A Restriction A means you must wear corrective lenses while driving
A Restriction A on your Florida driver's license is a condition that requires you to wear eyeglasses or contact lenses whenever you drive. It appears on your license as a small notation and is one of the most common restrictions the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) places on licenses.
The restriction exists because your vision, when corrected with glasses or contacts, meets the legal standard for driving — but your uncorrected vision does not. This is a safety measure: you passed the vision test at the DMV while wearing your correction, so the state is documenting that you must continue to wear it every time you get behind the wheel.
If you drive without your corrective lenses when you have a Restriction A, you are breaking the law. A police officer can cite you for violating your license restriction, which is a separate violation from any other traffic offense and can result in a fine or points on your driving record.
Key Takeaways
- Restriction A requires you to wear glasses or contacts every time you drive, and driving without them is a violation even if you are not breaking any other traffic law.
- You receive a Restriction A when you pass the vision test only while wearing corrective lenses, meaning your uncorrected vision does not meet Florida's standard.
- You can have the restriction removed by passing a vision test without correction at a Florida DMV office, or by providing an eye doctor's statement that your uncorrected vision now meets the legal standard.
- Restriction A does not affect your ability to drive or your insurance rates — it is straightforward a condition tied to how you took the vision test.
How you get a Restriction A on your license
When you take the vision screening at a Florida DMV office, the examiner tests your vision in its current state. If you are wearing glasses or contacts and you pass the test, but the examiner notes that you need correction to pass, the DHSMV adds Restriction A to your license.
You might receive this restriction when you first get your license, when you renew it, or when you take a vision test after a traffic stop or citation. The restriction is not a punishment — it is straightforward a record that your vision met the standard only with correction.
If you wear bifocals or progressive lenses, you may also see a note on your license about that, but Restriction A specifically refers to the need for corrective lenses in general.
Removing Restriction A from your license
You can have Restriction A removed in two ways. The first is to visit a Florida DMV office and take a new vision test without wearing your glasses or contacts. If your uncorrected vision now meets Florida's standard — which is 20/40 or better in each eye, or 20/30 in one eye and 20/40 in the other — the restriction will be removed.
The second way is to bring a signed statement from an eye doctor (an ophthalmologist or optometrist) to a DMV office. The statement must confirm that your uncorrected vision meets Florida's legal standard for driving. You do not need to take a test at the DMV if you have this documentation — the eye doctor's letter is sufficient.
There is no fee to remove the restriction at the DMV. If you choose to have your vision tested by an eye doctor instead, you will pay for that appointment, but the cost varies by provider.
What happens if you drive without your correction
Driving without your corrective lenses when you have a Restriction A is a violation of Florida law. If a police officer stops you and sees the restriction on your license, they can issue you a citation for violating your license restriction. This is a separate offense from any other traffic violation you might have committed.
The penalty for violating a license restriction can include a fine and points added to your driving record. The exact amount depends on the officer's discretion and the circumstances, but it is treated as a moving violation. This violation can also affect your insurance rates and your driving record for years.
Even if you are not stopped by police, driving without correction when you have this restriction is unsafe and increases your risk of an accident. The restriction exists because your uncorrected vision does not meet the legal standard — meaning it is not safe for driving.
Restriction A and your driving record or insurance
Having Restriction A on your license does not, by itself, affect your insurance rates or your driving record. The restriction is straightforward a condition of your license. However, if you violate the restriction by driving without your corrective lenses and receive a citation, that violation will appear on your driving record and can increase your insurance costs.
When you renew your license or explore for a new one, Restriction A will carry over unless you have it removed. It does not expire on its own.
What if you think the restriction is wrong
If you believe you should not have Restriction A — for example, if you think your vision without correction actually meets the legal standard — you can request a vision retest at any Florida DMV office. There is no fee for this test. If you pass without correction, the restriction will be removed when ready.
You can also ask your eye doctor to test your uncorrected vision and provide a written statement if they believe it meets Florida's standard. Bring that statement to the DMV, and the restriction can be removed without taking another test there.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will Restriction A show up on my driving record when I explore for a job?
Restriction A appears on your license itself, not on your driving record. Most employers who request a driving record will see your violations and points, but not the restrictions. However, some employers may ask to see your actual license, in which case they would see the notation.
Can I get Restriction A removed by mail or online?
No. You must either visit a Florida DMV office to take a vision test, or bring a signed letter from an eye doctor to a DMV office in person. There is no remote process for removing this restriction.
What if I wear contacts but the restriction says glasses?
Restriction A applies to any corrective lenses — glasses, contacts, or both. You can wear whichever correction you prefer, as long as you are wearing some form of correction while driving. The restriction does not specify which type.
Does Restriction A mean I failed my vision test?
No. It means you passed the vision test while wearing correction, but did not pass without it. You have a valid license and can drive legally — you just have to wear your glasses or contacts to do so.
How long does it take to remove Restriction A?
If you take a vision test at the DMV and pass, the restriction is removed when ready. If you bring an eye doctor's letter, it is also removed on the spot. There is no waiting period.