Missouri restriction codes are letters printed on your license that limit how and when you can drive
A restriction code on your Missouri driver license is a letter—usually A through F, or sometimes Z—that tells law enforcement and you what conditions must be met while you drive. The code appears in a box on the front of your license. It is not a violation or a mark against you; it is a legal requirement tied to your specific situation, whether that is corrective lenses, vehicle type, or time-of-day limits.
Missouri issues restriction codes based on your medical history, age, driving record, or the type of license you hold. Some restrictions are temporary—they expire when you turn a certain age or after a set period. Others remain until you take action to remove them, such as passing a vision test or completing a required course.
Driving without following your restriction code is a violation. If you have a restriction and ignore it, you can be cited, fined, or have your license suspended. Understanding what your code means and why it is there helps you stay legal and safe.
Key Takeaways
- Missouri restriction codes are single letters printed on your license that specify conditions you must follow while driving.
- Common codes include A (corrective lenses required), B (automatic transmission only), and D (daylight driving only), each with a specific legal meaning.
- Some restrictions are permanent unless you take action to remove them; others expire automatically when you reach a certain age or after a set time.
- Violating a restriction code on your license can result in a traffic citation, fine, or license suspension.
- You can request removal of a restriction by contacting the Missouri Department of Revenue Driver Examination Bureau if you no longer meet the reason for the restriction.
The most common Missouri restriction codes and what they require
Missouri uses a standardized set of restriction codes. The most frequently issued are:
| Code | Restriction | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| A | Corrective lenses | You must wear glasses or contact lenses every time you drive. If you fail a vision test, this code is added to your license. |
| B | Automatic transmission only | You may only drive vehicles with automatic transmissions. This is common for drivers with physical disabilities affecting their left leg or foot. |
| D | Daylight driving only | You cannot drive between sunset and sunrise. This restriction is often issued to older drivers or those with vision problems that worsen in low light. |
| E | No freeway driving | You are limited to local roads and cannot use interstate highways or limited-access roads. This may be issued to new drivers or those with certain medical conditions. |
| F | Outside mirror required | Your vehicle must have an outside mirror on the passenger side. This is rare and usually tied to a specific vehicle modification. |
| Z | Ignition interlock device | Your vehicle must have an ignition interlock installed. This is required after certain DWI convictions and prevents the engine from starting if alcohol is detected. |
Some drivers have multiple restriction codes on the same license. For example, a driver might have both A (corrective lenses) and D (daylight only), meaning they must wear glasses and cannot drive at night.
Why Missouri adds restriction codes to your license
The Missouri Department of Revenue adds restriction codes during the license issuance or renewal process, or after certain events. The most common triggers are:
Vision test results: If you fail the vision screening at the DMV, code A (corrective lenses) is added. You must pass the vision test while wearing your glasses or contacts to remove this code later.
Medical certification: If you report a medical condition that affects your ability to drive—such as limited mobility, hearing loss, or seizure disorder—the examiner may add a code. You may need a doctor's letter confirming your condition and any adaptations you use.
Age-related restrictions: Drivers under 18 may receive code E (no freeway driving) or code D (daylight only) as part of Missouri's Graduated Driver License (GDL) program. These restrictions typically expire on your 18th birthday or after holding the license for a set period.
DWI or traffic convictions: Code Z (ignition interlock) is mandatory after certain DWI convictions. The length of time you must use the device depends on your conviction history and is set by the court.
How to find out what your restriction code means
Your restriction code appears in a box labeled "Restrictions" on the front of your Missouri driver license, usually in the lower left area. It is a single letter or sometimes multiple letters separated by commas.
If you are unsure what your code means, you have several options. First, check your license renewal paperwork or the letter you received when your license was issued—it often includes an explanation. Second, contact the Missouri Department of Revenue Driver Examination Bureau at 573-526-2407. A staff member can tell you exactly what your code requires and why it was added.
You can also visit a Missouri DMV office in person and ask an examiner. Bring your license with you. They can explain the restriction and tell you what steps are needed to remove it, if removal is possible.
Removing or changing a restriction code
Whether you can remove a restriction depends on the code and the reason it was issued.
Vision-related restrictions (code A): If you had code A added because you failed a vision test, you can request removal by passing a new vision screening at a DMV office. You must wear your corrective lenses during the test. Once you pass, the code can be removed at your next renewal or when ready if you visit an office in person.
Medical restrictions (codes B, D, E, F): If your restriction was based on a medical condition, you may be able to remove it by providing updated medical documentation. Contact the Driver Examination Bureau to learn what your doctor needs to certify. Some restrictions, such as code D for older drivers, may be permanent unless you can show your condition has improved.
Age-related restrictions (GDL codes): Restrictions issued as part of the Graduated Driver License program expire automatically. Code E (no freeway) and code D (daylight only) typically end when you turn 18 or after 12 months of holding the license, whichever comes first. You do not need to take action; your license is updated automatically.
Ignition interlock (code Z): This code cannot be removed early. The length of time you must maintain the device is set by the court at sentencing. Once the required period ends, you must visit a DMV office with proof from the interlock provider that the device was installed and monitored. The code is then removed.
What happens if you drive with a violated restriction
Driving in violation of a restriction code is a traffic offense in Missouri. If you are stopped by law enforcement and your license shows a restriction you did not follow, you can be cited.
For example, if your license has code A (corrective lenses required) and you are driving without glasses, an officer can issue a ticket. The violation is typically classified as a moving violation, which means points are added to your driving record and your insurance rates may increase.
Repeated violations of a restriction can lead to license suspension. Additionally, if you violate code Z (ignition interlock), you may face criminal charges in addition to license suspension, depending on the circumstances and your prior record.
If you believe a restriction on your license is incorrect or no longer applies, contact the Driver Examination Bureau before driving. Do not ignore a restriction and hope you will not be caught.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive without my glasses if I have restriction code A?
No. Code A means corrective lenses are required every time you drive. Driving without them is a violation. If you forget your glasses, you should not drive. If you are stopped, you can be cited for violating your restriction.
Do restriction codes expire automatically?
Some do, some do not. Age-related restrictions from the Graduated Driver License program expire automatically when you turn 18 or after 12 months. Medical or vision-related restrictions remain until you take action to remove them or until your license expires and you renew it.
How do I remove code D (daylight driving only)?
Contact the Missouri Department of Revenue Driver Examination Bureau at 573-526-2407. You may need a letter from your doctor stating your vision or medical condition has improved. If approved, you can have the code removed at your next renewal or by visiting a DMV office in person.
What if I disagree with a restriction code on my license?
Contact the Driver Examination Bureau with your concerns and any supporting documentation, such as a medical evaluation. If the restriction was added based on a test result, you can request a retest. If it was based on medical information, you can provide updated documentation from your doctor.
Does code Z (ignition interlock) stay on my license forever?
No. Code Z remains on your license only for the period ordered by the court. Once that time ends and you provide proof of compliance from the interlock provider, you can visit a DMV office to have the code removed.