A "D" on your driver license means you must wear corrective lenses while driving
The letter "D" printed on your driver license is a restriction code. It tells law enforcement and insurance companies that you are only legally permitted to drive while wearing eyeglasses or contact lenses. If you drive without them, you are breaking the law — even if you can see well enough to feel safe.
This restriction appears on your license because you failed the vision test at the DMV without correction, but passed it with glasses or contacts. The DMV uses restriction codes to note medical or physical conditions that affect your ability to drive safely. Other common codes include "B" (automatic transmission only) and "E" (outside mirrors required).
The "D" restriction stays on your license until you request it be removed. You can do this by passing a vision test without correction at your local DMV office, or by having an eye doctor send official test results showing your uncorrected vision meets your state's standard.
Key Takeaways
- A "D" restriction means you must wear glasses or contacts every time you drive, or you are violating the law.
- The restriction appears because your uncorrected vision did not meet the DMV standard, but your corrected vision did.
- You can remove the restriction by passing a vision test without correction at the DMV, or by submitting an eye doctor's test results.
- Driving without correction when you have a "D" restriction can result in a traffic citation and may affect your insurance rates.
- Each state sets its own vision standards, so the exact numbers vary by location.
Why the DMV adds a "D" restriction
The DMV tests your vision as part of the license renewal or initial process process. The test measures how well you can see at a distance — usually by reading letters on a chart from a set distance away. Each state sets a minimum standard; most require vision of at least 20/40 in each eye, though some are stricter.
If your uncorrected vision falls below that standard but your corrected vision (with glasses or contacts) meets it, the DMV adds the "D" code. This protects you and others on the road by ensuring you are wearing the correction you need to see clearly while driving.
The restriction is not a judgment about your eyesight overall — many people need correction and drive safely with it. It is straightforward a legal record that you must use that correction while operating a vehicle.
How to remove a "D" restriction
You have two main paths to remove the restriction. The first is to visit your local DMV office and take the vision test again without wearing glasses or contacts. If you pass, the examiner will remove the code from your license on the spot or issue you a new one without the restriction.
The second path is to have an eye doctor perform a vision test and send the results directly to your DMV. The doctor's office usually handles this paperwork. You will need to contact your state's DMV to find out what form the eye doctor should use and where to send it. Some states accept results only from an optometrist or ophthalmologist; others have specific requirements about how recent the test must be.
If your vision has improved — for example, because you had surgery or your prescription changed — either method can work. If you are unsure whether your uncorrected vision now meets the standard, an eye doctor can tell you before you make the trip to the DMV.
What happens if you drive without correction
Driving without the required correction when you have a "D" restriction is a traffic violation. The penalty varies by state but typically includes a fine ranging from $50 to $500, and sometimes points added to your driving record. A citation can also raise your insurance rates.
More importantly, driving without correction when you need it puts you and others at risk. You may not see hazards in time to react — a pedestrian, a stopped car, a traffic signal. Insurance companies know this, which is why they may deny a claim if you were in an accident and were violating your restriction at the time.
If you forget your glasses or contacts, the safest choice is not to drive. Call someone for a ride, use a taxi or rideshare service, or wait until you have your correction with you.
How "D" restrictions affect insurance and vehicle registration
When you buy car insurance, the company will ask about restrictions on your license. You must disclose the "D" code honestly. Some insurers do not charge extra for a corrective lens restriction, since it is a common and manageable condition. Others may charge a small additional premium.
The restriction does not prevent you from registering a vehicle or renewing your registration. It only affects your ability to legally operate that vehicle without correction.
If you are involved in an accident and the police report shows you were driving with a "D" restriction but without glasses or contacts, your insurance company may use that as grounds to deny your claim or reduce what they pay. This is why following the restriction matters even if you feel you can see well enough.
Differences between states
Each state's DMV sets its own vision standard and uses its own restriction codes. Some states use "D" for corrective lenses; others use different letters. A few states may not use a letter code at all but instead print the restriction as text on the license.
If you move to a new state, you will need to get a license from that state's DMV. They will test your vision again using their own standard. It is possible to have a "D" restriction in one state but not in another, depending on how strict each state's vision requirement is.
If you travel across state lines, your home state's license is valid in other states, including any restrictions on it. However, if you are stopped and found to be violating a restriction, the officer will cite you under that state's traffic laws.
When to get your vision tested
If you have a "D" restriction and your vision has changed — either improved or worsened — it is worth getting tested. You do not have to wait for your license to expire. You can visit the DMV anytime to request a new vision test.
If your prescription has changed and you are now wearing stronger glasses or contacts, that does not automatically remove the restriction. The restriction stays until you prove your uncorrected vision meets the standard, or until your license expires and you renew it (at which point you will be tested again).
If you have had eye surgery such as LASIK or cataract surgery, your uncorrected vision may have improved significantly. After recovery, an eye doctor can test you to see if you now meet the standard without correction.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive with contacts instead of glasses if I have a "D" restriction?
Yes. The "D" restriction means you must wear corrective lenses — either glasses or contacts. As long as you are wearing one of them, you are following the restriction. You do not have to use the same type of correction every time you drive.
Will a "D" restriction prevent me from getting a commercial driver license?
No, but you will need to disclose it. Commercial driver licenses have their own vision standards, which are often stricter than regular licenses. You may be required to wear correction while driving commercially, and that restriction will appear on your CDL as well.
If I get LASIK surgery, will the "D" restriction automatically disappear?
No. The restriction stays on your license until you remove it through the DMV. After LASIK recovery, you can take a vision test at the DMV without correction to see if you now pass. If you do, the restriction can be removed when ready.
What if I lost my glasses and got pulled over?
You can receive a citation for violating your restriction. The best defense is to explain that you forgot them, but that does not erase the violation. It is better to avoid driving without your correction in the first place.
Does a "D" restriction mean I failed the vision test?
Not exactly. It means your uncorrected vision did not meet the standard, but your corrected vision did. You passed the test while wearing your glasses or contacts, which is why you received a license — just with the restriction noted.