What restriction codes on your Ohio license mean

Restriction codes are letters printed on your Ohio driver license that tell police and licensing officials what you are not permitted to do while driving. They appear in a box labeled "Restrictions" on the front of your license. A code like "B" means you must wear corrective lenses; a code like "E" means you cannot drive a commercial vehicle. The codes are tied to your specific license class and the conditions under which you were issued that license.

These codes exist because Ohio law requires certain drivers to follow additional rules beyond what the basic license allows. If you have a restriction code and you violate it — for example, driving without the corrective lenses your code requires — you can be cited for driving under restriction, which is a separate violation from driving without a valid license.

Key Takeaways

  • Restriction codes are single letters printed on your Ohio license that limit how or when you can drive.
  • Common codes include B (corrective lenses required), D (automatic transmission only), and E (no commercial driving).
  • You can find your codes on the front of your physical license or in your Ohio BMV online record if you have an account.
  • If you believe a restriction was added in error, you can contact your local Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles office to request removal.
  • Violating a restriction code can result in a separate traffic citation even if your license itself is valid.

Common Ohio restriction codes and what they require

The most frequently seen codes are B, D, and E. Code B means you must wear corrective lenses (glasses or contacts) whenever you drive. Code D means you can only drive an automatic transmission vehicle — you cannot operate a manual transmission car. Code E means you cannot drive any commercial vehicle, even if you hold a commercial license class.

Other codes you may encounter include H (hand controls required), K (no air brakes), L (outside mirror required), and M (motorcycle only). Code H appears on licenses issued to drivers with mobility limitations who have had their vehicles modified with hand controls. Code K restricts you from driving vehicles with air brake systems. Code L requires an outside mirror, typically for drivers of certain vehicle types. Code M means your license is valid only for motorcycles, not four-wheeled vehicles.

Less common codes include N (no tractor-trailer), O (no two-way radio), and P (no passengers under 21). Code N restricts commercial tractor-trailer operation. Code O was historically used for certain commercial restrictions. Code P is a graduated licensing restriction that prohibits drivers under 18 from carrying passengers under 21 during certain hours.

How to find your restriction codes

The fastest way is to look at the front of your physical Ohio driver license. In the box labeled "Restrictions," you will see any codes that explore to you listed as single letters. If you have no restrictions, this box will be blank or say "None."

If you do not have your license in front of you, you can check online through the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles website. Create an account or log in, then view your driving record. Your restriction codes will appear in the same format as they do on your physical license. You can also call your local BMV office and provide your license number; staff can read your codes to you over the phone, though this may require a brief wait.

Why restriction codes are added to your license

Ohio adds restriction codes during the licensing process based on information you provide, medical reports, or test results. If you fail the vision screening at the BMV, you will automatically receive code B. If you take your driving test in an automatic transmission vehicle, you may receive code D. If you are issued a commercial license but fail the air brake component of the test, you will receive code K.

Restrictions can also be added after you receive your license. If you are convicted of certain traffic violations, the court may order the BMV to add restrictions. Medical conditions reported to the BMV — such as seizure disorders or severe hearing loss — can trigger restrictions as well. Some restrictions are temporary and expire after a set period; others are permanent unless you take action to remove them.

How to remove a restriction code

The process depends on why the restriction was added. If your restriction is vision-related (code B), you can have your eyes re-tested at any BMV office. Bring proof that you now meet the vision standard — either a current eye exam from an optometrist or ophthalmologist, or pass the BMV's own vision screening. If you pass, the restriction can be removed on the spot or within a few days.

If your restriction is related to a medical condition, you will need to provide updated medical documentation from a licensed physician stating that the condition no longer affects your ability to drive safely. Submit this to your local BMV office along with a request to remove the restriction. The BMV will review the documentation and either remove the restriction or request additional information.

If you believe a restriction was added in error — for example, you were issued code D (automatic only) but you took your test in a manual transmission vehicle — contact your local BMV office with documentation of what actually occurred. Bring your test results or any paperwork from the day you tested. Staff can investigate and remove the code if they confirm the error.

Some restrictions cannot be removed until a certain amount of time has passed or a specific condition is met. For example, code P (passenger restrictions for young drivers) expires automatically when you turn 18 or after a set period, whichever comes first. Check with your local BMV office about the timeline for your specific code.

What happens if you drive under restriction

Driving in violation of a restriction code is a separate traffic violation from driving with an invalid license. If you are stopped and an officer sees that you have code B but are not wearing glasses, or code D but are driving a manual transmission vehicle, you can be cited for "driving under restriction." This citation carries its own fine and can affect your driving record and insurance rates.

A single violation under restriction typically results in a fine of $50 to $150, though the exact amount varies by county and court. Multiple violations can lead to license suspension. If you accumulate too many points on your driving record from restriction violations and other infractions, the BMV can suspend your license for a period of time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive without my restriction code if I have the required equipment?

No. The restriction code is a legal requirement on your license, and you must follow it regardless of whether you have the equipment. If code B is on your license, you must wear corrective lenses every time you drive, even if you think you can see well enough without them. Violating the restriction is a traffic offense.

What if I got a new restriction code after a traffic conviction?

Court-ordered restrictions typically remain in place for a set period — often one to three years — before you can request removal. Contact the court that issued the conviction to find out the exact timeline and what you need to do to have the restriction lifted. Some restrictions require you to complete a defensive driving course or other remedial action first.

Do restriction codes transfer if I move to another state?

No. Restriction codes are specific to Ohio licenses. If you move and obtain a license in another state, that state will issue its own restrictions based on its own rules and your driving record. However, the other state will see your Ohio violations and may add restrictions of its own.

Can I get a temporary license without my restriction codes?

No. Temporary licenses issued by Ohio carry the same restriction codes as your permanent license. If you are issued a temporary license while your permanent one is being processed, any restrictions will appear on the temporary version as well.

What does it mean if my restriction code is listed as "expired"?

Some restriction codes have an expiration date built in. If your code shows as expired, it means the restriction is no longer active and you can drive without following that restriction. However, you should still carry your license to show that the restriction has expired, in case you are stopped by police. Contact your local BMV office if you want an updated license without the expired code listed.