A Restriction B limits you to driving vehicles with automatic transmissions only
A Restriction B is a condition placed on your driver's license that prohibits you from operating manual transmission vehicles. If you have this restriction, you are legally permitted to drive only cars, trucks, and motorcycles equipped with automatic transmissions. The restriction appears on your license document itself, usually in a section labeled "Restrictions" or "Conditions," and law enforcement can see it during a traffic stop.
This restriction is issued by your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (or equivalent licensing authority) and is typically added to your license record at the time you pass your driving test. The reason it exists is straightforward: it documents that you demonstrated competency with automatic transmissions during your road test but did not demonstrate competency with manual transmissions. Driving a manual transmission vehicle while this restriction is in place is a traffic violation in most states, even if you believe you can operate one safely.
The restriction does not prevent you from learning to drive a manual transmission later. You can remove it by scheduling a new road test, passing it in a manual transmission vehicle, and paying any associated fee to update your license. The process and cost vary by state.
Key Takeaways
- Restriction B means you can only legally drive automatic transmission vehicles; driving a manual transmission vehicle with this restriction is a traffic violation.
- The restriction is placed on your license after you pass your road test in an automatic transmission vehicle, indicating that is the only transmission type you were tested on.
- You can remove the restriction by scheduling a new road test in a manual transmission vehicle and passing it, then paying your state's fee to update your license.
- If you are stopped by law enforcement while driving a manual transmission vehicle with Restriction B on your license, you can be cited for violating the terms of your license.
How Restriction B gets placed on your license
When you take your road test at your state's DMV, you choose which type of transmission vehicle to use for the test. If you take the test in an automatic transmission vehicle, the examiner will note that on your test results. When your license is issued, Restriction B is automatically added to your record to reflect that you were tested only on automatic transmissions.
You do not have to request this restriction, and it is not a penalty. It is straightforward a documentation of the scope of your testing. Some states phrase it differently on the license document—you might see "Automatic transmission only" or "AT" as shorthand—but the meaning is the same across all states that use this system.
If you took your road test in a manual transmission vehicle and passed, you would not have Restriction B on your license. You would be permitted to drive either transmission type. The restriction only appears if your test was conducted in an automatic.
What happens if you drive a manual transmission vehicle with Restriction B
Driving a manual transmission vehicle while Restriction B is on your license is a traffic violation. If a police officer stops you and discovers the violation—either by checking your license status or by observing that you are operating a manual transmission vehicle—you can be cited. The specific penalty varies by state but typically includes a fine, points added to your driving record, or both.
In some states, this violation is treated as a minor infraction similar to a seatbelt violation. In others, it may be classified more seriously, particularly if you are involved in an accident or if the officer determines that the manual transmission was a factor in unsafe driving. A conviction for violating your license restrictions can also affect your insurance rates and your ability to renew your license without additional requirements.
The violation is separate from any other traffic offense you might commit. For example, if you are stopped for speeding while driving a manual transmission vehicle with Restriction B, you would be cited for both speeding and for violating your license restriction.
How to remove Restriction B from your license
To remove Restriction B, you must pass a new road test in a manual transmission vehicle. Contact your state's Department of Motor Vehicles to schedule a road test appointment. When you schedule, specify that you want to take the test in a manual transmission vehicle. You will need to arrange for a manual transmission vehicle to be available at the test site on the day of your appointment—some DMV locations have test vehicles available, but many require you to bring your own.
During the test, the examiner will evaluate your ability to operate the manual transmission safely, including starting the vehicle, shifting gears, and controlling the clutch in various driving conditions. The test is typically the same length and covers the same road and parking lot maneuvers as your original test, but conducted in a manual transmission vehicle.
If you pass, the examiner will note the result, and your license will be updated to remove Restriction B. You will usually receive an updated license document in the mail within one to three weeks, depending on your state. Some states charge a fee for this license update; others do not. Check your state's DMV website for the current fee and processing time.
States that use Restriction B and variations in how it works
Most U.S. states use some form of transmission restriction on driver's licenses, but not all call it "Restriction B." Some states use different codes or labels. For example, California uses "Restriction 70" for automatic transmission only. New York uses "Restriction 3." Other states may use descriptive language like "AT" or "Automatic Only" without a number.
The underlying rule is the same across states: if you took your road test in an automatic transmission vehicle, your license will carry a notation that you are restricted to automatic transmissions. However, the process for removing the restriction, the fee charged, and the specific wording on your license document vary. Before scheduling a new road test, visit your state's DMV website to confirm the exact procedure, any required documents, and current fees.
Some states allow you to remove the restriction by mail or online if you provide proof that you have passed a road test in another state in a manual transmission vehicle. This option is less common but worth checking if you have recently moved or if you took a test in a different state.
Why this restriction exists and what it means about your driving record
Restriction B exists because driving a manual transmission vehicle requires different skills than driving an automatic. Operating the clutch, timing gear shifts, and managing engine braking are techniques that are not needed in an automatic transmission vehicle. A road test in an automatic does not demonstrate that you have mastered these skills. The restriction ensures that only drivers who have been tested on manual transmissions are legally permitted to operate them.
Having Restriction B on your license does not mean you are a bad driver or that your license is suspended or revoked. It is a normal condition on millions of licenses in the United States. It straightforward documents the scope of your testing and the types of vehicles you are permitted to operate under your current license.
If you plan to drive a manual transmission vehicle regularly—for work, for a specific vehicle you own, or for any other reason—removing the restriction is straightforward. If you only drive automatic transmission vehicles and have no plans to drive a manual, the restriction has no practical effect on your daily driving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive a manual transmission vehicle if I have Restriction B?
No. Driving a manual transmission vehicle with Restriction B on your license is a traffic violation. You are legally permitted to drive only automatic transmission vehicles until you pass a road test in a manual transmission vehicle and have the restriction removed from your license.
How much does it cost to remove Restriction B?
The cost varies by state. Some states charge a fee for the road test itself, some charge a fee to update your license after you pass, and some charge both. Fees typically range from $10 to $50, but you should check your state's DMV website for the exact amount. Some states do not charge a fee at all.
Do I have to remove Restriction B if I never plan to drive a manual transmission?
No. If you only drive automatic transmission vehicles, the restriction does not affect you. You can keep your license as is. You only need to remove it if you want to legally operate a manual transmission vehicle.
What if I took my road test in a manual transmission vehicle—do I have Restriction B?
No. If you passed your road test in a manual transmission vehicle, your license will not have Restriction B. You are permitted to drive both automatic and manual transmission vehicles. Restriction B only appears on licenses when the road test was taken in an automatic transmission vehicle.
Can I get Restriction B removed without taking another road test?
In most states, no. You must pass a road test in a manual transmission vehicle to remove the restriction. A few states may accept proof of a road test passed in another state, but this is uncommon. Contact your state's DMV to ask about alternatives before scheduling a new test.