What restriction codes on your Florida license mean
A restriction code is a letter or number printed on your Florida driver's license that tells law enforcement and licensing officials what you are not allowed to do while driving. The code appears in a box labeled "Restrictions" on the front or back of your card. Each code stands for a specific limitation — for example, code "B" means you must wear corrective lenses, and code "D" means you cannot drive a commercial vehicle.
Restriction codes are not punishments. They exist to match what you are legally permitted to do with what the state has verified you can do safely. You might receive a restriction code because of a medical condition, because you failed part of a driving test, because of a conviction, or because you chose a license type that carries built-in limits. Ignoring a restriction code — for instance, driving without the glasses your license requires — is a traffic violation and can result in a ticket, points on your record, or license suspension.
The state of Florida assigns these codes when you first get your license, renew it, or when a court orders a restriction as part of a sentence. You can see what your codes mean by looking at the back of your physical license card, where Florida prints a legend, or by contacting the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV).
Key Takeaways
- Restriction codes are letters or numbers on your license that limit how or where you can drive, and violating them is a traffic violation.
- Common codes include "B" for corrective lenses required, "D" for no commercial driving, and "E" for automatic transmission only.
- You receive restriction codes based on medical conditions, test results, license type, or court orders, not as punishment.
- The legend explaining all codes appears on the back of your physical Florida license or on the DHSMV website.
- If you believe a restriction was added in error or no longer applies to you, you can request a hearing through DHSMV.
Common Florida restriction codes and what they mean
Florida uses a standardized set of codes. Here are the ones you are most likely to see:
| Code | Meaning |
|---|---|
| B | Corrective lenses (glasses or contacts) required |
| C | Mechanical aid required (hand controls, left foot accelerator, etc.) |
| D | No commercial vehicles |
| E | Automatic transmission only |
| F | Outside mirror required |
| G | Daylight only |
| H | No highway driving |
| I | Ignition interlock device required |
| J | Intrastate only (cannot leave Florida) |
| K | Occupational license only |
| L | No air brakes |
| M | Motorcycle only |
Some codes stack — you might have both "B" and "E" on your license, meaning you need glasses and can only drive an automatic. If you are unsure what a code on your license means, the complete legend is printed on the back of your physical card. You can also call the DHSMV at 1-850-617-2000 or visit their website to confirm what any code means.
Why you might have a restriction code
Medical conditions are the most common reason for restriction codes. If you have vision problems, hearing loss, limited mobility, or a condition that affects your ability to operate a vehicle safely, the state may require a code. When you renew your license or take a vision test, the examiner notes any limitations and the DHSMV adds the appropriate code.
Test performance can also trigger a code. If you fail the manual transmission portion of the driving test but pass the automatic transmission portion, you will receive code "E" (automatic only). If you fail the parallel parking test but pass everything else, you might receive code "H" (no highway driving) or code "G" (daylight only), depending on what the examiner documents.
License type determines some codes automatically. If you hold a learner's permit or junior license, you will have restrictions built into that license class — for example, junior licenses in Florida restrict nighttime driving and passenger limits. These are not added by choice; they come with the license type itself.
Court orders impose restrictions for certain convictions. Code "I" (ignition interlock device required) is the most common court-ordered restriction, typically following a DUI conviction. The court specifies how long you must use the device, and DHSMV adds the code to your license to enforce it.
How to check what restrictions are on your license
Your physical Florida driver's license card shows all restriction codes in a box on the front or back. The codes appear as letters, sometimes with numbers. Next to or below the codes, your card should have a legend or reference guide printed directly on it — usually on the back — that explains what each letter means.
If you cannot read the legend on your card or want to confirm what a code means, you can contact the DHSMV directly. Call 1-850-617-2000 during business hours, or visit the DHSMV website at flhsmv.gov. You can also visit a local DHSMV office in person and ask a clerk to explain your codes.
You can also view your license information online through the DHSMV website if you have an account set up. Some information is available through the online portal, though not all details may display the same way as on your physical card.
What happens if you violate a restriction code
Driving in violation of a restriction code is a traffic violation. For example, if your license has code "B" (corrective lenses required) and you are stopped while not wearing glasses, you can be cited. The violation typically results in a traffic ticket, a fine, and points added to your driving record.
Accumulating points can lead to license suspension. Florida suspends licenses when a driver reaches 12 points within a 12-month period. A single restriction violation might be 3 to 4 points, depending on the specific violation and the officer's judgment.
Repeated violations of the same restriction, or violations that cause an accident, can result in more serious consequences — including a longer suspension, higher fines, or mandatory driver improvement courses. If you are unsure whether something you do violates your restriction, ask the DHSMV before you drive.
How to request a hearing if you believe a restriction is wrong
If you think a restriction code was added in error, or if you believe a medical condition that caused the restriction no longer applies, you can request a hearing. The process begins by contacting the DHSMV in writing or by phone to explain why you think the restriction should be removed or changed.
The DHSMV will schedule a hearing before an administrative law judge. You will have the opportunity to present evidence — for example, a letter from your doctor stating that your vision has improved, or documentation that you have passed a new driving test. The judge will then decide whether to uphold the restriction, modify it, or remove it.
The hearing process takes several weeks. During that time, the restriction remains on your license and you must continue to follow it. If you win the hearing, the DHSMV will issue you a new license without the restriction (or with a modified restriction). If you lose, the restriction stays in place and you can appeal the decision, though that process is longer and more formal.
Restrictions versus suspensions and revocations
A restriction allows you to drive under certain conditions. A suspension temporarily takes away your right to drive entirely — you cannot drive at all, even with conditions. A revocation permanently cancels your license, and you must reapply and pass all tests again to get a new one.
You can have a restriction and a suspension at the same time. For example, you might have code "I" (ignition interlock required) on your license, but also be under a 6-month suspension for a DUI conviction. Once the suspension ends, you can drive again — but only with the ignition interlock device installed.
If you are unsure whether you have a restriction, suspension, or revocation, check your license card or call the DHSMV. The status appears clearly on your license and in your driving record.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive out of state with a restriction code on my Florida license?
Most restriction codes explore anywhere you drive. However, code "J" (intrastate only) specifically prohibits you from leaving Florida. Other states will recognize your Florida restrictions, and violating them in another state is still a traffic violation. Check your specific codes to be sure.
Do restriction codes expire or go away on their own?
No. Restriction codes stay on your license until you renew it and the DHSMV removes them, or until you request a hearing and win. Some codes tied to court orders (like ignition interlock) expire on a specific date set by the court, but you must still follow the restriction until that date passes. When you renew your license, the DHSMV will remove expired court-ordered restrictions automatically.
What if I got a restriction code years ago and I think it no longer applies?
Request a hearing with the DHSMV. Bring current medical documentation or test results showing that the condition no longer exists or that you can now drive safely without the restriction. The administrative law judge will review your evidence and decide whether to remove the code.
Can I get a restriction code removed before my license renewal?
Yes, by requesting a hearing. You do not have to wait until renewal. Contact the DHSMV, explain why you believe the restriction should be removed, and ask for a hearing. The process takes several weeks, but you can pursue it anytime.
Does a restriction code show up on my driving record when I explore for insurance?
Insurance companies can see your driving record, which includes your license status and any violations. Restriction codes themselves may not appear on the record, but violations of those codes will. If you have been cited for violating a restriction, that citation will show up and may affect your insurance rates.