Ohio restriction codes are letters printed on your driver's license that limit how or when you can drive
When you look at your Ohio driver's license, you may see one or more letters in the "Restrictions" box. Each letter stands for a specific rule about your driving. For example, code B means you must wear corrective lenses (glasses or contacts), and code D means you cannot drive a commercial vehicle. These codes are not punishments — they are conditions tied to your license that protect you and others on the road.
The Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles assigns restriction codes based on your medical history, test results, driving record, or the type of license you hold. Some codes are temporary; others stay on your license until you meet certain conditions or pass a new test. Understanding what your codes mean helps you know exactly what you are and are not allowed to do behind the wheel.
Key Takeaways
- Restriction codes are single letters that appear on your Ohio driver's license and describe limits on when, where, or how you can drive.
- Common codes include B (corrective lenses required), D (no commercial vehicles), and M (automatic transmission only).
- Some codes are permanent unless you pass a new vision or medical test; others expire on a date printed on your license.
- Driving in violation of a restriction code is a traffic offense and can result in a fine or license suspension.
- You can request a restriction be removed by visiting a deputy registrar or the Ohio BMV if you no longer meet the reason for the restriction.
Common Ohio restriction codes and what they mean
The most frequently seen codes are B, D, and M. Code B requires you to wear corrective lenses at all times while driving — if you wear glasses or contacts, this code protects your safety and is standard for many drivers. Code D means you cannot operate a commercial vehicle, even if you hold a commercial driver's license (CDL); this code often appears after a medical review or if you have failed a CDL medical exam. Code M restricts you to driving only vehicles with automatic transmissions, usually because you have a physical condition that prevents you from safely operating a manual clutch.
Other codes you may encounter include code E (no two-way radio operation), code F (outside mirror required), code G (no passengers under 21 without a supervising adult), and code H (hearing aid required). Code J means you cannot drive at night or in poor visibility, typically assigned after a vision test shows you do not meet the standard for low-light driving. Code L restricts you to daylight driving only. Code N means you cannot drive on limited-access highways (interstates and freeways).
Some codes are less common but still important. Code O means you must have an occupational license only — you can drive only to and from work, school, or medical appointments. Code P restricts you to driving only vehicles with power steering. Code S means you must wear a seat belt at all times. Code T restricts you to tractor-trailer operation only if you hold a CDL.
How restriction codes are assigned to your license
The Ohio BMV assigns codes during the license issuance or renewal process, or after a medical review. If you report a medical condition during your renewal — such as diabetes, hearing loss, or limited mobility — the BMV may require you to pass a medical examination or vision test. Based on the results, they add a code to your license. You do not choose your codes; they are determined by state law and the examiner's findings.
Some codes are assigned automatically based on the type of license you hold. For example, if you hold a CDL, you may receive code D if you do not meet medical standards for commercial driving. If you are under 21 and hold a probationary license, you may receive code G, which restricts passengers. Other codes appear after a traffic stop or accident if an officer reports that you were driving unsafely in a way that suggests a medical or physical limitation.
How long restriction codes stay on your license
Some codes are permanent and remain on your license until you take action to remove them. Code B (corrective lenses) stays until you pass a vision test without needing correction, which is rare for most people. Code M (automatic transmission only) remains unless you pass a driving test in a manual vehicle and the BMV agrees to lift the restriction. Code O (occupational license only) stays for the length of your suspension period, which the court sets.
Other codes have an expiration date printed on your license itself. For example, if you receive code J (no night driving) after a vision test, the code may expire on a specific date set by the BMV, at which point you can request it be removed. Some codes expire when you renew your license, and the examiner will reassess whether you still need the restriction. Always check your license to see if an expiration date is listed next to your restriction codes.
What happens if you drive in violation of a restriction code
Driving in violation of a restriction code is a traffic offense in Ohio. If you are stopped by a police officer and you are driving in a way that violates your code — for example, driving at night when code J restricts you to daylight only, or driving a manual transmission vehicle when code M restricts you to automatic — you can be cited. The fine varies but typically ranges from $50 to $150 for a first offense, though the exact amount depends on the specific code and the officer's discretion.
A violation can also result in points on your driving record, which may increase your insurance rates. If you accumulate too many points in a short time, your license can be suspended. Additionally, if you are involved in an accident while violating a restriction code, your insurance company may deny your claim, leaving you responsible for all damages. It is important to take your codes seriously and follow them every time you drive.
How to request removal of a restriction code
To remove a restriction code, you must first determine whether the code can be removed and what conditions must be met. If your code has an expiration date, you can straightforward wait until that date and then visit a deputy registrar's office to request the code be removed from your license. Bring your current license and any documents that show the reason for the restriction no longer applies — for example, a letter from your doctor if code M (automatic transmission only) was assigned due to a physical condition that has since improved.
If your code does not have an expiration date, you will need to pass a test or medical exam to have it removed. For code B (corrective lenses), you would need to pass a vision test without correction. For code M (automatic transmission), you would need to pass a driving test in a manual transmission vehicle. For codes related to medical conditions, you may need a letter from your doctor stating that the condition no longer affects your ability to drive safely. Contact your local deputy registrar's office or the Ohio BMV directly to learn what specific steps are required for your code.
Where to find your restriction codes and get more information
Your restriction codes appear in the "Restrictions" box on the front of your Ohio driver's license, usually printed as one or more letters. If you cannot read them clearly or want to know exactly what each code means, you can visit the Ohio BMV website, which lists all restriction codes and their definitions. You can also call your local deputy registrar's office — every county in Ohio has at least one — and ask them to explain your specific codes.
If you need to update your codes, request removal, or have questions about whether a code applies to you, visit a deputy registrar in person. Bring your current license and any supporting documents, such as a medical letter or vision test results. The staff can tell you what steps are needed and may be able to process your request on the spot if the code has straightforward expired.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive without my glasses if I have code B on my license?
No. Code B means corrective lenses are required, and you must wear them every time you drive. Driving without them is a traffic violation. If you wear contacts, those count as corrective lenses. If you have had vision correction surgery and no longer need glasses or contacts, you can request the code be removed by passing a vision test at a deputy registrar's office.
What does code O mean, and how long does it last?
Code O means you hold an occupational license and can drive only to and from work, school, medical appointments, or court-ordered programs. The code lasts for the length of your license suspension, which is set by the court. Once your suspension period ends, you can renew your license normally and the code will be removed.
If I have code M, can I ever drive a manual transmission car again?
Yes, but you must pass a driving test in a manual transmission vehicle first. Contact your local deputy registrar to schedule the test. If you pass, you can request the code be removed from your license. The test demonstrates that you can safely operate a manual clutch despite the physical condition that originally led to the restriction.
Do restriction codes transfer if I move to another state?
No. Restriction codes are specific to Ohio licenses. If you move to another state and get a new driver's license there, that state will conduct its own vision and medical review. However, the new state may see your Ohio driving record, which could influence their decision to assign similar codes to your new license.
How do I know if my restriction code has an expiration date?
Look at your license in the "Restrictions" box. Some codes have a date printed next to them; others do not. If you cannot read it clearly, visit a deputy registrar's office and ask them to check your record. They can tell you whether your code expires and when.