI or reckless driving, often triggers restrictions as a condition of keeping your license. Some states impose restrictions on drivers under 18 as a graduated licensing rule.
If you have been in multiple accidents, failed a road test, or been cited for moving violations, your state may add restrictions before suspending your license outright. Restrictions are meant to be a middle ground: they acknowledge that you should not drive without limits, but they do not take away your license entirely.
Court-ordered restrictions are part of a sentence and cannot be removed until the court says so. DMV-imposed restrictions can sometimes be challenged or removed sooner if you can show the reason for the restriction no longer applies — for example, if you have had corrective eye surgery and no longer need glasses.
How to Find Out What Restrictions Are on Your License
Your restrictions are printed on the back of your physical license, usually as a letter or number code. Each state uses its own codes, so "A" in one state may mean something different in another. Your state's DMV website has a key that explains what each code means.
You can also view your license record online through your state DMV's website. Most states let you log in with your driver's license number and date of birth to see your full driving record, including restrictions, suspensions, and violations. If you cannot find the code key online, call your state DMV directly — they can tell you what each restriction on your license means and how long it will stay in place.
If you received a restriction as part of a court order, your court paperwork will explain it. Read the order carefully; it will say when the restriction ends or what you must do to have it removed. Keep a copy of that order with you, because law enforcement may ask to see it if you are stopped.
Removing a Restriction from Your License
The process for removing a restriction depends on who imposed it. If a court ordered the restriction, you cannot remove it yourself — only the court can. Once you have met the condition (completed a DUI program, served the time, or paid fines), ask the court to file a motion to remove the restriction. The court will then notify your DMV, which updates your record.
If your state DMV imposed the restriction based on a medical condition or test failure, you may be able to request removal by taking a new test or providing medical documentation. For example, if you have a corrective lenses restriction and have had eye surgery, you can take a vision test at the DMV. If you pass, they will remove the restriction. Some states allow you to request removal by mail; others require you to visit an office in person.
For an ignition interlock restriction, you must complete the required monitoring period (usually 6 months to 3 years, depending on your conviction and state). Once the period ends, you request removal through your DMV. You will need to provide proof that the device was installed and maintained throughout the period. The DMV then removes the restriction from your license.
What Happens If You Violate a Restriction
Driving in violation of a restriction — for example, driving at night when your license says daylight only, or driving without your corrective lenses — is a separate offense. You can be cited, fined, and have points added to your driving record. In some states, violating a restriction can lead to license suspension or revocation, even if the original restriction was minor.
If you are stopped and a police officer sees that you have violated a restriction, they will cite you. The fine varies by state and the type of violation, but it is typically $100 to $500. More importantly, the violation goes on your record and can affect your insurance rates and future license status.
If you cannot comply with a restriction — for example, you cannot afford an ignition interlock device — contact your DMV or the court that imposed it. Some states have hardship waivers or payment plans. Do not straightforward ignore the restriction; that will only create more legal problems.
Restrictions for New and Young Drivers
Many states impose automatic restrictions on drivers under 18 or 21 as part of a graduated licensing system. These restrictions typically limit the number of passengers, restrict nighttime driving, or require a supervising adult in the car. These restrictions are not punitive; they are safety measures based on research showing that young drivers have higher accident rates.
Graduated restrictions usually expire on a set date — often when you turn 18 or after you have held your license for a certain period without violations. You do not need to request removal; your DMV will automatically update your license when the restriction expires. Check your license to see the expiration date of any graduated restrictions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive if I do not have the required restriction on my license?
No. If your license has a restriction, you must follow it every time you drive. Driving without meeting the restriction — such as driving without corrective lenses when your license requires them — is a violation and can result in a citation and fine.
How long does a restriction stay on my license?
It depends on the type of restriction and why it was imposed. Court-ordered restrictions stay until the court removes them, which may be after you complete a program or serve a sentence. DMV-imposed restrictions may expire on a set date or remain until you pass a test or provide medical documentation. Check your license or your court paperwork for the specific end date.
Can I get a restriction removed early?
Court-ordered restrictions cannot be removed early without a court order. DMV-imposed restrictions may be removable if you can show the reason no longer applies — for example, if you have had corrective eye surgery. Contact your state DMV to ask about early removal options for your specific restriction.
What is the difference between a restriction and a suspension?
A restriction lets you keep your license but limits how you can drive. A suspension temporarily takes away your driving privilege entirely. You cannot drive at all during a suspension, even with restrictions. A revocation is permanent and requires you to reapply for a license.
Do restrictions show up on my driving record when I explore for insurance?
Yes. Insurance companies can see your full driving record, including restrictions. Some restrictions, like corrective lenses, do not affect your rate. Others, like an ignition interlock device, signal a DUI conviction and will increase your premium significantly.