What restriction codes on a California driver license mean
A restriction code on your California driver license is a letter or number printed on the front or back that limits how or when you can drive. The Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) assigns these codes based on medical conditions, vision requirements, age, or court orders. For example, code B means you must wear corrective lenses; code D means you cannot drive a commercial vehicle. The code itself does not prevent you from driving — it describes a condition you must meet or a type of driving you cannot do.
Restriction codes appear in a specific section of your license and are tied to your driving record. If you violate a restriction — for instance, driving without the corrective lenses required by code B — you can be cited for a separate violation, even if you were otherwise driving safely. Understanding what your codes mean helps you stay within the law and avoid citations.
Key Takeaways
- Restriction codes are letters or numbers on your California license that describe conditions you must follow or types of driving you cannot do.
- Medical restrictions like corrective lenses (code B) or hearing aids (code C) are common and based on your DMV medical exam or vision test results.
- Vehicle restrictions like code D (no commercial vehicles) or code E (no two-seaters) limit the types of cars you can legally operate.
- You can request a restriction be removed by passing a new medical exam, vision test, or other evaluation through your local DMV office.
- Driving in violation of a restriction is a separate infraction and can result in a citation even if your driving was otherwise lawful.
Common California restriction codes and what they require
The most frequently assigned codes address vision and medical needs. Code B (corrective lenses) requires you to wear glasses or contact lenses whenever you drive. Code C (hearing aid) requires you to wear a hearing aid if you have significant hearing loss. Code X (no passengers under 20) applies to drivers under 18 who received their license through the graduated licensing program. Code O (outside mirror) means you must have an outside mirror on both sides of the vehicle.
Vehicle-type restrictions are also common. Code D prohibits driving any commercial vehicle. Code E prohibits driving vehicles with two seats only. Code M restricts you to automatic transmission vehicles only. Code N restricts you to vehicles with an automatic transmission and power steering. These codes are often assigned to older drivers or those with physical limitations that affect their ability to operate certain vehicle types safely.
Other codes address specific situations. Code I (ignition interlock device) means you must have an IID installed in your vehicle — this is typically ordered by a court following a DUI conviction. Code K (daylight only) restricts you to driving only during daylight hours. Code L (no freeway driving) means you cannot drive on interstate highways or freeways.
How the DMV assigns restriction codes
The DMV assigns restriction codes through several pathways. During your vision test at the DMV, if you do not meet the standard vision requirement without corrective lenses, the examiner will add code B to your license. If you report a medical condition during your process or renewal — such as epilepsy, diabetes, or hearing loss — the DMV may require you to complete a medical evaluation form (DL 44M or DL 44) and may assign a code based on your doctor's assessment.
Court orders also trigger restrictions. If you are convicted of a DUI, the court typically orders code I (ignition interlock device) as a condition of license reinstatement. If you are under 18 and received your license through California's graduated licensing system, code X is automatically assigned until you turn 18 or meet the conditions to remove it.
Some restrictions are assigned based on the type of license you hold or your age. Drivers who hold a commercial license (Class A or B) may have restrictions on the types of vehicles they can operate. Older drivers may be required to pass additional medical exams, which can result in new restrictions if the exam reveals a condition affecting safe driving.
How to remove or modify a restriction code
The process for removing a restriction depends on the reason it was assigned. For vision-related restrictions like code B, you can visit your local DMV office and request a new vision test. If you now meet the standard vision requirement without corrective lenses — for example, after LASIK surgery — the examiner can remove the code on the spot. If you still need corrective lenses, the code remains.
For medical restrictions, you will need to provide updated medical documentation. Contact your local DMV office and ask for the appropriate medical evaluation form. Your doctor completes the form, and you submit it to the DMV. The DMV reviews the form and decides whether the restriction can be removed. This process typically takes two to four weeks. If your condition has improved or resolved, the DMV may remove the code; if the condition persists, the code remains in place.
For restrictions assigned by court order — such as code I for an ignition interlock device — you cannot remove the code yourself. You must petition the court that issued the order, usually after meeting the conditions specified in the court's judgment (such as completing a DUI program or maintaining a clean driving record for a set period). Once the court modifies or removes the order, you can bring the court document to the DMV to update your license.
What happens if you drive in violation of a restriction
Driving in violation of a restriction is a separate infraction under California Vehicle Code Section 14601. A law enforcement officer can cite you for this violation even if your driving was otherwise safe and lawful. For example, if you are pulled over for speeding and the officer notices you are not wearing corrective lenses required by code B, you can receive a citation for the speeding violation and a separate citation for violating the restriction.
The penalty for violating a restriction varies. A first violation is typically an infraction with a fine of $100 to $250, though the exact amount depends on the court and the specific restriction violated. Repeat violations can result in higher fines or license suspension. If the violation involves code I (ignition interlock device) — meaning you drove a vehicle without the required device — the penalty is more severe and can include criminal charges.
Beyond the when ready fine, a violation can affect your insurance rates and your driving record. It may also trigger a DMV review of your license, which could result in additional restrictions or a license suspension if the DMV determines you are not safe to drive.
Restriction codes versus endorsements: the difference
Restriction codes and endorsements are different things on a California license, and it is important not to confuse them. A restriction code limits how you can drive or what you cannot do — it is a constraint. An endorsement is a qualification that allows you to do something you otherwise could not — for example, endorsement H allows you to drive a motorcycle, and endorsement T allows you to tow a trailer.
You can have both restrictions and endorsements on the same license. For instance, you might have endorsement H (motorcycle) and restriction M (automatic transmission only), meaning you can legally ride a motorcycle but only an automatic-transmission model. The DMV tracks both separately, and both appear on your license document.
How to read your California driver license for restriction codes
On a California driver license, restriction codes appear in a box labeled "Restrictions" on the front of the card, usually in the lower left area. The codes are listed as single letters or numbers. If you have multiple restrictions, they are listed together — for example, "B, X" means you must wear corrective lenses and cannot carry passengers under 20.
The back of your license may also contain additional information about your restrictions in text form. For example, if you have code I, the back may explain that you must have an ignition interlock device installed. If you are unsure what a code means, you can ask at your local DMV office, call the DMV customer service line, or visit the DMV website, which publishes a complete list of all restriction codes and their meanings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive if I have a restriction code?
Yes, you can drive with a restriction code as long as you follow the condition it describes. Code B means you must wear corrective lenses; code D means you cannot drive a commercial vehicle. Violating the restriction is a separate infraction, so you must comply with it to avoid a citation.
How long does a restriction code stay on my license?
It depends on the reason for the restriction. Vision-related restrictions (code B) remain until your vision improves or you no longer need correction. Medical restrictions stay in place as long as the condition exists. Court-ordered restrictions (like code I for ignition interlock) remain until the court removes the order. You can request removal at any time by providing updated medical documentation or passing a new test.
Will a restriction code affect my car insurance rates?
Most restriction codes do not directly affect insurance rates because they describe conditions you must follow to drive legally. However, if you receive a citation for violating a restriction, that violation will appear on your driving record and may increase your rates. Some insurers may also charge more if you have code I (ignition interlock device) because it indicates a DUI history.
What if I disagree with a restriction code the DMV assigned?
If you believe the restriction was assigned in error, contact your local DMV office and request a review. Bring any medical documentation or test results that support your position. If the restriction is based on a vision test, you can request a new test. If it is based on a medical condition, you can provide updated medical documentation from your doctor. The DMV will review your request and make a final information.
Can I get a temporary license without a restriction code?
No. A temporary license is subject to the same restrictions as a permanent license. If you have a restriction code, it will appear on any license the DMV issues to you, including temporary or interim licenses. The restriction remains in effect until you meet the conditions to have it removed.