Colorado driver license restrictions are codes printed on your license that limit how and when you can drive
A restriction on your Colorado driver license is a letter or number code that appears in a box labeled "Restrictions" on the front or back of your card. It tells law enforcement and you what conditions must be met while you drive. For example, you might be restricted to wearing corrective lenses, driving only during daylight hours, or using an ignition interlock device. Restrictions are different from endorsements (which let you drive certain vehicle types) and suspensions (which take away your driving privilege entirely).
The Colorado Department of Revenue Motor Vehicle Services issues restrictions based on your age, medical condition, driving record, or court order. Some restrictions are temporary and expire on a set date; others stay on your license until you request removal and meet the conditions to have them lifted.
Key Takeaways
- Restrictions appear as letter codes on your Colorado license and describe specific conditions you must follow while driving.
- Common restrictions include corrective lenses, daylight-only driving, and ignition interlock devices after certain convictions.
- You can request removal of a restriction once you meet the conditions, but you must contact the Motor Vehicle Services office that issued it.
- Driving in violation of a restriction can result in a ticket, fine, or license suspension.
- Teen drivers under 18 face automatic restrictions as part of Colorado's graduated licensing system.
Common Colorado driver license restrictions and what they mean
Colorado uses single-letter codes to mark restrictions. The most common ones are:
- B — Corrective lenses required (glasses or contacts). You must wear them every time you drive.
- D — Daylight driving only. You cannot drive between sunset and sunrise.
- E — Automatic transmission only. You cannot drive a manual transmission vehicle.
- I — Ignition interlock device required. You must have this device installed in your vehicle; it prevents the engine from starting if it detects alcohol on your breath.
- K — No passengers under 21 (applies to drivers under 18). You can only drive alone or with a parent or guardian.
- M — Outside mirror required. Your vehicle must have an outside mirror on both sides.
- N — No cell phone use while driving. You cannot use a handheld phone, even hands-free.
Your license may have one restriction or several. For example, a teen driver might have both K (no young passengers) and D (daylight only). An older driver with vision problems might have only B (corrective lenses).
Why restrictions appear on your license
Restrictions are added to your license for three main reasons: age, medical condition, or court order. Teen drivers in Colorado are subject to the Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) system, which automatically places restrictions on licenses for drivers under 18. These restrictions ease as the driver ages and gains experience.
If you have a medical condition that affects your ability to drive safely — such as poor vision, hearing loss, or a seizure disorder — the Motor Vehicle Services office may require a restriction. You might be asked to provide a medical report from your doctor before your license is renewed or reissued.
Court-ordered restrictions typically follow a DUI or DWAI conviction. An ignition interlock device restriction (I) is the most common example. The court decides how long you must use the device, and the restriction stays on your license until the court removes it or you complete the required period.
How to request removal of a restriction
The process for removing a restriction depends on why it was placed on your license. If the restriction has an expiration date, it will be removed automatically when that date passes. You do not need to do anything.
If you want to remove a restriction before its expiration date, or if the restriction has no set end date, you must contact the Colorado Motor Vehicle Services office. Bring proof that you no longer need the restriction. For a corrective lenses restriction, you might bring an eye exam showing your vision now meets the standard. For a daylight-only restriction, you may need to pass a night-driving test or provide a medical report.
For court-ordered restrictions like ignition interlock, you must follow the court's timeline. Once you have completed the required period, contact the Motor Vehicle Services office with proof from the device manufacturer or the monitoring company. The office will then remove the restriction from your license.
What happens if you drive in violation of a restriction
Driving in violation of a restriction is a traffic violation in Colorado. If you are stopped by law enforcement and found to be breaking a restriction — for example, driving at night when your license says daylight only — you can receive a ticket and fine. The fine amount varies depending on the specific restriction and the officer's discretion.
A violation can also lead to points on your driving record, which may increase your insurance rates. If you accumulate too many points in a short time, your license may be suspended. Additionally, violating a court-ordered restriction (such as driving without an ignition interlock device) can result in criminal charges or jail time.
Teen driver restrictions under Colorado's Graduated Driver Licensing system
Colorado's GDL system places automatic restrictions on drivers under 18 to reduce crash risk as they gain experience. When you first receive your permit or license, you will have the most restrictions. As you age and meet certain conditions, restrictions are removed.
At the permit stage (age 15 and older), you must have a licensed adult in the front seat at all times. Once you pass the driving test and receive your license, you enter the intermediate stage. During this stage, you cannot drive between midnight and 4 a.m., cannot have passengers under 21 (except family members), and cannot use a cell phone while driving. These restrictions remain until you turn 17 or have held your license for one year, whichever comes later.
At age 17 or after one year of intermediate driving, you move to the full license stage and most restrictions are lifted. However, the cell phone restriction remains until age 18.
How to check your current restrictions
You can see your restrictions by looking at your physical license card. They appear in a box labeled "Restrictions" and are shown as letter codes. If you have lost your license or want to check your record before renewing, you can visit the Colorado Motor Vehicle Services website or call your local office. You will need your driver license number or date of birth to look up your record online.
If you are unsure what a specific restriction code means, the Motor Vehicle Services office can explain it. You can also ask a law enforcement officer during a traffic stop, though it is better to clarify before you drive.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive with an expired restriction on my license?
No. Even if the restriction has passed its expiration date, you must not drive in violation of it until the Motor Vehicle Services office officially removes it from your record. Check your license to see the expiration date, or contact your local office to confirm when the restriction was lifted.
What if I disagree with a restriction that was placed on my license?
If a restriction was placed due to a medical condition, you can request a hearing or provide a new medical evaluation. If it was court-ordered, you must follow the court's decision, though you may petition the court to modify it. Contact the Motor Vehicle Services office or the court that issued the order for next steps.
Do restrictions from another state transfer to my Colorado license?
When you move to Colorado and get a Colorado license, the Motor Vehicle Services office reviews your driving record from your previous state. Restrictions may be carried over if they relate to safety (such as corrective lenses) or if they are court-ordered. Contact your local office to learn what will transfer.
Can I remove a restriction early if I have a good driving record?
It depends on the restriction. Age-based restrictions (like the teen passenger limit) cannot be removed early — they expire on a set date. Medical or safety restrictions may be removed early if you provide proof that the condition no longer applies. Court-ordered restrictions follow the court's timeline and cannot be shortened without a court order.
Will a restriction affect my car insurance rates?
Most restrictions themselves do not directly affect rates, but violations of restrictions will. If you receive a ticket for breaking a restriction, that violation appears on your driving record and insurers may increase your premium. Ignition interlock restrictions may also result in higher rates because they indicate a DUI or DWAI conviction.