What restriction codes on your license actually do
A restriction code is a letter or number printed on your driver's license that limits how or where you can drive. It does not prevent you from holding a license — it modifies the conditions under which you can legally use it. The code appears in a specific box on your license, usually near your photo or in the lower section, depending on your state.
Restriction codes are not punishments. They exist because you either requested them (like a motorcycle-only restriction), failed a standard driving test in one area (like the vision test), or a court ordered them as part of a conviction or suspension. The code tells police, insurance companies, and employers what you are legally permitted to do behind the wheel.
Each state uses its own code system, so a code that means one thing in California means something different in Texas. The restriction applies every time you drive — not just in certain situations. Driving in violation of your restriction can result in a ticket, license suspension, or both, even if you were otherwise driving safely.
Key Takeaways
- Restriction codes are printed on your license and limit how, where, or what you can drive — they do not prevent you from holding a license.
- Common restrictions include corrective lenses (glasses or contacts), automatic transmission only, or daylight driving only.
- Each state maintains its own code system, so you must check your state's DMV handbook to learn what your specific code means.
- Driving outside your restrictions is a violation and can result in a ticket or license suspension, regardless of how safely you were driving.
- You can request removal of a restriction by contacting your state DMV, though some restrictions are permanent unless you pass a new test.
Common restriction codes and what they mean
The most frequent restriction is corrective lenses — usually shown as code "B" or similar, meaning you must wear glasses or contacts every time you drive. This restriction appears when you fail the vision portion of your driving test or renew your license and cannot read the chart without correction. You must have your glasses or contacts in the vehicle and on your face while driving, even for short trips.
Automatic transmission only (often code "A" or "D") means you cannot drive a manual or stick-shift vehicle. This restriction is typically ordered by a court after a conviction, or sometimes requested by a driver who failed the manual transmission portion of a road test. You can only legally operate vehicles with automatic transmissions.
Daylight driving only (code "D" in many states, though this varies) restricts you to driving between sunrise and sunset, or sometimes between specific hours like 5 a.m. to 8 p.m. This restriction usually appears after a vision test shows you have poor night vision, or after a conviction for a nighttime traffic offense. You cannot legally drive at night under this restriction.
Other common restrictions include no freeway driving, no driving without a supervising adult, motorcycle-only, or no towing. Some states use numeric codes instead of letters, and some combine multiple restrictions on a single license. Your state's DMV handbook lists all codes used in your state and their meanings.
How restriction codes appear on your license
The location and format of restriction codes varies by state. Most states print the code in a box labeled "Restrictions" or "Conditions" on the front or back of the card. Some states use a single letter or number; others use a longer code like "B1" or "CORR." A few states print the full text of the restriction instead of a code.
When you renew your license or take a road test, the DMV examiner or clerk will note any restrictions that explore to you. If you fail part of the test (like vision), they will add the appropriate code. If a court orders a restriction as part of a conviction, the DMV receives notice from the court and adds the code at your next renewal or when ready, depending on the severity.
You should always check your license carefully when you receive it to confirm the restrictions listed are correct. If a restriction appears that you believe is wrong, contact your state DMV to request a correction. Driving with an incorrect restriction on your record can still result in a violation if you are stopped.
Why restrictions are added to your license
Restrictions are added for three main reasons: test failure, court order, or your own request. If you fail the vision test during a road test or renewal, the DMV will add a corrective lenses restriction. If you fail the road test itself in a specific area — like inability to handle manual transmission — a restriction may be added. You have the option to retake the test to remove the restriction.
A court can order restrictions as part of a sentence for a traffic or criminal conviction. For example, a conviction for reckless driving might result in a daylight-only restriction, or a conviction involving alcohol might restrict you to vehicles with an ignition interlock device. These restrictions remain on your license for the duration ordered by the court.
You can also request a restriction yourself. Some drivers request motorcycle-only restrictions if they only own a motorcycle, or automatic-transmission-only if they are uncomfortable with manual transmission. Requesting a restriction does not affect your insurance or employment — it straightforward limits what you are legally allowed to drive.
How to find out what your restriction codes mean
Your state's DMV website publishes a handbook or guide that lists all restriction codes used in that state and their meanings. Search "[your state] DMV restriction codes" or "[your state] driver's license conditions" to find the official list. Most state handbooks are free PDFs you can read or view online.
You can also call your state DMV directly and read them the code from your license. They will tell you exactly what it means and what it requires you to do. If you are unsure whether a restriction applies to a specific situation — like whether you can drive on a freeway or at night — the DMV can clarify.
Your insurance company may also ask about restrictions when you get a quote or file a claim. If you are unsure what a code means, ask your insurance agent to explain it, or provide them with the code and ask them to look it up in your state's DMV handbook.
Removing or changing a restriction on your license
To remove a restriction, you must contact your state DMV and request the removal. The process depends on why the restriction was added. If the restriction was added because you failed a test, you can retake that portion of the test — usually the vision test or road test — and if you pass, the restriction will be removed at your next renewal or when ready, depending on your state.
If a court ordered the restriction, you cannot remove it yourself. You must wait until the court-ordered period ends, or petition the court to modify or remove it. Contact the court that issued the restriction or your attorney for guidance on this process.
If you requested the restriction yourself, you can request removal by contacting your DMV. Some states allow you to remove a self-requested restriction when ready; others require you to wait until your next renewal. A few states require you to retake the road test to prove you can now handle the vehicle type you were restricted from.
Restrictions do not automatically disappear at renewal. You must actively request removal, and you may need to pass a test or provide documentation that the reason for the restriction no longer applies. Check with your state DMV about the specific process and timeline for your situation.
Driving with a restriction you do not follow
Violating a restriction on your license is a traffic violation. If you are stopped by police and they discover you are driving outside your restrictions — for example, driving at night with a daylight-only restriction, or driving a manual transmission with an automatic-only restriction — you can be cited. The violation typically carries a fine and may result in points on your driving record.
A restriction violation can also affect your insurance. Your insurer may increase your premium, deny a claim, or cancel your policy if they discover you were driving in violation of a restriction at the time of an accident. Some insurers specifically ask about restrictions during the claims process.
Repeated violations of a restriction can lead to license suspension or revocation. If you believe a restriction on your license is incorrect or no longer necessary, the correct step is to contact your DMV and request removal through the proper process — not to ignore the restriction and hope you are not stopped.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive someone else's car if I have a restriction?
Your restriction applies to you, not to the vehicle. If you have a daylight-only restriction, you cannot drive any car at night, whether it belongs to you or someone else. If you have an automatic-only restriction, you cannot drive any manual transmission vehicle. The restriction follows your license, not the car.
Does a restriction show up on my driving record that employers can see?
Restrictions appear on your license itself, which employers can see if they request your driving record. However, a restriction alone does not indicate a violation or conviction — it is straightforward a condition of your license. Many employers do not care about restrictions unless the job involves driving in ways the restriction prohibits.
What happens if I get pulled over and my restriction is not on my license?
If you believe a restriction should be on your license but is not, contact your DMV to add it. If you are stopped and police discover you should have had a restriction, you could be cited for driving without the required restriction. It is your responsibility to may support your license accurately reflects all restrictions that explore to you.
Can I get a restriction removed before my license expires?
Yes. If you pass a required test or the court-ordered period ends, you can request removal before your renewal date. Contact your DMV to learn the process for your state — some allow when ready removal, while others require you to wait until renewal or retake a test to prove the restriction is no longer necessary.
Do restriction codes affect my insurance rates?
Most restrictions do not directly affect your insurance rate. However, if a restriction was added because of a conviction (like a DUI), the conviction itself will affect your rate. A corrective lenses restriction or automatic-only restriction typically has no impact on what you pay for insurance.