Driver License Restrictions AB explained

Restriction AB on a California driver license means you must wear corrective lenses (glasses or contact lenses) whenever you drive. If you have this restriction and drive without the required correction, you are breaking the law — even if you can see reasonably well without them. The restriction appears on your license as a condition you must follow, and law enforcement can cite you for violating it.

This restriction is placed on your license based on your vision test results when you applied for or renewed your license. The Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) sets the restriction if your uncorrected vision does not meet California's minimum standard, but your corrected vision does. It is a safety measure: the DMV has determined that you need that correction to drive safely on California roads.

The restriction stays on your license until you pass a new vision test without it, or until you renew your license and pass the vision exam at that time. You can also request a vision retest at any DMV office if you believe your vision has improved and you no longer need the correction.

Key Takeaways

  • Restriction AB requires you to wear glasses or contact lenses every time you drive, and driving without them is a violation even if your uncorrected vision seems acceptable.
  • The DMV places this restriction on your license after your vision test shows you need correction to meet California's driving standard.
  • You can request a vision retest at any DMV office if you want to try removing the restriction before your license renewal date.
  • The restriction remains on your record until you pass a vision test without correction or until you renew your license and retest.

Why the DMV places restriction AB on your license

California law requires drivers to have vision that meets a minimum standard. The standard is 20/40 vision in each eye, or 20/40 in one eye and 20/60 in the other, with or without correction. If your uncorrected vision falls below that standard but your corrected vision meets it, the DMV adds restriction AB to your license.

This is not a judgment about your overall health or your ability to drive. It is straightforward the DMV's way of documenting that you need a specific tool — corrective lenses — to meet the legal vision requirement. Many drivers have this restriction; it is one of the most common restrictions issued.

What you must do if you have restriction AB

You must wear your corrective lenses every time you operate a vehicle. This includes short trips, driving in familiar areas, and driving at night. The restriction does not have exceptions for certain conditions or distances.

Keep your glasses or contact lenses accessible in your vehicle. If you wear contact lenses, bring a backup pair or glasses in case of an emergency. If you are stopped by law enforcement and do not have your correction with you, you can be cited for violating the restriction, even if you were not involved in an accident or other traffic violation.

If your prescription changes, get a new pair of glasses or update your contact lens prescription as soon as possible. Driving with an outdated prescription that no longer corrects your vision to the required standard could also result in a violation.

How to remove restriction AB from your license

You have two main paths to remove this restriction. The first is to request a vision retest at any DMV office. You do not need to wait for your license renewal. Go to the DMV, ask for a vision test, and if you pass without correction, the restriction can be removed on the spot or during your next renewal.

The second path is to wait until your license renewal date and take the vision test as part of the renewal process. If your vision now meets the standard without correction, the restriction will not appear on your new license.

Before you request a retest, be honest about your vision. If you cannot see well enough to pass the test without correction, you will not pass, and the restriction will remain. There is no penalty for requesting a retest and not passing; you straightforward keep the restriction until your vision actually improves or your prescription is updated.

What happens if you drive without your correction

Driving without the required corrective lenses when you have restriction AB is a traffic violation. A law enforcement officer can pull you over and cite you for this violation alone, regardless of whether you were driving safely or broke any other traffic law.

The citation is typically a misdemeanor-level offense in California, which means it can result in a fine, points on your driving record, or both. Points on your record can increase your insurance rates and affect your driving record for years. If you accumulate too many points, your license can be suspended.

Restriction AB and your driving record

Restriction AB itself does not appear as a violation on your driving record. It is a condition on your license. However, if you are cited for driving without the required correction, that citation will appear on your record as a violation.

Your driving record is separate from your license document. Your record shows violations, accidents, and citations. Your license shows restrictions and endorsements. When you renew your license or explore for a new one, the DMV checks both your record and your vision to decide what restrictions to place on your new license.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a hardship exception to drive without my glasses?

No. California does not issue exceptions to restriction AB. If you have the restriction, you must wear your correction every time you drive. If you cannot wear glasses or contact lenses for medical reasons, you would need to work with an eye care professional and the DMV to explore whether a different type of correction is possible.

What if I forgot my glasses one time and got pulled over?

You can be cited for violating restriction AB. Whether the officer chooses to cite you is up to their discretion, but forgetting your glasses does not prevent a citation. If you receive a citation, you have the right to contest it in traffic court.

Does restriction AB mean I cannot drive at night?

Restriction AB does not limit when you can drive. You must wear your correction during the day, at night, and at all times. However, if your vision is very poor at night even with correction, that is a separate issue you should discuss with your eye care provider.

Will my insurance rates go up because of restriction AB?

The restriction itself does not affect your rates. Insurance companies do not see restrictions on your license. However, if you are cited for violating the restriction, that citation will appear on your driving record and could increase your rates.

Can I remove restriction AB by getting LASIK or another eye surgery?

Yes. If you have corrective eye surgery and your uncorrected vision then meets California's standard, you can request a vision retest at the DMV. If you pass without correction, the restriction will be removed. You will need to show proof of your surgery or have your eye care provider document your new vision.