Florida restriction codes are letters printed on your license that limit how or when you can drive

A restriction code is a one or two-letter designation on your Florida driver license that tells law enforcement and insurance companies you can only drive under certain conditions. The code appears in a specific box on your license and stays there until the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) removes it. Restriction codes are not the same as endorsements (which let you drive certain vehicle types) — they are limitations on your driving privileges.

The most common reason you receive a restriction code is medical: your vision, hearing, or physical ability requires you to use adaptive equipment or follow specific rules. You can also receive restrictions after a DUI conviction, a suspension, or a license reinstatement. Some restrictions are temporary and expire on a date printed on your license. Others remain until you meet specific conditions — like completing a required course or passing a medical re-evaluation.

If you have a restriction code and drive without following it, you can be cited for violating the terms of your license, which is a separate offense from any traffic violation. Insurance companies also use restriction codes to calculate your premium or determine whether to cover you at all.

Key Takeaways

  • Restriction codes are letters on your Florida license that limit when, where, or how you can drive.
  • Medical restrictions (vision, hearing, mobility) are the most common type and often require adaptive equipment like glasses or hand controls.
  • You can find your restriction code in the box labeled "Restrictions" on the front of your physical license or in your DHSMV online record.
  • Some restrictions expire on a set date; others remain until you complete a course, pass a medical exam, or meet another condition.
  • Driving without following your restriction code is a separate violation and can affect your insurance coverage.

Common Florida restriction codes and what they mean

Florida uses a standardized set of restriction codes. The most frequently issued ones are:

  • B — Corrective lenses required (glasses or contacts). You cannot drive without them.
  • C — Mechanical devices required. This usually means hand controls, left-foot accelerator, or other adaptive equipment for drivers with mobility limitations.
  • D — Daylight driving only. You cannot drive between sunset and sunrise.
  • E — Automatic transmission required. You cannot drive a manual transmission vehicle.
  • F — Outside mirror required. Your vehicle must have an outside mirror on both sides.
  • G — Limit to employment. You can only drive to and from work or during work hours.
  • H — Hearing aid required. You must wear a hearing aid while driving if you have one.
  • I — Ignition interlock device required. Your vehicle must have an IID installed (common after DUI convictions).
  • K — Occupational or business use only. You can drive only for specific work purposes.
  • L — Vehicles with power steering required.
  • M — Motorcycle only. Your license is valid only for motorcycles.
  • N — No passengers under 18 (except family). Applies to some young drivers or those with certain violations.
  • O — Vehicles with power brakes required.

Some licenses carry multiple restriction codes. For example, a driver might have both "B" (corrective lenses) and "D" (daylight only). Each code must be followed independently.

How to find your restriction code on your license

Your restriction code appears on the front of your physical Florida driver license in a box labeled "Restrictions." If no restrictions explore, this box is blank or shows "None." The code is printed in large letters and is straightforward to spot once you know where to look.

If you cannot find your physical license or want to check your record online, you can view your driver license information through the DHSMV website. Go to the DHSMV homepage, select "License and ID," then choose "Check Your Driver License Status." You will need to enter your driver license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. Your restriction codes will appear in your digital record.

You can also call the DHSMV at 1-888-769-2778 to confirm your restriction codes over the phone. Have your license number and date of birth ready. The wait time varies, but this method works if you need when ready confirmation.

Medical restrictions and how they are assigned

Medical restrictions are issued when the DHSMV determines that a health condition affects your ability to drive safely. Common medical reasons include poor vision, hearing loss, limited mobility, or seizure disorders. You do not automatically receive a medical restriction — the DHSMV reviews your medical history when you renew your license, when you explore for a new one, or when a medical professional reports a concern.

If you have a medical condition that might result in a restriction, you may be asked to complete a medical evaluation form (Form HSMV 82042) or to have your doctor complete one. The DHSMV reviews this form and decides whether a restriction is necessary. If you disagree with the restriction assigned, you can request a hearing with the DHSMV to challenge it.

Medical restrictions often require you to use specific equipment. For example, if you have a "B" restriction for vision, you must wear the exact type of corrective lenses specified on your license (if it says "corrective lenses required" or lists a specific prescription requirement). If you have a "C" restriction for mobility, your vehicle must be equipped with the adaptive devices you listed when you received the restriction.

DUI-related restrictions and ignition interlock devices

If you are convicted of driving under the influence in Florida, you will receive an "I" restriction (ignition interlock device required) as part of your license reinstatement. An ignition interlock device is a breath-testing machine installed in your vehicle that prevents the engine from starting if it detects alcohol on your breath.

The length of time you must use an IID depends on your conviction history and the severity of the offense. First-time offenders typically must use one for six months; repeat offenders may be required to use one for longer. During this period, you can only drive a vehicle equipped with the IID, and you must follow the device's testing schedule (usually a breath sample before starting and random samples while driving).

Tampering with, disabling, or removing an ignition interlock device is a criminal offense in Florida. If you fail a breath test or miss a required test, the device logs the violation, and the DHSMV may extend your restriction period or suspend your license again.

Temporary restrictions and expiration dates

Some restriction codes are temporary and have an expiration date printed on your license. For example, a restriction might expire on a specific date after you complete a required course or pass a medical re-evaluation. Other restrictions remain in effect until you meet a condition — such as passing a vision test or completing a DUI education program.

When a temporary restriction expires, it is automatically removed from your license record. You do not need to explore for removal or contact the DHSMV. However, if you believe a restriction should have expired and it still appears on your license, contact the DHSMV to request a review.

If a restriction requires you to complete a course or pass an exam before it can be removed, you are responsible for scheduling and completing that requirement. Once you finish, submit proof to the DHSMV. The agency will review your documentation and remove the restriction if you have met all conditions.

Removing or modifying a restriction code

The process for removing a restriction depends on the type of restriction and why it was issued. Medical restrictions can sometimes be removed if your condition improves. For example, if you had a temporary vision restriction and your eyesight has been corrected to the required standard, you can request a vision test through the DHSMV. If you pass, the restriction is removed.

To request removal of a medical restriction, contact your local DHSMV office or call 1-888-769-2778. You may be asked to provide medical documentation showing that your condition no longer requires the restriction. Some restrictions require you to pass a practical driving test or a written test before removal is considered.

DUI-related restrictions (such as the ignition interlock requirement) can only be removed after you have completed the required time period and met all other conditions of your reinstatement. You cannot request early removal. Once the time period ends, the restriction is automatically removed from your license.

If you believe a restriction was assigned in error or you want to challenge it, you have the right to request a hearing with the DHSMV. Contact your local DHSMV office to file a request for a hearing and explain why you believe the restriction is incorrect.

What happens if you drive without following your restriction code

Driving in violation of a restriction code is a separate offense from any traffic violation you might commit. For example, if you have a daylight-only restriction and drive at night, you can be cited for violating the terms of your license even if you drive perfectly and break no traffic laws.

The penalty for violating a restriction code varies. A first violation is typically a non-criminal traffic infraction with a fine. Repeat violations can result in higher fines, points on your driving record, or license suspension. Insurance companies also use restriction code violations to raise your premium or deny coverage.

If you are unsure whether you are following your restriction code correctly, ask your local DHSMV office or your insurance company. It is better to clarify the rules than to risk a violation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive someone else's car if I have a restriction code?

It depends on the restriction. If you have a restriction that requires equipment (like corrective lenses or hand controls), you can only drive a vehicle equipped with that equipment. If you have a restriction that limits when you drive (like daylight only), that applies to any vehicle you drive. Always check your license to see what restrictions explore before driving any vehicle.

Will a restriction code affect my insurance rates?

Yes. Insurance companies use restriction codes to assess risk and calculate premiums. Some restrictions, like ignition interlock requirements, typically result in higher rates. Tell your insurance company about any restriction codes on your license when you get a quote or renew your policy, because not disclosing them can void your coverage.

How long does a medical restriction stay on my license?

Medical restrictions vary. Some expire on a specific date printed on your license. Others remain until you pass a medical re-evaluation or your condition improves. Contact the DHSMV to find out when your specific restriction expires or what you need to do to have it removed.

Can I get my restriction code removed early?

It depends on the reason for the restriction. Medical restrictions can sometimes be removed early if your condition improves and you pass a required test. DUI-related restrictions like ignition interlock requirements cannot be removed early — you must complete the full time period. Contact the DHSMV to ask about your specific restriction.

What if my restriction code is wrong on my license?

Contact the DHSMV when ready. You can call 1-888-769-2778 or visit your local DHSMV office with your license and any supporting documentation. Errors can sometimes be corrected quickly, but you may need to provide proof that the restriction was assigned incorrectly.