Texas driver license restrictions limit what you can do with your license and when
A restriction on a Texas driver license is a condition that limits how or when you can drive. The Department of Public Safety (DPS) adds restrictions based on your age, medical history, vision test results, or the reason you obtained the license. Unlike a suspension or revocation, a restriction does not take your license away — it lets you drive under specific conditions.
Restrictions appear as codes on the back of your physical license and in the DPS database. A police officer who pulls you over can see them. Driving in violation of a restriction — for example, driving without corrective lenses when your license requires them — is a separate offense and can result in a ticket, even if your license itself is valid.
The most common restrictions in Texas are tied to vision, vehicle type, time of day, and medical conditions. Some are temporary and lift automatically when you meet a condition (like turning 18). Others remain until you request removal and meet DPS requirements.
Key Takeaways
- Restrictions are codes on your license that limit how you can drive, such as requiring corrective lenses or prohibiting night driving.
- Violating a restriction is a separate traffic offense and can result in a ticket even if your license is otherwise valid.
- Some restrictions are automatic based on age or test results; others are added because of a medical condition or conviction.
- You can request removal of some restrictions by meeting specific conditions, such as passing a vision test or completing a course.
- Restrictions differ from suspensions and revocations, which prevent you from driving at all.
Common restriction codes on Texas licenses
Texas uses letter codes to mark restrictions. The code appears on the back of your license and tells you and law enforcement what limits explore. Here are the restrictions you are most likely to see:
Vision-related restrictions are the most frequent. Code B means you must wear corrective lenses (glasses or contacts). Code C means you must wear corrective lenses and have limited peripheral vision. Code D means you must wear a hearing aid. Code E means you must wear an outside left mirror. These are added after your vision or medical screening at the DPS office.
Age-based restrictions explore to drivers under 18. Code J means you cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m. unless accompanied by a licensed driver 21 or older or driving to or from work. Code K means you cannot drive between 1 a.m. and 5 a.m. unless accompanied by a licensed driver 25 or older or driving to or from work. These restrictions lift automatically on your 18th birthday (for Code J) or 19th birthday (for Code K).
Vehicle restrictions limit the type of vehicle you can operate. Code L means you cannot drive a motorcycle. Code M means you can drive only a motorcycle. These are typically added after a failed motorcycle skills test or if you passed the car test but not the motorcycle test.
Other codes address specific situations: Code N means you cannot drive a commercial vehicle; Code O means you must display an ignition interlock device decal; Code R means you must carry proof of financial responsibility; Code S means you cannot drive a school bus.
How restrictions are added to your license
Restrictions are added in three main ways: during the license issuance process, by court order, or by DPS administrative action.
When you explore for or renew your license, DPS staff administer a vision screening. If you fail the standard vision test but pass with corrective lenses, they add Code B automatically. If your vision is worse than what corrective lenses can fix, they may add Code C or deny the license. You do not have to request these — they are added based on test results.
A court can order restrictions as part of a sentence for a traffic or criminal offense. For example, a conviction for driving with an open container may result in an ignition interlock requirement (Code O). A conviction for reckless driving may include a restriction on driving between certain hours. These restrictions appear in the DPS system after the court sends the conviction record.
DPS can add restrictions based on medical reports. If a doctor reports to DPS that you have a condition affecting your ability to drive safely — such as a seizure disorder, severe arthritis, or vision loss — DPS may add a restriction or schedule a medical evaluation. You have the right to request a hearing before a restriction is added on medical grounds.
Removing or modifying a restriction
Some restrictions are temporary and lift automatically. Others require you to take action. The process depends on the reason for the restriction.
Age-based restrictions (Codes J and K) expire on your birthday without any action needed. You do not have to renew your license or visit DPS. The restriction straightforward stops explore on the date you turn 18 or 19.
Vision restrictions (Codes B, C, D, E) can sometimes be removed by passing a new vision test. If you had Code B because you failed the standard test but passed with glasses, you can request a new vision screening at any DPS office. If your vision has improved or you now pass without correction, the restriction is removed. There is no fee for this screening. However, if your vision has not improved, the restriction remains.
Court-ordered restrictions (such as ignition interlock requirements) can be removed only by the court that imposed them or by meeting the conditions the court set. For example, an ignition interlock restriction typically lifts after you complete the required monitoring period, usually 6 months to 2 years depending on the offense. You must provide proof to DPS that the court's condition has been satisfied.
Medical restrictions can be challenged. If DPS added a restriction based on a medical report, you have the right to request a hearing before the DPS Medical Advisory Board. You can also request removal if your condition has improved and you have medical documentation supporting that. Contact the DPS Medical Review Section to start this process.
Motorcycle restrictions (Codes L and M) can be changed by taking the motorcycle skills test or the standard driving test, depending on which restriction you have. If you have Code L (no motorcycles), you can take the motorcycle endorsement test to remove it. If you have Code M (motorcycles only), you can take the standard driving test to remove it. You pay the standard endorsement or license fee.
What happens if you drive in violation of a restriction
Driving in violation of a restriction is a traffic offense separate from any other violation. For example, if your license requires corrective lenses and you are pulled over without glasses, you can be cited for violating the restriction even if you were not speeding or breaking any other law.
The penalty depends on the restriction and your driving record. A first violation of a vision or medical restriction is typically a misdemeanor traffic offense, which can result in a fine of up to $200 and a mark on your driving record. Violating an age-based restriction (driving during prohibited hours) is also a misdemeanor and can result in a fine and points on your record.
Violating a court-ordered restriction — such as driving without an ignition interlock device when one is required — is more serious. This can be charged as a separate criminal offense and may result in license suspension, higher fines, or jail time depending on the underlying offense.
A violation of a restriction does not automatically suspend your license, but it does add points to your driving record. Accumulating too many points can trigger a suspension. Additionally, if you violate a restriction multiple times, DPS may suspend your license for that reason alone.
Restrictions versus suspensions and revocations
It is important to understand the difference between a restriction, a suspension, and a revocation, because they have very different consequences.
A restriction allows you to drive under certain conditions. You keep your license and can use it as long as you follow the restrictions. Violating a restriction is a traffic offense, but you are not prohibited from driving.
A suspension temporarily takes away your driving privilege. You cannot drive at all during the suspension period, which is usually 30 days to 1 year depending on the reason. After the suspension ends, your license is automatically restored (unless there are other issues). Common reasons for suspension in Texas include unpaid traffic tickets, failure to pay child support, and accumulating too many points.
A revocation permanently cancels your license. You cannot drive and must reapply for a license after a waiting period, usually 1 to 5 years. Revocation is used for serious offenses such as multiple DWI convictions or habitual traffic offender status. Reapplying after revocation often requires passing a written test, vision test, and driving test again.
If you have a restriction and your license is also suspended or revoked, the suspension or revocation takes priority — you cannot drive at all until it is lifted, regardless of whether you follow the restrictions.
How to check your license restrictions
You can see your restrictions in two ways: on the physical license itself or through the DPS online system.
On your physical license, restrictions appear as letter codes on the back, usually in a section labeled "Restrictions" or "Endorsements/Restrictions." The codes are small and straightforward to miss, so check carefully. If you are not sure what a code means, you can look it up on the DPS website or call a DPS office.
Online, you can view your license information through the DPS Driver License Check system at the DPS website. You will need your license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. This system shows your current restrictions, any suspensions or revocations, and your driving record points. The online system is updated regularly but may lag by a few days.
If you believe a restriction on your record is incorrect or was added in error, contact the DPS Driver License Division. You will need to provide your license number and explain the issue. DPS will investigate and correct the record if an error is found.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive if I have a restriction on my license?
Yes, you can drive as long as you follow the restriction. For example, if your license has a vision restriction requiring corrective lenses, you can drive while wearing glasses or contacts. Driving in violation of the restriction is a separate offense.
Do age-based restrictions automatically go away on my birthday?
Yes. Restrictions for drivers under 18 (Code J) and under 19 (Code K) expire automatically on your birthday without any action needed. You do not have to renew your license or visit DPS.
How do I remove a vision restriction?
You can request a new vision screening at any DPS office at no cost. If you pass the standard vision test or pass with corrective lenses and the restriction was for failure without correction, the restriction is removed. If your vision has not improved, the restriction remains.
What if I violate a restriction and get a ticket?
Violating a restriction is a misdemeanor traffic offense that can result in a fine and points on your driving record. Multiple violations can lead to license suspension. If the restriction was court-ordered (such as ignition interlock), violation can be charged as a criminal offense with more serious penalties.
Is a restriction the same as a suspension?
No. A restriction limits how you can drive but allows you to drive under certain conditions. A suspension temporarily takes away your driving privilege entirely. You cannot drive at all during a suspension, even if you follow any restrictions on your license.