Restriction G prevents you from driving without corrective lenses, even if you have perfect vision without them
Restriction G on a Texas driver's license means you must wear eyeglasses or contact lenses whenever you drive. The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) places this restriction on your license if your vision during the eye exam fell below the standard for unrestricted driving but met the standard when you wore correction.
The restriction appears as a code on the back of your physical license and in the DPS database. Law enforcement can see it during a traffic stop. Driving without the required correction when Restriction G is on your license is a violation — you can be cited even if your uncorrected vision is otherwise normal or if you forgot your glasses that day.
The restriction is not permanent. You can have it removed by passing a vision test without correction, or by requesting a retest if your vision has changed since your last exam.
Key Takeaways
- Restriction G requires you to wear glasses or contacts every time you drive, regardless of how well you see without them.
- The restriction is placed based on your vision test results at the time you renewed or first obtained your license.
- You can be cited by police if you are stopped and cannot produce the required correction, even if you were driving safely.
- You can remove the restriction by passing a vision test without correction at a DPS office or approved eye care provider.
- The restriction does not affect your ability to hold a valid license — it only limits how you can use it.
How Texas vision standards create Restriction G
Texas requires all drivers to meet a minimum vision standard of 20/40 in each eye, or 20/40 in one eye and 20/60 in the other, with or without correction. If your uncorrected vision is worse than that but your corrected vision meets the standard, DPS issues your license with Restriction G.
The restriction applies whether you wear glasses, contact lenses, or both. It does not matter if you have 20/20 vision with correction — the restriction is based on what you could see during the exam without correction. Some drivers are surprised to learn that perfect corrected vision still results in the restriction if their uncorrected vision was below the threshold.
The vision test happens at the DPS office during license renewal or initial issuance. An eye exam by an optometrist or ophthalmologist does not replace the DPS test, though you can bring results from a recent eye exam to the DPS office if you believe your vision has improved.
What Restriction G means for your driving privileges
Restriction G is a corrective lens requirement, not a limitation on where or when you can drive. You can drive on highways, at night, in any weather, and in any part of Texas — as long as you are wearing the required correction.
The restriction does not appear on your license in a way that other drivers or passengers would notice. Only law enforcement and DPS staff can see it in the system. However, if you are pulled over and cannot produce your glasses or contacts, the officer can cite you for violating the restriction, even if you were driving safely and were not involved in a crash.
Insurance companies can see the restriction in your driving record. Some insurers may ask about it during underwriting, though the restriction itself does not automatically raise your rates. The citation for driving without the required correction, however, will appear on your record and may affect your insurance.
How to remove Restriction G from your license
You have two main paths to remove the restriction. The first is to pass a vision test without correction at a DPS office. If your uncorrected vision now meets the 20/40 standard, the restriction will be removed when ready, and you will receive an updated license.
The second path is to request a retest if you believe your vision has improved since your last exam. You can do this at any DPS office during business hours. Bring your current license and be prepared to pay a retest fee, which varies but is typically under $10. The DPS will conduct a new vision screening on the spot.
If you have had recent eye surgery (such as LASIK or PRK) or a change in your prescription, your vision may have improved enough to pass without correction. Schedule your retest a few weeks after any procedure to allow your eyes to stabilize. Bring documentation from your eye care provider if you have it — it can help explain why your vision may have changed.
What happens if you drive without the required correction
Driving without the corrective lenses required by Restriction G is a violation of Texas Transportation Code Section 502.409. An officer who stops you and discovers the restriction on your license can issue a citation, even if your driving was otherwise lawful and safe.
The citation is typically a misdemeanor traffic offense. Penalties can include a fine (usually $100 to $200), points on your driving record, and a possible increase in your insurance rates. A conviction does not suspend your license, but it does create a record that insurers and future employers can see.
If you receive a citation for this violation, you have the option to contest it in traffic court. You can argue that you were wearing correction at the time, that the restriction was in error, or that you have since had it removed. Bring your current glasses or contacts and any documentation of a recent vision test to court.
Restriction G versus other Texas license restrictions
Texas uses letter codes for different types of restrictions. Restriction G is specifically for corrective lenses. Other common restrictions include Restriction E (automatic transmission only), Restriction F (outside mirror required), and Restriction H (hearing aid required). Each restriction addresses a specific physical or medical condition.
Some drivers have multiple restrictions. For example, you might have both Restriction G (corrective lenses) and Restriction E (automatic transmission) if you have both vision and mobility concerns. Each restriction must be met independently — you cannot ignore one because you are complying with another.
Restrictions are not the same as suspensions or revocations. A restriction allows you to drive under certain conditions. A suspension or revocation removes your driving privilege entirely. If you violate a restriction repeatedly, DPS may move toward suspension, but a single violation of Restriction G does not automatically result in that outcome.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a temporary license without Restriction G while I wait for a retest?
No. Your current license remains valid with the restriction in place. If you want to drive without the restriction, you must first pass a vision test without correction. DPS does not issue temporary unrestricted licenses while you are waiting for a retest appointment.
If I wear contacts instead of glasses, does Restriction G still explore?
Yes. Restriction G applies to any form of corrective lens — glasses, contacts, or both. You must wear whichever correction you use to meet the vision standard. You cannot switch between glasses and contacts to avoid the restriction.
Will Restriction G show up on a background check for employment?
Restriction G itself will not appear on a standard employment background check. However, any traffic citation for violating the restriction will show up on your driving record, which employers can request if the job involves driving. The restriction code itself is visible only to DPS and law enforcement.
How long does it take to get an updated license after removing Restriction G?
If you pass the vision test at a DPS office, you will receive an updated license on the spot or within a few days, depending on whether you pay for a replacement card. Your driving privilege is updated when ready in the DPS system, even if your physical card has not arrived yet.
Can I dispute Restriction G if I think the vision test was wrong?
Yes. You can request a retest at any DPS office. If you believe the original test was inaccurate, bring recent documentation from an eye care provider showing your current vision. You can also ask the DPS examiner to explain the test results and retest you if you think an error occurred.