Restriction B is a condition on your license that limits when and where you can drive
Restriction B means you can only drive during daylight hours — typically sunrise to sunset, though the exact times vary by state. It appears on your license as a printed code and is enforced the same way any other license rule is: if you're caught driving outside those hours, you can be cited for violating your license restrictions, which is a separate offense from driving without a license.
This restriction is most commonly issued to drivers who have vision problems that make night driving unsafe, or to older drivers whose eyesight has declined. Some states also impose it on drivers who have failed a vision test but can still drive safely in daylight. The restriction stays on your license until you request a retest and pass, or until your state's DMV removes it based on your age or medical status.
Key Takeaways
- Restriction B limits you to driving only during daylight hours, and driving outside those hours is a traffic violation even if you're otherwise licensed.
- The restriction is usually placed because of vision problems or age-related changes in eyesight that make night driving risky.
- You can request a vision retest through your state's DMV to have the restriction removed if your eyesight has improved.
- Some states automatically review or remove the restriction at certain ages, so check your state's rules rather than assuming it's permanent.
Why states issue Restriction B
States use Restriction B as a safety tool when a driver's vision meets the minimum legal standard for driving but is not strong enough for safe night driving. Night driving requires seeing farther ahead, adjusting to oncoming headlights, and spotting hazards in low light — all tasks that demand better vision than daytime driving.
A driver might receive this restriction after failing the night vision portion of a vision test, or after an eye doctor reports to the DMV that the driver has a condition like cataracts or macular degeneration that affects low-light sight. Some states also issue it to drivers over a certain age (often 70 or older) if they request it as an alternative to a full license suspension, or if they fail a vision screening at renewal.
The restriction is meant to keep both the driver and other road users safer by preventing someone from driving in conditions where their vision is genuinely inadequate, while still allowing them to drive during the hours when they can see well enough.
How to know if you have Restriction B
Your restriction code appears on the front or back of your physical license, usually in a section labeled "Restrictions" or "Conditions." It will be printed as a letter or number code — Restriction B is often shown as the letter "B" or sometimes as a number like "12" depending on your state's system.
If you're unsure whether you have it, check your license in good light or contact your state's DMV directly with your license number. You can also look up your license status online through your state's DMV website, which usually shows any restrictions attached to your record.
It's important to know what restrictions you have because driving outside the terms of your restriction — for example, driving after sunset when you have Restriction B — counts as a separate violation and can result in a ticket, points on your record, or even license suspension.
What you cannot do with Restriction B
You cannot legally drive after sunset or before sunrise, depending on how your state defines the daylight hours. Most states use official sunrise and sunset times for that date and location, which you can find through the National Weather Service or your state's DMV website.
If you're pulled over while driving outside daylight hours, the officer can cite you for violating your license restrictions. This is treated as a separate offense from any other traffic violation and can result in fines, points added to your driving record, or a temporary license suspension. A violation of your restrictions can also affect your insurance rates.
You also cannot have the restriction removed straightforward by ignoring it or by driving at night without being caught. The only way to remove it is to request a retest through your DMV and pass the vision screening, or to wait for your state to automatically review it (which some states do at certain ages or time intervals).
How to request a vision retest to remove Restriction B
Contact your state's DMV and ask about the process for a vision retest or license review. Most states allow you to request a retest at any time, though some require you to wait a certain period (often six months to a year) after the restriction was first issued.
You will typically need to visit a DMV office in person and take a vision screening test. Some states allow you to have the test done by an eye doctor and submit the results to the DMV instead. If you pass the test, the DMV will issue you a new license without the restriction, usually within a few weeks.
Before you request a retest, it's worth having your eyes checked by an optometrist or ophthalmologist. If your vision has genuinely improved or if there's a medical reason the restriction should not have been issued, your eye doctor can provide documentation that supports your retest request. This can make the process smoother and increase the chance that the restriction will be removed.
State-by-state differences in Restriction B
The exact definition of daylight hours, the process for requesting a retest, and the rules for automatic review vary significantly by state. Some states define daylight as official sunrise to sunset; others use fixed times like 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. Some states automatically review the restriction every few years or at a certain age, while others require you to request a retest yourself.
A few states use different codes or names for the same restriction — for example, some call it a "daylight only" restriction rather than "Restriction B." The best way to understand your specific restriction is to contact your state's DMV directly or check your state's DMV handbook, which explains all license restrictions and how to challenge them.
If you move to a different state, your new state will issue you a new license and may or may not carry over the restriction from your old license. Some states honor out-of-state restrictions; others conduct their own vision test and make a new information. Check with your new state's DMV when you explore for a license.
What happens if you drive outside the restriction
Driving outside your restriction hours is a traffic violation. The penalty varies by state but typically includes a fine, points added to your driving record, and possible license suspension. In some states, a single violation can result in a 30-day to 90-day suspension; in others, it may take multiple violations.
A violation of your license restrictions can also affect your car insurance. Your insurer may raise your rates, or in some cases, may cancel your policy if you're found to have been driving illegally. This can make it harder and more expensive to get insurance in the future.
If you're caught driving at night with Restriction B, you should not ignore the ticket. Paying the fine or contesting it in traffic court are both better options than letting it go to warrant, which can lead to arrest and further complications with your license.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive after sunset if I have Restriction B?
No. Restriction B means you can only drive during daylight hours, which most states define as from official sunrise to official sunset. Driving after sunset violates your restriction and is a traffic offense, even if you're otherwise licensed to drive.
How do I know what time sunset is on my license?
Your license does not list specific times — it straightforward says you can only drive during daylight hours. You can find official sunrise and sunset times for your location on the National Weather Service website or through your state's DMV. Times change daily, so you would need to check for the specific date you plan to drive.
Will Restriction B ever go away on its own?
Some states automatically review restrictions at certain ages or after a set number of years and may remove them if your vision has improved or if you meet other criteria. Others require you to request a retest yourself. Check with your state's DMV to find out whether your restriction will be reviewed automatically or if you need to take action.
Can I get Restriction B removed if I get new glasses?
Possibly. If your vision has improved with new glasses or a change in prescription, you can request a vision retest through your DMV. If you pass the retest, the restriction will be removed. Bring your new glasses or contact lens prescription to the test so you can be tested with your current correction.
What if I disagree with the Restriction B on my license?
You can request a retest or ask your eye doctor to provide documentation of your vision. If you believe the restriction was issued in error, contact your state's DMV to discuss your options. Some states allow you to appeal or request a hearing if you disagree with a vision-based restriction.