The "152 St" code on your driver's license is a restriction that limits where and when you can drive
The code 152 St appears in the restrictions section of your license and means you are restricted to driving only on state highways. This is not a permanent mark — it is a condition placed on your license by the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or your state's licensing authority, usually because of a medical condition, vision issue, or the outcome of a traffic violation or suspension.
The exact meaning and how long it stays on your record depend on your state and why the restriction was added. Some states use different numbering systems, so the code itself may vary slightly by location, but the core restriction — limited to state highways only — is the standard interpretation across most jurisdictions.
Understanding what this restriction means for your driving privileges and how to remove it requires knowing why it was placed there in the first place and what your state's rules are for that specific code.
Key Takeaways
- The 152 St restriction limits you to driving on state highways and typically excludes local roads, residential streets, and interstate highways.
- This restriction is usually added because of a medical condition, vision problem, or a licensing action by your state's DMV.
- The restriction code and its exact meaning vary by state, so you should check your state's DMV handbook or contact your local DMV office to confirm what applies to you.
- Removing the restriction usually requires meeting specific conditions — such as passing a medical exam, vision test, or completing a required course — depending on why it was placed on your license.
Why the 152 St restriction appears on your license
Restrictions are added to licenses for several common reasons. A medical condition that affects your ability to drive safely — such as a seizure disorder, hearing loss, or cognitive impairment — may result in a restriction limiting you to certain road types or times of day. Vision problems that do not fully disqualify you from driving but require caution can also trigger restrictions.
In some states, a restriction may be placed after a traffic violation, suspension, or conviction. For example, if you were caught driving without corrective lenses and your vision is otherwise acceptable with glasses or contacts, you might receive a restriction requiring you to wear them at all times while driving.
The 152 St code specifically signals that your state's DMV has determined you should drive only on state highways — roads that are typically wider, better lit, and have fewer intersections than local streets. This is a middle ground between a full license and a suspension.
What roads you can and cannot drive on with this restriction
A state highway restriction means you can drive on roads designated as state highways by your state's Department of Transportation. These are typically numbered routes (such as State Route 5 or Highway 101) and are different from interstate highways, which are numbered with an "I" prefix (I-5, I-90) and are federal roads.
You cannot drive on local roads, residential streets, county roads, or city streets under this restriction. You also cannot use interstate highways. The restriction is meant to keep you on major, well-maintained roads where traffic patterns are more predictable and road conditions are generally safer.
If you are unsure whether a specific road is a state highway, check your state's Department of Transportation website or call your local DMV. Road signs usually indicate the route number and type, so you can verify before you drive.
How to find out why the restriction was placed on your license
Your driver's license document itself will not explain why the restriction is there — it only shows the code. To learn the reason, contact your state's DMV directly. You can usually do this by phone, in person at a local office, or through your state's DMV website.
Have your license number and date of birth ready when you call. Ask the DMV representative to explain the 152 St restriction and what triggered it. They can also tell you whether the restriction is temporary or permanent and what steps you need to take to have it removed.
If you received the restriction recently, you may have received a letter or notice from the DMV explaining it. Check any mail from your state's licensing authority or look in your online DMV account if your state offers one.
Steps to remove the 152 St restriction from your license
The process for removing a restriction depends on why it was placed on your license. If it was added because of a medical condition, you will likely need to provide documentation from a doctor showing that the condition no longer affects your ability to drive safely. Your state's DMV will have a specific form for this — often called a Medical Examination Report or Driver Medical Evaluation form.
If the restriction was placed because of a vision issue, you may need to pass a vision test at the DMV or provide a letter from an eye care professional confirming your vision meets the state's standards. Some states require you to wear corrective lenses and will remove the restriction only if you pass the test with them on.
If the restriction resulted from a traffic violation or suspension, it may be removed automatically after a set period of time, or you may need to complete a defensive driving course or other requirement. Contact your DMV to find out the exact timeline and any conditions you must meet.
Driving with the restriction in place
While the restriction is on your license, you must follow it. Driving on roads other than state highways violates the terms of your license, even if you are not stopped by police. If you are pulled over and found to be driving in violation of your restriction, you could face a traffic citation, fines, or additional license penalties.
Your insurance company may also deny a claim if you were driving in violation of a license restriction at the time of an accident. This can leave you personally liable for damages.
If you need to drive on local roads regularly — for work, school, or medical appointments — contact your DMV to discuss whether the restriction can be modified or removed. Some states allow temporary exceptions or modifications under certain circumstances.
State-by-state differences in restriction codes
While many states use similar numbering systems for license restrictions, the exact code and its meaning can vary. Some states use letter codes instead of numbers, and the same number may mean different things in different states. For example, one state's "152" might refer to state highways only, while another state's system may use a different code for the same restriction.
Your state's DMV handbook — available online or at any DMV office — contains a complete list of all restriction codes used in your state and what each one means. This is the most reliable source for understanding your specific restriction.
If you move to another state, your out-of-state license restrictions may not transfer directly. You will need to exchange your license for one issued by your new state, and the new state's DMV will determine whether to carry over the restriction or issue a new license without it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive on state highways at night with a 152 St restriction?
The 152 St code itself does not restrict the time of day you can drive — only the type of road. However, if your license has an additional restriction limiting you to daytime driving, that would explore. Check your license document for any time-of-day restrictions listed separately, or contact your DMV to confirm.
What happens if I drive on a local road while I have this restriction?
Driving in violation of a license restriction is a traffic violation. You could receive a citation, face fines, and potentially have your license suspended. Your insurance may also deny a claim if you were violating the restriction at the time of an accident.
Does a 152 St restriction affect my insurance rates?
Most insurance companies do not charge higher rates specifically because of a restriction code. However, if the restriction was placed because of a medical condition or violation that the insurance company knows about, that may affect your rates. Contact your insurance agent to ask how your specific situation is rated.
How long does the 152 St restriction stay on my license?
The duration depends on why it was placed on your license and your state's rules. Some restrictions are temporary and removed automatically after a set period. Others remain until you meet specific conditions, such as passing a medical exam. Contact your DMV to find out the timeline for your restriction.
Can I get the restriction removed before the time period ends?
In many cases, yes. If you can show that the condition that triggered the restriction no longer applies — such as by providing medical documentation or passing a vision test — you may be able to request early removal. Ask your DMV what documentation they need to consider your request.