Illinois restriction codes are letters printed on your license that limit how and when you can drive
Illinois Secretary of State assigns restriction codes to driver licenses based on medical conditions, vision problems, age, or court orders. Each code is a single letter — A through Z — and appears in a box on the front or back of your physical license. The code tells law enforcement and insurance companies what you are not permitted to do behind the wheel. For example, code B means you must wear corrective lenses; code D means you cannot drive a commercial vehicle. If you drive in violation of your restriction, you can be cited, fined, and have your license suspended.
Restrictions are not the same as suspensions or revocations. A restriction lets you keep your license but under specific conditions. You will see the actual restriction letter on your card, along with a legend that explains what it means. If you do not understand what your code requires, you can look it up on the Secretary of State website or call your local Driver Services facility.
Key Takeaways
- Restriction codes are single letters printed on your Illinois license that specify what you cannot do while driving.
- Common codes include B (corrective lenses required), D (no commercial vehicles), and H (hand controls required).
- Driving in violation of a restriction is a traffic violation and can result in fines, points on your record, and license suspension.
- You can find the full list of restriction codes and their meanings on the Illinois Secretary of State website or by contacting a Driver Services facility.
Common Illinois restriction codes and what they mean
Code B requires corrective lenses — glasses or contacts — at all times while driving. This is one of the most common restrictions and is issued when your vision does not meet the standard without correction. You must have your lenses with you whenever you drive, even for short trips.
Code D prohibits you from driving any commercial motor vehicle. This applies to drivers who have failed a commercial driving test, have a medical condition that disqualifies them from commercial driving, or have requested this restriction voluntarily. If you hold a code D, you can still drive a regular passenger car or truck for personal use.
Code H means you must use hand controls in your vehicle. This restriction is issued to drivers with leg or mobility disabilities that prevent them from using foot pedals. Your vehicle must be equipped with hand-operated steering, acceleration, and braking systems.
Code K restricts you to driving only during daylight hours — typically sunrise to sunset. This is often issued to older drivers or those with vision conditions that make night driving unsafe. You cannot drive at night under a code K restriction.
Code L means you cannot drive on limited-access highways or expressways. This restriction is sometimes given to drivers with certain medical conditions or those who have failed a highway driving test. You must use regular roads and surface streets instead.
How restrictions are assigned and when they change
The Illinois Secretary of State assigns restrictions based on information from your medical examination, your driving record, or a court order. When you renew your license, the Secretary of State reviews your file. If you have a medical condition that affects your ability to drive safely, the examiner may recommend a restriction. You can also request a restriction yourself if you want to limit your driving for safety reasons.
Restrictions can change at renewal time or if you request a change. If your vision improves, your mobility changes, or your medical condition is resolved, you can ask the Secretary of State to remove or modify your restriction. You will need to provide medical documentation or pass a new driving test to support your request. Some restrictions, like those tied to age or court orders, may be permanent unless the underlying reason changes.
If you receive a new restriction you do not understand, contact your local Driver Services facility. Staff can explain what the restriction means and what you need to do to comply. You can also request a hearing if you believe a restriction was assigned in error.
What happens if you drive in violation of a restriction
Driving in violation of a restriction is a traffic violation under Illinois law. If you are stopped by police and found to be driving contrary to your restriction — for example, driving at night with a code K restriction or without glasses with a code B restriction — you can be cited and fined. The fine amount varies depending on the specific violation and whether you have prior violations.
A restriction violation also adds points to your driving record. Points can increase your insurance rates and, if you accumulate too many, can lead to license suspension. In some cases, repeated violations of the same restriction can result in a suspended or revoked license.
Insurance companies also check your license restrictions. If you have a restriction and violate it, your insurer may deny a claim or cancel your policy. It is important to follow your restrictions exactly as printed on your license.
How to read your restriction code on your Illinois license
Your restriction code appears in a specific box on your Illinois driver license — usually on the front of the card, though the exact location depends on when your license was issued. The box will contain a single letter. Next to or below the letter, there is often a brief description of what the restriction means.
If your license does not include a description, you can find the full list of codes on the Illinois Secretary of State website under "Driver License Restrictions" or by calling a Driver Services facility. You can also ask the clerk at a Driver Services office to explain your restriction in detail.
If you have multiple restrictions, each will be listed separately. For example, you might have both a code B (corrective lenses) and a code K (daylight driving only). You must follow all restrictions listed on your license.
Requesting removal or modification of a restriction
If you believe your restriction is no longer necessary, you can request that it be removed or changed. The process depends on the type of restriction. For medical restrictions, you will typically need to provide a letter from your doctor stating that your condition has improved or resolved. For vision restrictions, you may need to pass a new vision test at a Driver Services facility.
To start the process, contact your local Driver Services facility and ask about the procedure for your specific restriction. Some restrictions can be removed by mail with proper documentation; others require an in-person appointment. There is usually no fee to request a restriction review, though you may need to pay for a vision test or medical examination if one is required.
If the Secretary of State denies your request, you have the right to request a hearing. The hearing officer will review your medical or test results and decide whether the restriction should be removed. You can represent yourself or bring someone to help you at the hearing.
Restrictions versus suspensions and revocations
A restriction is different from a suspension or revocation. A restriction allows you to keep your license but limits how you can use it. A suspension temporarily takes away your driving privileges — you cannot drive at all during the suspension period. A revocation permanently cancels your license, and you must reapply and pass all tests to get a new one.
You can have both a restriction and a suspension at the same time. For example, your license might have a code B restriction, but you could also be under a suspension for unpaid traffic fines. In that case, you cannot drive at all until the suspension is lifted, and then you can resume driving under your restriction.
If you are unsure whether you have a restriction, suspension, or revocation, check your license or contact the Secretary of State. You can also check your driving record online through the Illinois Secretary of State website.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive if I have a restriction code on my license?
Yes, you can drive, but only under the conditions specified by your restriction code. For example, if you have a code B, you must wear corrective lenses. If you have a code K, you can only drive during daylight hours. Driving outside the limits of your restriction is a violation.
What does it mean if my license has no restriction code?
No restriction code means you have no limitations on your driving. You can drive any vehicle, at any time of day, anywhere in Illinois (subject to normal traffic laws). Most drivers have no restrictions.
How long does a restriction stay on my license?
It depends on the type of restriction. Some are permanent unless you request removal and provide documentation that the reason for the restriction no longer applies. Others may be reviewed at each license renewal. Medical restrictions typically last until your condition changes or your doctor confirms you are safe to drive without the restriction.
Can I get my restriction removed before my license renewal date?
Yes. Contact your local Driver Services facility and ask about the process for your specific restriction. You may be able to submit documentation by mail or schedule an appointment to take a new test. There is usually no fee, though you may need to pay for a medical exam or vision test if required.
Will a restriction code affect my car insurance rates?
Restrictions themselves do not automatically increase your rates, but violations of restrictions will. If you are cited for driving in violation of a restriction, the violation goes on your record and your insurer may increase your premium. Some insurers also ask about restrictions during the process process.