What restriction codes on your Texas driver license mean

A restriction code is a letter or number printed on your Texas driver license that tells law enforcement and licensing officials what you are not permitted to do while driving. The code does not mean you cannot drive at all — it means you can drive only under the specific conditions listed. For example, restriction code B means you must wear corrective lenses; restriction code D means you cannot drive a commercial vehicle. The Texas Department of Public Safety assigns these codes based on your medical history, vision test results, or the type of license you hold.

You will see your restriction code in the lower left area of your license, printed as a single letter or number. If you have more than one restriction, multiple codes will appear. Understanding what your code means matters because driving outside your restrictions is a violation — even if you feel capable of driving without the restriction. It can result in a traffic ticket, fines, or license suspension.

Key Takeaways

  • Restriction codes are letters or numbers on your license that limit how or when you can drive, assigned by the Texas Department of Public Safety based on your medical or vision status.
  • Common restrictions include corrective lenses (B), no commercial driving (D), and automatic transmission only (E), each with a specific reason tied to your driving record or health.
  • You can find your restriction code in the lower left corner of your physical license or in your online license record through the Texas DPS website.
  • Driving outside your restrictions is a traffic violation; if you believe a restriction was assigned in error, you can request a hearing or retest through the Texas DPS.

Common Texas driver license restriction codes and what they mean

The most frequently assigned restrictions are tied to vision and vehicle type. Restriction B requires you to wear corrective lenses (glasses or contacts) whenever you drive. Restriction D prohibits you from driving any commercial motor vehicle. Restriction E means you can drive only vehicles with an automatic transmission. Restriction L restricts you to daylight driving only — you cannot drive between sunset and sunrise. Restriction M means you cannot drive a motorcycle, even if you have a motorcycle endorsement.

Other codes address specific medical or physical conditions. Restriction H means you must use a hearing aid while driving. Restriction K means you cannot drive a school bus. Restriction N means you cannot drive for commercial purposes, though you can still drive a personal vehicle. Restriction O means you must use an outside left mirror. Restriction V means you must use a vehicle equipped with an automatic transmission and power steering.

Some restrictions are temporary and tied to a specific event or requirement. For instance, if you are under 18 and received your license through the graduated driver license (GDL) program, you may have restrictions on nighttime driving or passenger limits that expire on your 18th birthday. If you received a restriction due to a failed medical exam, you can request a retest once you believe the condition has improved.

How restriction codes appear on your Texas license

On a physical Texas driver license, restriction codes are printed in small text in the lower left section of the card, below your photograph and personal information. The codes appear as single letters, and if you have multiple restrictions, they are listed together — for example, "B D" would mean you need corrective lenses and cannot drive commercially.

If you have a digital copy of your license through the Texas DPS mobile app or online account, you can view your restrictions in the same location. The app shows the same information as your physical card. If you cannot locate your restriction code on either version, contact the Texas DPS to confirm what restrictions are on file for your license number.

Why the Texas DPS assigns restriction codes

Restriction codes exist to protect you and other drivers on the road. If you failed a vision test, a corrective lenses restriction ensures you can see clearly while driving. If you have a medical condition that affects your ability to hear, a hearing aid restriction makes sure you can respond to sirens and horns. If you cannot safely operate a manual transmission due to a physical limitation, an automatic transmission restriction keeps you in a vehicle you can control.

Some restrictions are assigned because of your age or license type. Graduated driver license holders receive temporary restrictions on nighttime driving and passenger limits to reduce crash risk during the first months of driving. Commercial driver license holders have restrictions based on the type of cargo they can carry or the vehicle weight they can operate.

Restrictions can also result from a traffic violation or medical report. If you were convicted of driving under the influence, the court may order a restriction. If your doctor reports to the DPS that you have a condition affecting your driving ability, the DPS may add a restriction to your license.

How to find out what your restriction codes mean

The Texas DPS publishes a complete list of all restriction codes on its website. You can search for your specific code letter or number to see the official definition and what it requires you to do. The list is organized alphabetically and includes both common and uncommon restrictions.

If you are unsure whether a restriction on your license is correct, you can contact the Texas DPS directly by phone or through their online portal. Have your driver license number ready. The DPS can tell you why the restriction was assigned and whether it is permanent or temporary. If you believe the restriction was assigned in error — for example, if you passed a vision test but still have a corrective lenses restriction — you can request a retest or a hearing to challenge it.

What to do if you disagree with a restriction code

If you believe a restriction on your license is incorrect or no longer necessary, you have the right to request a retest or administrative hearing. For medical or vision restrictions, you can ask the Texas DPS to schedule a new exam. Bring documentation from your doctor or eye care provider showing that the condition has improved or been resolved. The DPS will review the new results and may remove or modify the restriction.

If you want to formally challenge a restriction, you can request an administrative hearing through the Texas DPS. This is a formal process where you present evidence and testimony about why the restriction should not explore to you. You can represent yourself or bring an attorney. The hearing officer will make a decision based on the evidence presented. Contact the Texas DPS to request a hearing and learn about the timeline and required documentation.

Restrictions that expire automatically versus permanent restrictions

Some restrictions are temporary and expire on a specific date without any action from you. Graduated driver license restrictions expire when you turn 18. Restrictions tied to a court order may expire after a set period, such as one year. You should receive notice from the Texas DPS when a temporary restriction is about to expire, but it is your responsibility to confirm that it has been removed from your license.

Other restrictions are permanent and remain on your license unless you take action to remove them. A corrective lenses restriction stays in place until you fail a vision test or request a new exam. A restriction due to a medical condition remains until you provide evidence that the condition has improved. If you are unsure whether your restriction is temporary or permanent, the Texas DPS can tell you the expiration date or whether it is ongoing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive without my restriction code if I feel safe?

No. Driving outside your restrictions is a traffic violation, even if you believe you are capable. If you are stopped and your restriction is not being followed, you can receive a ticket and fine. The restriction is a legal requirement, not a suggestion.

What happens if I get pulled over and I am not following my restriction?

You can be cited for violating your license restriction. This is a separate violation from any other traffic offense and can result in a fine. Repeated violations may lead to license suspension. If you were in an accident while violating a restriction, your insurance may deny your claim.

Can I remove a restriction code myself?

No. Only the Texas DPS can remove a restriction from your license. You can request a retest, provide medical documentation, or request a hearing, but the DPS makes the final decision about whether to remove it.

Do restriction codes transfer if I move to another state?

No. If you move to another state and get a new driver license there, that state will issue its own license with its own restrictions based on your driving record and medical history. However, your Texas driving record, including any restrictions, will be part of your national driving history that other states can see.

How long does it take to get a restriction removed after I request a retest?

The timeline depends on the type of restriction and how quickly you can schedule and complete the retest. Vision retests can usually be scheduled within a few weeks. Once you pass, the DPS typically updates your license within one to two weeks. Medical restrictions may take longer if you need to provide documentation from your doctor.