Driver License Code B is a restriction on your license, not a vehicle class

Code B appears on your driver license as a restriction that limits where and when you can drive. It does not mean you can only drive certain types of vehicles — it means you must wear corrective lenses (glasses or contact lenses) every time you drive. If you drive without them, you are breaking the law and can be cited, even if your vision is otherwise fine.

The restriction is issued by your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (or equivalent agency) based on your vision test during licensing or renewal. The specific threshold varies by state, but generally if your corrected vision falls below a certain standard — typically 20/40 or worse in one or both eyes — the DMV will add Code B to your license.

Code B is one of several common restrictions. Other codes restrict you to automatic transmission only, prohibit highway driving, or require you to use hearing aids. Code B is purely about vision correction and is among the most frequently issued restrictions.

Key Takeaways

  • Code B means you must wear corrective lenses every time you operate a vehicle, or you can be cited for a violation.
  • The restriction is added by your state DMV when your corrected vision does not meet the standard for unrestricted driving.
  • Corrected vision means vision measured while wearing glasses or contacts — not your natural vision without correction.
  • You can request a vision retest at your DMV if your eyesight has improved or if you believe the restriction was issued in error.

How the vision test determines whether you get Code B

When you take your written and driving test at the DMV, you also take a vision screening. The examiner uses a machine or chart to measure how well you can see at distance and sometimes at near range. Your state has a minimum standard — often 20/40 corrected vision in at least one eye, though this varies.

The key word is corrected. If you wear glasses or contacts and your vision with them meets the standard, you will not receive Code B. If your vision with correction falls below the standard, or if you cannot achieve that standard even with correction, the DMV will add the restriction to your license.

Some states also test for peripheral vision or color blindness as part of the screening. If you fail those tests, you may receive a different code or an additional restriction alongside Code B.

What happens if you drive without your corrective lenses

Driving without the lenses required by Code B is a traffic violation. The penalty varies by state but typically includes a fine, points on your driving record, and sometimes a court appearance. In some states, a violation can also trigger a license suspension or mandatory vision retest.

The violation is separate from any accident or unsafe driving that might occur. Even if you drive perfectly and cause no harm, an officer who stops you can cite you solely for violating the Code B restriction. Insurance companies may also deny a claim if you were driving in violation of a license restriction at the time of an accident.

If you forget your glasses or contacts, you should not drive. Pulling over and waiting for someone else to pick you up, or calling a rideshare service, is the legal option.

How to remove Code B from your license

To remove Code B, you must return to your DMV and request a vision retest. You will take the same vision screening you took when you first received your license. If your corrected vision now meets your state's standard, the DMV will remove the restriction and issue you a new license without Code B.

You do not need a doctor's referral or a letter from an eye care provider to request the retest, though some states allow you to bring one. The retest is usually free or costs a small fee (often $5 to $15), and you can often schedule it online or walk in during business hours.

If your vision has not improved enough to meet the standard, Code B will remain on your license. You can retest again after a waiting period — typically six months to one year — if you believe your vision has changed.

Code B versus other license restrictions and endorsements

Driver license codes fall into two categories: restrictions and endorsements. Code B is a restriction, meaning it limits what you can do. Endorsements, by contrast, allow you to do something you otherwise could not — such as drive a motorcycle or operate a commercial vehicle.

Other common restrictions include Code A (automatic transmission only), Code D (no highway driving), and Code E (hearing aid required). Some states use different letters or numbers for the same restrictions, so check your state's DMV handbook to confirm what each code on your license means.

Restrictions are printed on the front or back of your license and are visible to any officer who stops you. If you violate a restriction, the officer can cite you even if you were driving safely otherwise.

Why states require Code B and how it affects insurance

States require corrective lens restrictions because vision is critical to safe driving. Poor vision increases the risk of missing hazards, misjudging distance, and reacting too slowly to obstacles. By requiring drivers with corrected vision below a certain threshold to wear their lenses, states aim to reduce accidents caused by impaired sight.

Insurance companies can see Code B on your license record. Some insurers charge slightly higher premiums for drivers with restrictions, though the increase is usually small — often $20 to $50 per year. A few insurers may decline to cover you if you have certain restrictions, though this is rare for Code B alone.

If you are cited for violating Code B, the violation will appear on your driving record and may increase your insurance rates more significantly than the restriction itself.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive at night with Code B?

Code B does not restrict the time of day you can drive — it applies to all driving. You must wear your corrective lenses whenever you operate a vehicle, day or night. Some states do issue separate night-driving restrictions, but those are different codes.

What if I wear contacts instead of glasses?

Contacts count as corrective lenses under Code B. You must wear them every time you drive, just as you would with glasses. If you wear contacts, make sure you have a backup pair or glasses in your vehicle in case a lens falls out while you are driving.

Do I have to tell my insurance company about Code B?

You should disclose Code B when you get a quote or renew your policy, because it appears on your driving record. Failing to disclose it could give the insurer grounds to deny a claim. Most insurers ask about restrictions during the process process.

Can Code B be added to my license after I already have one?

Yes. If your vision changes or worsens, your state may add Code B during a renewal or retest. You can also request a vision retest at any time if you believe your vision has changed since your last test.

What if I disagree with the vision test result?

You can request another retest at the DMV, usually after a waiting period of 30 to 90 days. You can also have your eye doctor perform a vision test and bring the results to the DMV, though the DMV's own test is what determines your license status. Some states allow you to appeal a restriction decision through a formal hearing process.