What a Florida driver's license restriction means
A restriction on your Florida driver's license is a condition that limits how or when you can drive. It does not prevent you from holding a license — it means you can drive, but only under specific circumstances. The restriction appears on your license as a letter code (like "B" or "E") and tells law enforcement what you are permitted to do behind the wheel.
Restrictions are different from suspensions or revocations. A suspension temporarily removes your driving privilege; a revocation ends it. A restriction keeps your privilege active but narrows its scope. You might be restricted to daytime driving only, or required to wear corrective lenses, or limited to driving to and from work.
Florida's Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) assigns restrictions based on your age, medical condition, driving record, or the type of license you hold. Some restrictions are automatic — for example, anyone under 18 with a learner's permit has restrictions. Others are imposed after a conviction, a medical review, or a vision test.
Key Takeaways
- Restrictions appear as letter codes on your license and specify exactly where, when, or how you can drive legally.
- Common restrictions include corrective lenses, daylight-only driving, no highway driving, and work-related-only driving.
- Violating a restriction can result in a traffic citation, points on your record, and potential license suspension.
- You can request removal of a restriction by submitting medical documentation, passing a new test, or waiting out a time-based restriction.
- Young drivers under 18 automatically have restrictions that lift when they turn 18 or complete a certain driving period.
Common restriction codes and what they mean
Florida uses a standardized set of restriction codes. The most frequent ones are:
- B — Corrective lenses required (glasses or contacts).
- D — Daylight driving only (sunrise to sunset).
- E — Automatic transmission only.
- F — Outside mirror required.
- H — Hearing aid required.
- K — No highway driving.
- L — Work-related driving only (to and from employment, medical appointments, or court-ordered programs).
- M — Motorcycle only.
Your license document will show the specific code or codes that explore to you. If you are unsure what a code means, you can contact your local DHSMV office or check your license record online through the DHSMV website.
How restrictions are placed on your license
Restrictions can be imposed in several ways. A medical review officer at DHSMV may place a restriction after you renew your license if your vision, hearing, or medical history raises concerns. A judge can impose restrictions as part of a sentence following a DUI conviction, reckless driving charge, or other traffic offense. Young drivers automatically receive restrictions when they first receive a learner's permit or junior license.
You will receive written notice of any restriction placed on your license. If the restriction comes from a medical review, you have the right to request a hearing to challenge it. If it comes from a court order, you must follow it until the court modifies or removes it, or until the time period expires.
Some restrictions are temporary and expire automatically. For example, a work-only restriction imposed after a DUI conviction may last one or two years. Other restrictions remain until you take action to remove them — such as passing a new vision test or submitting updated medical records.
What happens if you drive outside your restrictions
Driving in violation of a restriction is a traffic offense. An officer who stops you and discovers you are driving outside your restriction can issue a citation. The violation typically carries a fine, points added to your driving record, and potential license suspension.
For example, if you have a daylight-only restriction and are stopped at night, you can be cited for violating the restriction. If you have a work-only restriction and are pulled over while driving for personal reasons, that is also a violation. The specific penalty depends on the restriction type and your driving history, but violations generally result in points that move you closer to suspension.
Repeated violations or violations combined with other traffic offenses can trigger an administrative review that may lead to license suspension or revocation. It is important to understand your restrictions and follow them strictly.
How to request removal of a restriction
The process for removing a restriction depends on why it was placed. If your restriction is medical-based — such as corrective lenses or a hearing aid — you can request removal by submitting updated medical documentation from a licensed physician or specialist. DHSMV will review the documentation and may remove the restriction, modify it, or require you to pass a new medical test.
If your restriction is vision-related, you can take a new vision test at any DHSMV office. If you pass, the vision restriction can be removed when ready. Some restrictions, such as those imposed by a court order, cannot be removed by DHSMV alone — you must petition the court that imposed them.
For time-based restrictions (such as work-only driving after a DUI), the restriction automatically expires when the time period ends. You do not need to take action, but you should verify that DHSMV has updated your record. You can check your license status online or visit a local DHSMV office to confirm the restriction has been lifted.
To request removal, contact your local DHSMV office or submit documentation by mail to the address listed on your license renewal notice. Processing times vary, but medical reviews typically take two to four weeks.
Restrictions for young drivers in Florida
Florida's Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) system places automatic restrictions on drivers under 18. These restrictions are designed to reduce crash risk as new drivers gain experience.
A learner's permit holder (age 15 or older) must have a licensed adult 21 or older in the front passenger seat at all times. A junior license holder (age 16 or 17) cannot drive between 11 p.m. and 6 a.m. unless accompanied by a parent, guardian, or licensed adult 21 or older. Junior license holders also cannot use a cell phone while driving, even hands-free, except in emergencies.
These restrictions lift automatically when you turn 18 or when you hold a junior license for 12 months without a traffic violation or suspension. Once you turn 18 or meet the conditions, you can renew your license without the GDL restrictions.
How to check your current restrictions
You can view your license restrictions in three ways. First, look at your physical license card — restrictions appear as letter codes in a specific field. Second, visit the DHSMV website and use the online license status check tool, which shows your current restrictions and any suspensions or revocations. Third, visit a local DHSMV office in person and ask a staff member to review your record.
If you are unsure what a restriction code means, ask the DHSMV staff member or call your local office. Having a clear understanding of your restrictions before you drive is essential to staying legal and avoiding citations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive with an expired restriction?
No. A restriction remains in effect as long as your license is valid. When your license expires and you renew it, DHSMV will review whether the restriction should continue, be modified, or be removed. If the restriction is still in place after renewal, it applies to your new license.
What if I disagree with a medical restriction placed on my license?
You have the right to request a hearing before the DHSMV to challenge a medical restriction. You must request the hearing within 30 days of receiving notice of the restriction. You can submit medical evidence from your own physician to support your case. Contact your local DHSMV office for the hearing request form and procedures.
Do restrictions from other states transfer to a Florida license?
If you move to Florida and transfer your out-of-state license, DHSMV will review your driving record and may place new restrictions based on Florida law. Out-of-state restrictions do not automatically transfer, but the reason for the restriction (such as a medical condition or prior conviction) will be considered.
Can a restriction be removed early if my situation changes?
Yes, if your circumstances change — for example, you have vision correction surgery or complete a court-ordered program — you can request early removal by submitting updated documentation. DHSMV will review your request and decide whether to remove or modify the restriction.
What is the difference between a restriction and a suspension?
A restriction limits how you can drive but keeps your license active. A suspension temporarily removes your driving privilege entirely — you cannot drive at all until the suspension is lifted. A revocation permanently ends your license, and you must reapply to get a new one.