Restriction B is a corrective lenses requirement
Restriction B on your Ohio driver's license means you must wear corrective lenses — glasses or contact lenses — whenever you drive. The restriction appears on your license as a condition of your driving privilege, and driving without the required lenses is a violation of that restriction.
Ohio's Bureau of Motor Vehicles adds this restriction during the licensing process when vision screening shows you need correction to drive safely. The restriction does not limit where you can drive or what vehicles you can operate; it only requires that your eyes be corrected to the standard the state sets.
If you have Restriction B and drive without your corrective lenses, you can be cited for violating a license restriction, which carries the same penalties as driving with an expired or suspended license in some jurisdictions. The safest approach is to keep your glasses or contacts with you whenever you get behind the wheel.
Key Takeaways
- Restriction B requires you to wear glasses or contact lenses every time you drive in Ohio.
- The restriction is added when your vision test shows you need correction to meet Ohio's driving standard.
- You can remove the restriction by passing a new vision test at any Ohio BMV location.
- Driving without your corrective lenses when Restriction B is on your license is a traffic violation.
- The restriction does not expire on its own; it stays on your license until you formally remove it.
How the restriction gets added to your license
When you take your vision test at the Ohio BMV, the examiner checks your eyesight with and without correction. If your uncorrected vision does not meet Ohio's standard but your corrected vision does, the examiner will add Restriction B to your license before you leave.
You do not have to do anything to trigger the restriction — it is automatic based on the test result. The restriction appears on your physical license card and in the BMV's computer system, so any officer who runs your license will see it.
If you already have a license and your vision changes, the restriction will not be added until your next renewal or until you take a new vision test. Many people discover they need Restriction B only when they renew their license years later.
Removing Restriction B from your license
To remove Restriction B, you must pass a new vision test at an Ohio BMV location without correction — meaning you take the test without your glasses or contacts. If your uncorrected vision now meets the state standard, the examiner will remove the restriction on the spot.
You can schedule a vision test at any BMV office. Bring your current license and be prepared to pay the vision test fee, which varies by location but is typically under $10. The test takes only a few minutes.
If your uncorrected vision still does not meet the standard, the restriction stays in place. You can take the test again at any time, but you will need to show improvement in your uncorrected vision to have the restriction removed. Some people pursue vision correction surgery (such as LASIK) specifically to remove this restriction, though that is a personal decision based on cost and medical factors.
What happens if you drive without your corrective lenses
Driving without your glasses or contacts when Restriction B is on your license is a traffic violation. An officer who stops you can cite you for violating a license restriction, which is treated as a moving violation in Ohio.
The penalty depends on whether it is your first violation and the circumstances of the stop. You may face a fine, points on your driving record, or both. In some cases, repeated violations can lead to license suspension.
The violation is separate from any ticket for the original reason you were stopped — if an officer pulls you over for speeding and notices you are not wearing your required glasses, you can receive citations for both violations.
Restriction B and vehicle type
Restriction B applies to all vehicles you drive. You cannot operate a car, truck, motorcycle, or any other motor vehicle without your corrective lenses if the restriction is on your license. The restriction does not change based on the type of vehicle or the time of day you are driving.
If you hold a commercial driver's license (CDL) in Ohio, Restriction B works the same way — you must wear correction at all times while driving commercially. The vision standard for a CDL is actually stricter than for a regular license, so commercial drivers are more likely to have restrictions.
Checking your current restrictions
You can see what restrictions are on your Ohio license by looking at the physical card itself — restrictions appear in a specific field on the front or back, depending on when your license was issued. You can also check your license information through the Ohio BMV website by entering your license number and date of birth.
If you are unsure whether you have Restriction B or want to confirm what it means, contact your local BMV office or call the Ohio BMV customer service line. They can pull up your record and explain any restrictions in detail.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a restricted license that lets me drive without glasses?
No. If your uncorrected vision does not meet Ohio's standard, you cannot legally drive without correction. Restriction B is the only option — you must wear your corrective lenses. The restriction cannot be waived or modified.
Do I have to tell my insurance company about Restriction B?
You should check your insurance policy. Most insurers do not require you to report Restriction B specifically, but if you drive without your required lenses and cause an accident, the violation could affect your claim or rates. It is safest to inform your agent.
What if I lose my glasses while I am driving?
If your glasses break or you lose them while you are out, you should not continue driving. Pull over safely and call someone for a ride, or wait until you can get a replacement. Driving without your required correction is a violation even if the loss was accidental.
Does Restriction B stay on my license when I renew?
Yes, unless you pass a new vision test without correction. The restriction carries over automatically at renewal. You will need to visit a BMV office and take a vision test if you want to have it removed.
Can I use contact lenses instead of glasses to satisfy Restriction B?
Yes. Restriction B requires corrective lenses — either glasses or contacts. You can switch between them as long as your vision is corrected to the required standard while you drive.