Restriction A is a corrective lens requirement
Restriction A means you must wear corrective lenses — glasses or contact lenses — whenever you drive. The restriction appears on your license as a condition of your driving privilege, and driving without the required lenses is a violation, even if you can see reasonably well without them.
This restriction is issued by your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (or equivalent agency) based on your vision test results during licensing or renewal. The threshold for requiring Restriction A varies slightly by state, but most states impose it when your uncorrected vision falls below a certain standard — typically 20/40 or worse in one or both eyes, or when you have a significant difference in vision between eyes.
The restriction does not mean your license is suspended or invalid. It means your license is valid only under the condition that you wear your corrective lenses. If you are stopped by law enforcement and cannot produce your glasses or contacts, you can be cited for violating the terms of your license, even if you were driving safely.
Key Takeaways
- Restriction A requires you to wear glasses or contact lenses every time you drive, and violating this condition can result in a traffic citation.
- The restriction is placed on your license based on your vision test results at the DMV, and the specific vision threshold varies by state.
- You can request a vision retest at your state's DMV if your vision has improved since your last test, which may allow you to remove the restriction.
- Driving with Restriction A in place does not affect your insurance rates or your driving record unless you are cited for driving without your corrective lenses.
How the restriction appears on your physical license
On your actual driver's license card, Restriction A typically appears in a small box or section labeled "Restrictions" or "Conditions." The letter "A" or the full phrase "Corrective Lenses" will be printed there. Some states use different notation — you may see "CL" for corrective lenses, or a number code that corresponds to corrective lenses in your state's system.
When you renew your license, the DMV will check your vision again. If your vision still requires correction, the restriction will carry forward to your new license. If your vision has improved enough to meet your state's uncorrected vision standard, the restriction may be removed at that time.
What happens if you are stopped without your lenses
If a police officer stops you and you are not wearing your required corrective lenses, the officer can cite you for violating the terms of your license. This is typically a minor traffic violation, not a criminal offense, but it does go on your driving record and can result in a fine.
The citation is separate from any other traffic violation you may have committed. For example, if you were speeding and also not wearing your glasses, you could receive two separate citations. The violation for driving without corrective lenses may also be used by your insurance company as a reason to increase your rates or non-renew your policy, depending on your state and insurer.
Removing Restriction A from your license
To remove Restriction A, you must request a vision retest at your state's DMV office. You cannot remove the restriction by mail or online in most states — you will need to visit in person and take the vision screening test again.
Before you schedule a retest, consider having your eye doctor perform a vision exam. If your corrected vision (with glasses or contacts) has improved, or if your uncorrected vision now meets your state's standard, your eye doctor can provide documentation that may support your request. Some states allow you to bring an eye doctor's report to the DMV; others require you to take the DMV's test regardless.
If you pass the vision retest, the DMV will issue you a new license without Restriction A. The process typically takes a few weeks. If you do not pass, the restriction remains in place and you will need to continue wearing your corrective lenses when you drive.
Restriction A versus other common license restrictions
Driver's licenses can carry several types of restrictions, and it is important not to confuse Restriction A with others. Restriction B, for example, limits you to daylight driving only and is issued to drivers with significant vision problems that make night driving unsafe. Restriction C prohibits freeway or highway driving. Restriction D requires an automatic transmission vehicle.
If you have Restriction A alone, you can drive at any time of day, on any road, in any type of vehicle — as long as you are wearing your corrective lenses. If you have multiple restrictions, each one is a separate condition you must follow. Violating any of them can result in a citation.
What to do before your next license renewal
If you currently have Restriction A and want to remove it before your license expires, schedule an eye exam with an optometrist or ophthalmologist. Ask them specifically whether your vision now meets your state's standard for unrestricted driving. Many states publish their vision standards on their DMV website, so you can review the exact threshold before your appointment.
If your eye doctor confirms that your uncorrected vision meets the standard, or if your corrected vision is significantly better than it was at your last DMV test, visit your DMV office and request a vision retest. Bring any documentation your eye doctor provides. If you pass the retest, you can have your license reissued without the restriction before your renewal date arrives.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Restriction A show up on my driving record or affect my insurance?
Restriction A itself does not appear on your driving record or affect your insurance rates. However, if you are cited for driving without your required corrective lenses, that citation will appear on your record and your insurance company may use it as a reason to increase your rates.
Can I drive with contact lenses instead of glasses to satisfy Restriction A?
Yes. Restriction A requires corrective lenses but does not specify glasses or contacts. Contact lenses satisfy the restriction. Make sure your contacts are properly prescribed and that you follow your eye doctor's replacement schedule.
What if I lost my glasses while driving — can I be cited?
If you lose your glasses during a drive and are stopped, you could technically be cited for violating Restriction A. However, if you can show the officer that you had your lenses with you when you started driving and lost them during the trip, the officer has discretion whether to issue a citation. It is still a good idea to keep a backup pair of glasses in your vehicle.
Will my Restriction A be removed automatically when my vision improves?
No. You must request a vision retest at the DMV. The restriction will remain on your license until you pass a new vision test and the DMV issues you a new license without it. Improved vision does not automatically update your license.
Can I drive in another state if I have Restriction A on my license?
Yes, but you must still follow the restriction. Your home state's license restrictions are recognized in all other states. If you drive in another state without your corrective lenses, you could be cited there as well.