What restriction codes on your driver license actually do
A restriction code is a letter or number printed on your driver license that limits how or when you can drive. It is not a violation or a mark against you — it is a condition that lets you keep your license while addressing a specific safety concern. The most common codes require you to wear corrective lenses, use an automatic transmission, or drive only during daylight hours.
Restriction codes appear in a dedicated box on your license, separate from your license number and expiration date. When a police officer checks your license during a traffic stop, they can see when ready what restrictions explore to you. Driving in violation of a restriction — for example, driving at night when your license says "daylight only" — counts as a separate offense and can result in a ticket, points on your record, or license suspension.
The specific codes and what they mean vary by state. Your state's Department of Motor Vehicles publishes the official list, and you can find it on their website or by calling their customer service line. Understanding your own restrictions is important because violating them has real consequences for your driving record and insurance rates.
Key Takeaways
- Restriction codes are conditions on your license that limit when, where, or how you can drive, and they appear in a marked box on the physical card.
- Common restrictions include corrective lenses required, automatic transmission only, daylight driving only, and no highway driving.
- Each state uses its own code system, so a code that means one thing in California may mean something different in Texas.
- Driving in violation of a restriction is a separate offense that can result in a ticket, points, or license suspension.
- You can find your state's official code list on your state DMV website or by contacting them directly.
Why restriction codes get added to your license
Restriction codes are added during the licensing process or after a medical review, a vision test failure, or a hearing test failure. If you fail the vision portion of your driving test, the DMV will add a corrective lenses code so you must wear glasses or contacts every time you drive. If you have a medical condition that affects your ability to operate a standard transmission, you may receive a code requiring an automatic transmission only.
Some restrictions are added because of age. Drivers under 18 in many states receive restrictions on when they can drive (often no driving between midnight and 5 a.m.) or who can ride with them. These restrictions typically expire on their own when the driver reaches a certain age.
Other restrictions come from a hearing officer's decision after a medical review. If you report a condition like seizures or severe arthritis, the DMV may require you to undergo testing. Based on the results, they may add restrictions rather than deny your license outright. This approach lets you keep your driving privileges while protecting public safety.
Common restriction codes and what they mean
The codes themselves are usually single letters or numbers. Here are examples of restrictions you might see, though your state's specific codes may differ:
- Corrective lenses required: You must wear glasses or contact lenses every time you drive. This is one of the most common restrictions.
- Automatic transmission only: You can only drive vehicles with automatic transmissions, not manual or standard transmissions.
- Daylight driving only: You cannot drive between sunset and sunrise, or during hours your state specifies (often dusk to dawn).
- No highway driving: You are limited to local roads and cannot use interstate highways or high-speed roads.
- Hearing aid required: You must wear a hearing aid while driving if you have significant hearing loss.
- Passenger restrictions: Common for young drivers; limits the number of passengers or the ages of passengers allowed in the vehicle.
- No commercial driving: You cannot drive for work or operate a commercial vehicle, even if you hold a commercial license.
Your license will show only the codes that explore to you. If you have no restrictions, that box will be blank or marked "none." You can always check your license to see exactly what codes are listed.
How to find your state's official restriction code list
Each state maintains its own list of restriction codes and their meanings. The fastest way to find yours is to visit your state's Department of Motor Vehicles website and search for "restriction codes" or "license restrictions." Most states publish a PDF or web page that shows every code used in that state and what it means.
If you cannot find the list online, you can call your state DMV's customer service line. Have your license number or driver's license handy, and ask them to explain any codes on your license. They can also tell you whether a restriction is permanent or will expire on a certain date.
Some states also include a legend or explanation on the back of the physical license itself. Check the back of your card — many states print a small code key there for reference.
What happens if you drive in violation of a restriction
Driving in violation of a restriction is treated as a separate traffic offense. If you are stopped and an officer sees that you violated a restriction on your license, you can receive a ticket for that violation alone, even if you were not speeding or breaking any other traffic law.
The consequences depend on your state and the specific restriction, but they typically include a fine, points added to your driving record, and possible license suspension. A violation may also affect your insurance rates. Some states treat restriction violations more seriously than others, so the penalty in your state may be different from a neighboring state.
If you received a restriction by mistake or believe it no longer applies to you, you can request a hearing or a medical review through your state DMV. The process and timeline vary by state, but generally you will need to submit documentation (such as a new vision test or medical clearance) and may need to attend a hearing.
How to request a restriction be removed or modified
If your circumstances have changed — for example, you had cataract surgery and no longer need corrective lenses, or you recovered from an injury that required an automatic transmission — you can request that a restriction be removed or changed.
The first step is to contact your state DMV and ask about their process for restriction removal. Most states require you to submit medical documentation or pass a new test. For a corrective lenses restriction, you may need to pass a vision test without glasses. For a medical restriction, you may need a letter from your doctor stating that the condition no longer affects your ability to drive safely.
Some states allow you to request removal by mail with documentation; others require you to visit a DMV office in person. A few states require a formal hearing before a hearing officer. The timeline can range from a few weeks to several months, depending on your state and how quickly you submit the required documents.
Restrictions for young drivers and how they change with age
Many states impose temporary restrictions on drivers under 18 or 21. These might include no driving between certain hours (often midnight to 5 a.m.), limits on the number of passengers, or a requirement to use a hands-free device for phone calls. These restrictions are designed to reduce accidents among inexperienced drivers.
Age-based restrictions typically expire automatically when you reach a certain age — often 18 or 21, depending on your state and the specific restriction. You do not need to do anything; your license will straightforward be valid under the new rules once you reach that age. However, some states require you to renew your license or visit a DMV office to have the restriction removed.
Check your state DMV website or your license itself to see when your age-based restrictions will expire. If you are unsure, call your state DMV and they can tell you the exact date.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a restriction removed before the expiration date?
Yes, but you will need to show that the reason for the restriction no longer applies. For medical or vision restrictions, submit documentation from a doctor or pass a new test. Contact your state DMV to learn what documents they need and whether you can submit them by mail or must visit an office in person.
What if I drive without following a restriction on my license?
You can be cited for violating the restriction, which is a separate offense from any other traffic violation. This adds points to your record and may result in a fine or license suspension. The exact penalty depends on your state and the specific restriction.
Do restriction codes transfer if I move to a different state?
No. When you get a license in a new state, that state will conduct its own vision and medical review based on your process. You may receive different restrictions in the new state, or you may receive none at all. The codes are specific to each state's system.
Will a restriction code affect my car insurance rates?
A restriction itself does not directly affect your rates, but violating a restriction will. If you receive a ticket for driving in violation of a restriction, that ticket will appear on your driving record and may increase your insurance costs.
How do I know if my restriction is temporary or permanent?
Check your license — some states print an expiration date for temporary restrictions. You can also call your state DMV and provide your license number; they can tell you whether a restriction is permanent or will expire on a specific date.