Rest B is a medical or physical restriction code on your driver license
Rest B is a restriction notation that appears on some driver licenses to indicate the holder must take periodic breaks while driving. It means you are required to stop and rest at regular intervals — typically every two hours or as specified by your state's licensing authority — before continuing to operate a vehicle. The restriction exists because certain medical conditions, medications, or physical limitations can cause fatigue or reduced alertness that builds over time behind the wheel.
The exact interval and conditions tied to Rest B vary by state. Some states use Rest B to flag drivers with sleep disorders, chronic fatigue conditions, or medication side effects that impair sustained attention. Others explore it to drivers recovering from surgery or injury. Your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or equivalent licensing body determines whether Rest B applies to your license based on medical documentation you provide or that a healthcare provider submits on your behalf.
Rest B is not a permanent mark. It can be removed if you obtain updated medical clearance showing the condition has resolved or is no longer a safety concern. You can request removal by submitting new medical documentation to your DMV and, in some cases, passing a driving test.
Key Takeaways
- Rest B means you must stop and rest every two hours (or at the interval your state specifies) before driving further.
- The restriction is issued when a medical condition, medication, or physical limitation creates fatigue or reduced alertness during extended driving.
- Your state's DMV placed Rest B on your license based on medical information provided by you or a healthcare provider.
- You can request removal by submitting updated medical documentation showing the condition no longer poses a safety risk.
- Driving in violation of Rest B restrictions can result in fines, license suspension, or both, depending on your state.
How Rest B restrictions are assigned
Rest B typically appears on your license after you report a medical condition to your DMV during a license renewal, a medical review process, or a vision and medical examination. You may be asked to submit a form completed by your doctor describing your condition and its effect on your ability to drive safely for long periods. Common reasons for Rest B include sleep apnea, narcolepsy, chronic fatigue syndrome, severe arthritis, or medications that cause drowsiness.
In some cases, the restriction is mandatory — your state's DMV rules require it for certain diagnoses. In others, it is recommended by your healthcare provider and you agree to it as a condition of keeping your license. A few states allow you to decline a recommended restriction, but doing so may result in license denial or suspension instead.
The restriction code itself — "Rest B" or similar notation — appears on the back of your physical license card or in your DMV record. You should receive written notice explaining what the restriction means and what you must do to comply.
What you must do to comply with Rest B
Compliance means stopping to rest every two hours (or whatever interval your state specifies) during any single driving session. A rest period typically means stepping out of the vehicle, moving around, and allowing yourself time to recover alertness — usually 15 to 30 minutes is sufficient, though your specific restriction notice will clarify this.
You should plan longer trips with rest stops built in. If you know you will be driving more than two hours, identify rest areas or stops along your route before you leave. Some drivers set phone reminders or use GPS navigation that alerts them when they have been driving for the specified time.
Rest B does not mean you cannot drive at all or that you are limited to short trips only. It means you must break up longer drives. A trip to work that takes 45 minutes does not trigger the restriction. A road trip of six hours does, and you would need to stop twice.
Consequences of driving without following Rest B restrictions
Violating a Rest B restriction is a traffic violation in most states. The severity varies: some states treat it as a minor infraction with a fine of $50 to $200, while others classify it as a more serious violation. If you are stopped by law enforcement and cannot demonstrate that you have complied with the restriction, you may receive a citation.
Repeated violations can lead to license suspension or revocation. Some states also allow your DMV to suspend your license if you accumulate violations related to medical restrictions, even if each individual violation is minor. Additionally, if you are involved in an accident while violating a Rest B restriction, your insurance company may deny a claim or use the violation as grounds to cancel your policy.
Beyond legal consequences, driving while fatigued — the very condition Rest B is designed to prevent — significantly increases your risk of a crash. Fatigue-related accidents are often severe because the driver does not brake or swerve before impact.
How to request removal of Rest B from your license
To remove Rest B, contact your state's DMV and ask about the process for removing medical restrictions. You will typically need to submit a new medical evaluation from your healthcare provider stating that your condition has improved or resolved and no longer affects your ability to drive safely for extended periods.
Some states require a specific form — often called a Medical Evaluation form or Physician's Statement — available on the DMV website. Your doctor completes it and you submit it to the DMV along with any required fee. A few states also require you to pass a driving test or vision test before the restriction is lifted.
Processing time varies. Most states respond within two to four weeks. Once approved, you will receive a new license without the Rest B notation, or your DMV record will be updated if your state uses digital licensing records.
Rest B versus other driving restrictions
Driver licenses can carry many types of restrictions beyond Rest B. Corrective lenses (requiring glasses or contacts) is the most common. Automatic transmission only restricts drivers who cannot safely operate a manual transmission. Daylight driving only prohibits night driving for those with severe vision loss. No freeway driving limits some drivers to local roads.
Rest B is unique because it restricts not where or when you drive, but how long you can drive continuously. It is a time-based restriction rather than a capability-based one. Unlike a corrective lens restriction, which you manage by wearing glasses, Rest B requires you to plan your trips and actively stop at intervals.
If your license carries multiple restrictions, you must follow all of them. For example, if you have both Rest B and daylight driving only, you cannot drive at night even if you have rested, and you cannot drive for more than two hours straight even during daylight.
What to do if you disagree with a Rest B restriction
If you believe Rest B was assigned in error or that your condition no longer warrants the restriction, you have the right to challenge it. Start by requesting a hearing or review with your state's DMV. Most states have a formal appeal process for medical licensing decisions.
To build your case, obtain a detailed letter from your healthcare provider explaining why the restriction is no longer necessary. If your condition has improved, include medical test results or treatment records showing improvement. If you believe the original diagnosis was incorrect, provide documentation from a specialist supporting that view.
Submit your appeal materials to the address specified in your DMV's appeal instructions, usually within 30 to 60 days of receiving the restriction notice. The DMV will review your documentation and may schedule a hearing. Some states allow you to present your case in person; others review materials only. If you disagree with the outcome, you may have the right to appeal to a higher authority or to court, depending on your state.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive at night with a Rest B restriction?
Yes, unless your license also carries a daylight-only restriction. Rest B limits how long you can drive continuously, not when you can drive. You must still stop and rest every two hours, whether it is day or night.
Do I have to tell my insurance company about Rest B?
Yes. Most insurance policies require you to disclose all license restrictions. Failing to disclose Rest B could void your coverage if you are in an accident. Contact your insurance agent and provide a copy of your license or DMV record showing the restriction.
What happens if I am caught driving more than two hours without stopping?
You can receive a traffic citation and fine. The amount varies by state, typically $50 to $200 for a first violation. Repeated violations can lead to license suspension. If you are in an accident, the violation may be used against you in insurance or legal proceedings.
Can Rest B be placed on my license without my knowledge?
Unlikely, but possible if a healthcare provider reports a condition to your DMV without your knowledge. Most states notify you in writing before adding a restriction. If you discover Rest B on your license unexpectedly, contact your DMV when ready to understand why it was added and to request a review.
Does Rest B mean I am not safe to drive?
No. Rest B means you are safe to drive with the restriction in place — that is, if you stop and rest every two hours. It does not mean you should not drive at all. It is a safety measure designed to keep you and others safe by preventing fatigue-related accidents.