A Restriction A means you must wear corrective lenses while driving
A Restriction A on your Texas driver's license is a condition that requires you to wear eyeglasses or contact lenses whenever you drive. The Texas Department of Public Safety adds this restriction during your license exam if your vision does not meet the standard requirement without correction.
This restriction appears on the front of your license as a small code. It is not a violation or a mark against your record — it is straightforward a safety requirement based on your eyesight at the time you took your test. If you drive without your corrective lenses when Restriction A is on your license, you can be cited for a traffic violation.
The restriction stays on your license for the full validity period unless you request a vision retest and pass without correction. You do not need to do anything special to keep the restriction active — it is automatically enforced.
Key Takeaways
- Restriction A requires you to wear glasses or contacts every time you drive, and driving without them is a traffic violation.
- The restriction is added if your uncorrected vision does not meet Texas standards during your license exam.
- You can request a vision retest at any Texas DPS office to have the restriction removed if your vision has improved.
- The restriction remains on your license for its entire validity period unless you pass a retest without correction.
How the restriction gets added to your license
During your Texas driver's license exam, the DPS examiner tests your vision with and without correction. If your uncorrected vision is worse than 20/40 in either eye, the examiner will add Restriction A to your license. This is a standard safety measure — the state wants to may support you can see the road clearly while driving.
You will know the restriction has been added because the examiner will tell you before you leave the office, and it will print on your license. If you wear glasses or contacts during the exam and pass the vision test with them, Restriction A will be added automatically. There is no separate step or form — it happens as part of the normal licensing process.
If you already have a license with Restriction A and you renew it, the restriction carries over to your new license unless you request a retest and pass without correction.
What happens if you drive without your corrective lenses
Driving without your glasses or contacts when Restriction A is on your license is a traffic violation in Texas. A police officer can pull you over and cite you if they see you driving without correction, or if you are involved in an accident and the officer discovers the restriction on your license.
The citation is typically written as a violation of the restriction itself, not as reckless driving or a major offense. However, it still goes on your driving record and can affect your insurance rates. If you receive multiple citations for this violation, it can lead to license suspension.
The best way to avoid this is to keep your glasses or contacts with you whenever you drive. If your vision has changed and you no longer need correction, you can have the restriction removed through a retest.
How to request a vision retest to remove the restriction
You can request a vision retest at any Texas Department of Public Safety office. Bring your current driver's license and be prepared to pay a retest fee — the cost varies but is typically under $25. You do not need an appointment at most DPS offices, though some locations allow you to schedule one online.
During the retest, the examiner will test your vision without correction first. If your uncorrected vision now meets the 20/40 standard or better in both eyes, Restriction A will be removed from your license. If you still do not meet the standard without correction, the restriction will remain.
If you pass the retest, you will receive a new license with the restriction removed. This usually happens on the same day, though some offices may mail it to you. Keep your old license until the new one arrives.
When your vision changes and you need to update your license
If you have had eye surgery, gotten new glasses, or your vision has changed significantly, you may want to request a retest sooner rather than waiting for your license to expire. You can do this at any time — there is no waiting period between retests.
Some people get LASIK or PRK surgery specifically to correct their vision so they can remove Restriction A. If you have had this type of surgery, wait at least a few weeks for your eyes to stabilize before requesting a retest, as your vision can still be changing during recovery.
If your vision has gotten worse and you now need stronger correction, you do not need to do anything — your current license remains valid as long as you wear your corrective lenses while driving. The restriction does not change based on the strength of your prescription, only on whether you need correction at all.
Other restrictions you might see on a Texas license
Restriction A is one of several codes that can appear on a Texas driver's license. Other common restrictions include Restriction B (automatic transmission only), Restriction C (daylight driving only), and Restriction D (no freeway driving). Each restriction addresses a different safety concern and comes with its own rules.
If you have multiple restrictions, you must follow all of them. For example, if you have both Restriction A and Restriction C, you must wear your corrective lenses and only drive during daylight hours. Violating any restriction can result in a traffic citation.
You can learn what each restriction means by looking at the back of your license or by contacting your local DPS office. If you believe a restriction was added in error, you can request a retest or speak with a DPS examiner about your situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive with Restriction A if I forgot my glasses at home?
No. Driving without your corrective lenses when Restriction A is on your license is a violation, even if you forgot them by accident. You can be cited by a police officer. If you realize you forgot your glasses, it is safer to pull over and not drive until you have them.
Do I have to pay to get Restriction A removed?
You only pay if you request a vision retest. The retest fee is typically under $25. If you pass the retest without correction, the restriction is removed at no additional cost. If you do not request a retest, there is no charge to keep the restriction on your license.
Will Restriction A show up on my driving record when I explore for insurance?
Restriction A itself does not appear on your driving record — it is part of your license conditions. However, if you receive a citation for driving without your corrective lenses, that citation will show on your record and can affect your insurance rates.
What if I have Restriction A but I only wear reading glasses, not driving glasses?
If the restriction is on your license, you must wear some form of corrective lenses while driving, even if they are only for reading. The restriction means your uncorrected vision does not meet the state standard. Wearing any corrective lenses that improve your vision satisfies the requirement.
Can I get Restriction A removed before my license expires?
Yes. You can request a vision retest at any DPS office at any time, even if your license is not expiring soon. There is no waiting period between retests. If you pass, you will receive a new license with the restriction removed.