The "Rest AB" code on your driver license means you must wear corrective lenses (glasses or contacts) whenever you drive
Rest AB is a restriction code that appears on your license to tell law enforcement and you that driving without your glasses or contacts is illegal — even if you can see well enough to pass the eye test at the DMV on that particular day. It is one of the most common restrictions issued, and it exists because your vision can change between tests or in different lighting conditions.
The code comes from the German licensing system, where "Rest" means restriction and "AB" refers to the visual correction requirement. Most U.S. states adopted this shorthand when they standardized license codes. You will see it printed on the back of your physical license or in the restrictions section of your digital record.
If you drive without your corrective lenses when Rest AB is on your license, you can be cited for a violation — even if you were not in an accident and your vision was fine that day. The restriction exists to protect you and others on the road, because corrected vision is what you demonstrated to the DMV when you passed your test.
Key Takeaways
- Rest AB means you must wear glasses or contacts every time you drive, not just on long trips or in bad weather.
- The restriction appears on your license because your uncorrected vision does not meet the state's minimum standard for safe driving.
- Driving without your corrective lenses when Rest AB is on your license is a traffic violation that can result in a fine or citation.
- You can request removal of the restriction by passing a vision test without corrective lenses at your state's DMV.
How the restriction gets on your license in the first place
When you take your vision test at the DMV, the examiner checks your sight both with and without corrective lenses. If your uncorrected vision falls below your state's minimum standard — usually 20/40 or 20/60 depending on the state — but your corrected vision meets the standard, the examiner will add Rest AB to your license.
This happens automatically. You do not have to ask for it, and the examiner will tell you before you leave the testing station. The restriction is printed on your license so that any officer who pulls you over can see it when ready.
Some people discover the restriction only when they renew their license years later and notice it on the new card. This can happen if you were tested at a location with different equipment, if your vision has changed, or if the previous examiner did not catch it.
What counts as a violation
You violate the restriction if you operate a vehicle without your corrective lenses when Rest AB is on your license. This includes driving to the store, driving to work, or driving just a few blocks — distance does not matter.
An officer does not need to see you swerve or drive unsafely to cite you. If they pull you over for any reason — a broken taillight, speeding, or a traffic stop — and they see Rest AB on your license, they can ask whether you are wearing your corrective lenses. If you are not, they can issue a citation.
The penalty varies by state but typically includes a fine ranging from $50 to $250 and a point on your driving record. Some states treat it as a moving violation, which can affect your insurance rates.
How to remove the restriction
To remove Rest AB from your license, you must pass a vision test without corrective lenses at your state's DMV. You cannot straightforward request its removal — you have to demonstrate that your uncorrected vision now meets the state's minimum standard.
Schedule an appointment at your local DMV and ask to take a vision test. Bring your current license and any required identification. The examiner will test your vision without glasses or contacts. If you pass, the restriction will be removed from your license, usually on the spot or when you renew.
If you do not pass, the restriction stays. You can try again at your next renewal or after you have had corrective eye surgery (such as LASIK), which may improve your uncorrected vision enough to pass the test.
The difference between Rest AB and other vision restrictions
Rest AB is the most common vision restriction, but your license might show other codes depending on your vision or medical history. Rest A means you must wear glasses or contacts and also have a side mirror or special equipment. Rest B alone (without the A) means you need special equipment but not necessarily corrective lenses, though this is rare.
Some states use different codes entirely. For example, California uses "Corrective Lenses" instead of Rest AB, and New York uses "Corrective Lenses Required." The meaning is the same — you must wear your glasses or contacts — but the wording differs by state.
If you are unsure what a restriction on your license means, contact your state's DMV directly. They can explain what it requires and what you need to do to remove it.
What to do if you wear contacts instead of glasses
Rest AB applies equally to glasses and contacts. If you wear contacts, you must wear them every time you drive, just as you would with glasses. The restriction does not distinguish between the two — it only requires that your vision be corrected.
If your contacts fall out while you are driving, pull over safely and put them back in before continuing. Driving with blurred vision after losing a contact is a violation of the restriction.
If you are considering LASIK or another vision correction surgery, keep in mind that you may be able to remove the restriction afterward if your uncorrected vision improves enough to pass the DMV test. Talk to your eye doctor about what vision level you can expect after surgery.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a ticket for driving without glasses if Rest AB is on my license?
Yes. An officer can cite you for violating the restriction even if you were not in an accident or driving unsafely. The violation is straightforward driving without the corrective lenses your license requires. Penalties typically include a fine and points on your record.
Will Rest AB show up on my driving record if I get pulled over?
Rest AB is part of your license record, not your driving record. An officer can see it when they scan your license during a traffic stop. If you are cited for driving without your corrective lenses, that citation will appear on your driving record.
Do I have to tell my insurance company about Rest AB?
Rest AB is a restriction on your license, not a medical condition, so you typically do not need to report it to your insurance company. However, if you receive a citation for violating the restriction, that citation may affect your rates.
What if I lost my glasses and need to drive home?
Driving without your corrective lenses when Rest AB is on your license is a violation, even in an emergency. If you lose your glasses, call someone for a ride, use a rideshare service, or wait until you can replace them. The safest and legal option is not to drive.
Can I remove Rest AB by getting LASIK?
LASIK may improve your uncorrected vision enough to pass the DMV vision test without glasses or contacts, which would allow you to remove the restriction. However, you must pass the test — the restriction does not automatically disappear after surgery. Schedule a vision test at the DMV after your surgery to learn about you now meet the standard.