Restriction B is a medical or physical condition limit on your driving privileges

Restriction B on a Florida driver license means you can only drive vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission. The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) adds this restriction when a medical examiner or your own doctor reports that you have a physical condition — such as limited use of your left leg, right leg, or both legs — that makes operating a manual transmission unsafe.

The restriction appears on the front of your license as a letter code. It does not prevent you from driving; it specifies the type of vehicle you are legally permitted to operate. Driving a manual transmission vehicle while Restriction B is on your license is a violation and can result in a citation.

The restriction is tied to your medical status, not to your age, driving record, or violations. It remains in place until you request a medical review and provide documentation that your condition has improved or changed.

Key Takeaways

  • Restriction B limits you to automatic transmission vehicles only and appears as a code on your Florida license.
  • DHSMV imposes the restriction based on a medical report indicating a physical condition affecting your ability to operate a manual transmission safely.
  • You can request removal of the restriction by submitting a new medical examination form (Form HSMV 78041) to DHSMV showing your condition has improved.
  • Driving a manual transmission vehicle while Restriction B is active is a traffic violation and can result in a citation.
  • The restriction does not affect your ability to renew your license or obtain other endorsements; it only specifies vehicle type.

How Restriction B gets placed on your license

A restriction appears on your Florida license when DHSMV receives a medical report from a licensed physician, physician assistant, or advanced registered nurse practitioner. The report — typically Form HSMV 78041 (Medical Examination Report) — documents a physical or medical condition that affects your safe operation of a vehicle.

For Restriction B specifically, the medical professional must indicate that you have limited use of one or both legs, or a similar condition, that makes manual transmission operation unsafe. The examiner may recommend the restriction, or your own doctor may submit the form on your behalf if you have disclosed a relevant condition during a routine visit.

You do not have to agree to the restriction before it is placed on your license. DHSMV reviews the medical report and issues a new license with the restriction code printed on it. You will receive notice of the restriction in the mail along with your updated license.

What you can and cannot drive with Restriction B

With Restriction B on your license, you may drive any vehicle with an automatic transmission — cars, trucks, SUVs, and vans — without limitation. You cannot legally operate a manual transmission (stick shift) vehicle, even if you believe you are capable of doing so.

The restriction applies to all driving situations: personal use, work, rideshare, or any other purpose. A police officer who stops you while driving a manual transmission vehicle can cite you for violating the terms of your license restriction, which is a separate offense from any other traffic violation.

The restriction does not affect your ability to drive in other states, but those states will recognize the restriction code on your Florida license. If you move to another state, you will need to obtain a license in that state; the restriction may or may not carry over depending on that state's medical review process.

How to request removal of Restriction B

To remove Restriction B, you must request a medical review from DHSMV. The process begins by obtaining a new medical examination form (Form HSMV 78041) from the DHSMV website or any driver license office. You will take this form to a licensed physician, physician assistant, or advanced registered nurse practitioner and have them complete a new medical evaluation.

The medical professional must document that your physical condition has improved, stabilized, or changed in a way that no longer prevents safe operation of a manual transmission. straightforward stating that you feel better is not sufficient; the examiner must provide clinical detail about your current functional ability.

Once the form is completed and signed, mail it to DHSMV at the address listed on the form, or submit it in person at any driver license office. DHSMV will review the report and, if approved, will issue a new license without the restriction. The process typically takes two to four weeks from the date DHSMV receives your form.

What happens if you drive with Restriction B on a manual transmission vehicle

Driving a manual transmission vehicle while Restriction B is on your license is a violation of Florida law. A law enforcement officer who observes you driving such a vehicle, or who learns of the restriction during a traffic stop, can issue you a citation for violating the terms of your license restriction.

The citation is separate from any other traffic violation and carries its own fine and court appearance requirement. The fine amount varies by county but typically ranges from $100 to $300. A conviction for violating a license restriction can also result in points on your driving record and may affect your insurance rates.

If you are cited, you have the right to contest the citation in traffic court. You may argue that the vehicle was not actually a manual transmission, or that you were unaware of the restriction, though the latter defense is generally weaker since the restriction is printed on your license.

Restriction B and vehicle rental or borrowing

When you rent a vehicle, you must inform the rental company that you have Restriction B and can only rent an automatic transmission vehicle. Most rental companies have automatic transmission vehicles available, but availability varies by location and time of year. Renting a manual transmission vehicle while Restriction B is on your license is illegal, and the rental company's agreement does not override the restriction.

If you borrow a vehicle from a friend or family member, the same rule applies: you can only legally drive it if it has an automatic transmission. The owner's permission does not make it legal to drive a manual transmission vehicle. If you are involved in an accident or stopped by police while driving a manual transmission vehicle in violation of Restriction B, you may face liability and citation regardless of who owns the vehicle.

Other medical restrictions on Florida licenses

Restriction B is one of several medical restrictions DHSMV may place on a Florida license. Other common restrictions include Restriction A (corrective lenses required), Restriction C (hearing aid required), Restriction D (automatic transmission and power steering required), and Restriction E (left foot accelerator required). Each restriction addresses a specific medical condition and limits the type of vehicle or equipment you may use while driving.

If you have multiple medical conditions, you may have more than one restriction on your license. For example, you might have both Restriction A (corrective lenses) and Restriction B (automatic transmission). Each restriction must be addressed separately if you wish to have it removed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get Restriction B removed without a medical exam?

No. DHSMV requires a new medical examination form completed by a licensed physician, physician assistant, or advanced registered nurse practitioner. The examiner must document that your condition has changed or improved. You cannot request removal based on your own statement alone.

Will Restriction B affect my ability to renew my license?

No. You can renew your license normally, and Restriction B will carry over to your new license unless you have requested and received approval for its removal. Renewal does not require a new medical exam unless DHSMV notifies you that one is needed.

What if I disagree with the restriction my doctor recommended?

You can request a second medical opinion from another licensed physician, physician assistant, or advanced registered nurse practitioner. If the second examiner disagrees with the restriction, submit their form to DHSMV. DHSMV will review both reports and make a information based on the medical evidence.

Does Restriction B appear on my driving record?

Restriction B appears on your license itself, not on your driving record. Your driving record shows violations and citations. However, if you are cited for violating Restriction B by driving a manual transmission vehicle, that citation will appear on your record.

Can I appeal a restriction that DHSMV placed on my license?

You can request a medical review by submitting a new examination form. If DHSMV denies your request for removal, you have the right to request a hearing before the DHSMV. Contact your local driver license office for information about the hearing process and important date.