RSTR is a restriction code that appears on your driver's license to tell law enforcement and licensing officials that you can only drive under certain conditions
The letters RSTR stand for restriction. When it appears on your license, it means your driving privileges come with specific limits — you cannot straightforward drive anywhere, anytime, the way an unrestricted license holder can. The restriction is printed on the front or back of your card and is tied to a code that explains what you cannot do.
Restrictions are issued by your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (or equivalent agency) and are usually tied to a medical condition, a court order, or a violation history. A police officer who pulls you over can see the restriction when ready. Driving in violation of a restriction — for example, driving without the required corrective lenses when your license says you must wear them — is a separate violation that can result in a ticket, fine, or license suspension.
The specific codes and what they mean vary by state. A restriction that means one thing in California may have a different code in Texas. Your license document itself should list what your restriction requires, but if it does not, your state's DMV website or a call to your local office can tell you what your code means.
Key Takeaways
- RSTR on your license means you have one or more driving restrictions that limit when, where, or how you can drive.
- Common restrictions include wearing corrective lenses, driving only during daylight hours, or driving only for work or medical appointments.
- Violating a restriction is a separate traffic offense and can result in fines, points on your record, or license suspension.
- The specific code and its meaning are set by your state's DMV, and you can find the details on your license document or by contacting your state's licensing agency.
- Restrictions can be removed by the DMV if the reason for them no longer applies, though the process varies by state and restriction type.
Common Types of Restrictions and What They Mean
The most frequent restriction is corrective lenses — your license will note that you must wear glasses or contact lenses every time you drive. This restriction is issued when your vision does not meet the standard for unrestricted driving but does meet it with correction. Driving without the required lenses is a violation even if you are not in an accident.
A daylight-only restriction means you cannot drive between sunset and sunrise, or during hours your state specifies. This is sometimes issued to older drivers whose night vision has declined, or to drivers who have failed night driving tests. Some states use this restriction for drivers with certain medical conditions that affect vision or alertness.
Automatic transmission only is a restriction that requires you to drive only vehicles with automatic transmissions, not manual. This is typically issued to drivers with physical disabilities that make operating a manual clutch unsafe or impossible.
A work or medical restriction limits your driving to specific purposes — for example, driving to and from work, or to medical appointments. This restriction is sometimes imposed by a court as part of a DUI sentence, or by the DMV when a driver's medical condition makes unrestricted driving unsafe.
Some states issue interlock device restrictions, which require you to use an ignition interlock device (a breathalyzer connected to your vehicle's ignition) before the car will start. This is a common condition after a DUI conviction.
Why States Issue Restrictions Instead of Suspending Licenses
A restriction allows you to keep your license and drive under controlled conditions, rather than losing it entirely. From the state's perspective, this balances public safety with the reality that many people need to drive to work, school, or medical care. A person with correctable vision problems can drive safely with glasses; suspending their license entirely would be unnecessarily harsh.
Restrictions also give drivers a path to prove they can follow rules. If you comply with your restriction for a set period, you may be able to request that it be removed. This creates an incentive for safe behavior and gives the DMV a way to monitor whether you are following the condition.
For the state, restrictions are also cheaper to administer than suspensions. A suspension requires ongoing tracking and enforcement; a restriction is printed on your card and checked during routine traffic stops.
How to Find Out What Your Specific Restriction Means
Your driver's license should print the restriction code and, in many states, a brief explanation of what it means. Look at the back of your card first — most states print restriction details there. If the explanation is unclear or missing, you have several options.
Visit your state's DMV website and search for "restriction codes" or "license restrictions." Most states publish a full list with codes and meanings. You can also call your local DMV office with your license number and ask them to explain your restriction. Have your license in front of you when you call so you can read the code to them.
If you received your restriction as part of a court order (for example, after a DUI), the court documents or your attorney's paperwork should explain it. If it was issued by the DMV for a medical reason, your licensing file may contain notes about why it was added.
Driving in Violation of a Restriction
If you drive in a way that violates your restriction, you can be cited for a separate offense. For example, if your license says you must wear corrective lenses and you are pulled over without them, you will receive a ticket for that violation — separate from any other traffic offense you might have committed.
The penalty varies by state and by which restriction you violated. Some violations result in a fine only. Others add points to your driving record, which can raise your insurance rates or trigger a license suspension if you accumulate too many points. A serious or repeated violation can result in license suspension or revocation.
If you are unsure whether something you are doing violates your restriction, contact your DMV before you do it. For example, if your restriction says "daylight only" and you are unsure whether dawn or dusk counts as daylight, ask. It is better to know in advance than to find out during a traffic stop.
How to Request That a Restriction Be Removed
The process for removing a restriction depends on why it was issued and what your state's rules are. If your restriction was based on a medical condition — for example, poor night vision — you may need to pass a new DMV test or provide a doctor's letter stating that the condition has improved. Some states require you to wait a certain amount of time before you can request removal.
If your restriction was issued as part of a DUI sentence or court order, you cannot remove it yourself. You will need to petition the court or wait until the restriction period expires. Your attorney or the court documents should explain when and how you can request removal.
Contact your state's DMV to find out the specific steps for your restriction type. Some states allow you to request removal by mail or online; others require an in-person visit. There may be a fee, and there may be a waiting period. The DMV can tell you what documentation you need to bring and what tests you may need to pass.
Restrictions and Insurance, Employment, and Other Licenses
A restriction on your driver's license is a matter of public record. Your insurance company can see it, and some insurers charge higher rates for drivers with certain restrictions. If you have an interlock device restriction, your insurance rates will likely increase.
Some employers check driving records as part of hiring or retention decisions. If your job involves driving, a restriction may affect your employment. For example, a daylight-only restriction would disqualify you from a job that requires night driving. Talk to your employer about what restrictions, if any, would affect your ability to do your job.
If you hold a commercial driver's license (CDL), restrictions work differently and are more strictly enforced. A restriction on a CDL can affect which types of vehicles you can drive or which routes you can take. If you have a CDL, contact your state's commercial licensing division for details about how your restriction applies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive without following my restriction?
No. Driving in violation of a restriction is a traffic violation. You can be ticketed, fined, and have points added to your record. Repeated violations can result in license suspension or revocation. If your restriction makes it impossible for you to drive safely or legally, you should request removal through your DMV rather than ignore it.
Will a restriction show up on a background check?
A restriction on your driver's license is part of your driving record, which is public. Background checks that include driving records will show it. However, most employment background checks do not include driving records unless the job involves driving. Ask your employer or the background check company what they are checking.
How long does a restriction stay on my license?
It depends on the type of restriction and why it was issued. Some restrictions are permanent until you request removal and meet the requirements. Others expire after a set time — for example, an interlock device restriction might expire after two years if you comply with it. Check your license documents or contact your DMV to find out when your restriction expires or becomes removable.
Can I get a restriction removed if I disagree with it?
If you believe the restriction was issued in error or no longer applies, you can request a hearing or appeal through your state's DMV. The process varies by state. Contact your DMV to ask about the appeal process and what evidence you need to present. If the restriction was issued by a court, you may need to petition the court instead.
What if I move to a different state?
When you transfer your license to a new state, the new state's DMV will issue you a new license. Restrictions from your old state may or may not transfer, depending on the new state's rules and the type of restriction. Contact your new state's DMV before you move to find out how your restriction will be handled.