California driver license restriction codes are letter and number combinations printed on your license that limit how or when you can drive

Your California driver license may carry one or more restriction codes on the back. These codes tell law enforcement and you what conditions explore to your driving privilege. A code like "B" means you must wear corrective lenses. A code like "E" means you cannot drive a commercial vehicle. Restriction codes are not the same as endorsements (which expand what you can drive) — they narrow it.

The codes appear in a box labeled "Restrictions" on the back of your license. You may have no restrictions, or you may have several. Each code is a single letter or a letter with a number. Understanding what yours mean matters because driving in violation of a restriction can result in a citation, even if you are otherwise driving safely and legally.

Key Takeaways

  • Restriction codes appear on the back of your California license in a box labeled "Restrictions" and limit how, when, or where you can drive.
  • Common codes include "B" for corrective lenses, "C" for left foot accelerator, "D" for daylight driving only, and "E" for no commercial vehicles.
  • You must follow every restriction on your license, and violating one is a traffic violation even if you are otherwise driving safely.
  • If you believe a restriction was added in error or no longer applies, you can request a hearing at the Department of Motor Vehicles.

Common California restriction codes and what they mean

Code B means you must wear corrective lenses (glasses or contacts) while driving. This is the most common restriction. If you have this code and drive without correction, you can be cited.

Code C means you must use a left foot accelerator. This restriction is placed on drivers who have a physical condition affecting their right leg or foot. You cannot drive a vehicle without this modification.

Code D means you can only drive during daylight hours — typically sunrise to sunset. This restriction is sometimes placed on older drivers or those with vision limitations. Driving at night with this code is a violation.

Code E means you cannot drive a commercial vehicle. This does not affect your ability to drive a regular passenger car, truck, or van for personal use, but you cannot operate any vehicle requiring a commercial driver license.

Code F means you cannot drive on freeways or highways. You are limited to local roads and surface streets. This restriction is rare and typically placed on drivers with specific medical or safety concerns.

Code I means you must wear an ignition interlock device. This device prevents your vehicle from starting if it detects alcohol on your breath. This restriction is ordered by a court in DUI cases.

Code J means you cannot drive a vehicle with air brakes. This restriction applies to some commercial or specialty vehicles but does not affect standard passenger vehicles.

Code K means you cannot drive a motorcycle. If you have this code, you cannot operate any two-wheeled motorcycle, even if you hold a motorcycle endorsement.

How restriction codes get added to your license

Restriction codes are added during the license issuance or renewal process based on information you provide, medical reports, test results, or court orders. If you report a vision problem during renewal, the DMV may add code B. If you have a physical disability, you may request specific codes like C or F, and the DMV will add them after you pass a behind-the-wheel test with the required vehicle modification.

Court-ordered restrictions like code I (ignition interlock) are added automatically after a DUI conviction. The DMV receives the court order and prints the code on your next license or issues a corrected license when ready.

Some restrictions are added because you failed a test or did not meet a requirement. For example, if you did not pass the air brake test during a commercial license exam, code J will appear on your license.

What to do if you have a restriction you believe is wrong

If a restriction code appears on your license and you believe it was added in error or no longer applies, you can request a hearing. Contact your local DMV office and ask to speak with a supervisor or request a formal review. Bring any medical documentation, test results, or other evidence that supports your position.

For medical restrictions like code D (daylight driving only), you may be able to have the restriction removed by passing a vision test or providing a letter from your eye doctor stating that your vision now meets the standard for unrestricted driving. For physical restrictions like code C (left foot accelerator), you would need to pass a behind-the-wheel test in a standard vehicle to show the restriction is no longer necessary.

For court-ordered restrictions like code I, you cannot have the code removed until the court order expires or is modified by the court. Contact the court that issued the order if you believe circumstances have changed.

Restrictions versus endorsements and what the difference means

Restriction codes limit your driving. Endorsement codes expand it. An endorsement like "M" means you are licensed to drive a motorcycle. An endorsement like "2" means you can tow a trailer. You must have the endorsement to legally operate that type of vehicle.

A restriction, by contrast, takes away a driving privilege you would otherwise have. Code E removes your ability to drive commercial vehicles. Code K removes your ability to drive motorcycles. You cannot ignore a restriction, and you cannot work around it by getting an endorsement.

Your license may show both restrictions and endorsements. For example, you might have endorsement M (motorcycle) but also restriction K (no motorcycles), which means the restriction overrides the endorsement and you cannot legally ride a motorcycle.

How violations of restriction codes are enforced

If you are stopped by law enforcement and found to be driving in violation of a restriction code, you can be cited for a traffic violation. The specific violation code depends on which restriction you violated. Violating code B (corrective lenses) is typically cited as Vehicle Code 12951(a). Violating code D (daylight driving only) is typically cited as Vehicle Code 12952(a).

A restriction violation is a separate offense from any other traffic violation you might receive. You could be cited for speeding and also for violating a restriction code on the same stop. The violation goes on your driving record and can affect your insurance rates and your ability to renew your license.

If you receive a citation for violating a restriction code, you have the right to contest it in traffic court. You can argue that the restriction was added in error, that you were not actually violating it, or that you have since had the restriction removed.

How to read your restriction codes on your California license

Turn your license over to the back side. Look for a box labeled "Restrictions." The codes will be listed as single letters or letters with numbers, separated by commas. For example, you might see "B, D" which means you must wear corrective lenses and can only drive during daylight hours.

If the box is blank or says "None," you have no restrictions. If you see a code you do not recognize, refer to the full list of restriction codes available on the California DMV website or ask a DMV representative to explain it.

Keep in mind that restriction codes can change when you renew your license or if the DMV receives a court order. Check your new license carefully when you receive it to make sure all codes are correct and that you understand what they mean before you drive.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive with a restriction code if I think the rule is unfair?

No. A restriction code on your license is a legal requirement, and violating it is a traffic violation regardless of whether you think the restriction is fair. If you believe the restriction is wrong or no longer necessary, you must go through the DMV or court process to have it removed before you can legally ignore it.

What happens if I get pulled over and I am violating a restriction code?

You can be cited for violating the restriction. The citation will be recorded on your driving record. You can contest it in traffic court, but the burden is on you to show that the restriction was in error or that you were not actually violating it.

Do restriction codes transfer if I move to another state?

No. Restriction codes are specific to California licenses. If you move and get a license in another state, that state will issue its own license based on your driving record and any medical or legal requirements in that state. However, your California driving record, including restriction violations, may still be visible to other states through the National Driver Register.

Can I have a restriction code removed before my license expires?

Yes. If you can show that the restriction no longer applies — for example, by passing a vision test to remove code D or a behind-the-wheel test to remove code C — you can request a corrected license from the DMV. You do not have to wait until your renewal date.

What if my restriction code is listed but I never agreed to it?

Contact your local DMV office when ready and request a review. Bring any documentation showing that you did not request the restriction or that it was added in error. If you believe the restriction was added without proper notice or procedure, you can request a formal hearing before a DMV hearing officer.