Texas restriction codes are letters printed on your license that limit how or when you can drive
When you look at a Texas driver's license, the restriction codes appear in a small box labeled "Restrictions" near the bottom. Each code is a single letter — A, B, C, D, and so on — and each one means something specific about conditions placed on your driving privilege. The state uses these codes instead of writing out full sentences, so a license might show "B" rather than "automatic transmission only."
You need to know your codes because driving in violation of them — for example, driving a manual transmission vehicle when code B restricts you to automatic — can result in a ticket, points on your record, or suspension. The codes are assigned when you pass your driving test, when you renew, or when a court orders them as part of a conviction or probation.
Unlike endorsements (which let you drive certain vehicle types), restrictions limit what you can do. A restriction means you cannot legally drive without meeting that condition.
Key Takeaways
- Restriction codes are single letters printed on your Texas license that describe conditions you must follow while driving.
- Code B means automatic transmission only; Code D means daylight driving only; Code L means corrective lenses required at all times.
- You can find the complete list of all Texas restriction codes on the Texas Department of Public Safety website or by calling your local DPS office.
- Driving in violation of a restriction is a traffic offense and can result in a ticket, points, or license suspension.
- If you believe a restriction was placed in error, you can request a hearing through the Texas Department of Public Safety.
Common Texas restriction codes and what they mean
The most frequently seen codes are B, D, and L. Code B restricts you to vehicles with automatic transmission — you cannot legally drive a manual or stick-shift vehicle. Code D limits you to daylight driving only, typically between sunrise and sunset, and is often placed on older drivers or those with vision limitations. Code L requires corrective lenses (glasses or contacts) at all times while driving, and you must carry your glasses in the vehicle even if you are not wearing them.
Code E means you cannot drive on interstate highways. Code F restricts you to vehicles equipped with an outside left-side mirror. Code H means you must wear a hearing aid while driving. Code K restricts you to vehicles with power steering. Code N means you cannot drive a commercial vehicle, and Code O restricts you to vehicles with an automatic transmission and power steering combined.
Code V means you cannot drive for commercial purposes (though you hold a regular license, not a commercial one). Code X restricts you to daylight driving and automatic transmission together. The Texas Department of Public Safety maintains the full official list, and new codes are occasionally added or modified.
How restrictions are assigned to your license
Restrictions are placed on your license through several routes. When you take your driving test, the examiner may note physical or medical limitations — for example, if you wear glasses, code L is automatically added. If you pass the test in an automatic transmission vehicle, code B is added because you have not demonstrated the ability to drive a manual.
A court can also order restrictions as part of a DWI conviction, probation, or other traffic offense. For example, some DWI sentences include an ignition interlock device restriction. When you renew your license, the Department of Public Safety reviews your driving record and medical history; if your vision has changed or you have had multiple accidents, new restrictions may be added at renewal.
You can also request restrictions voluntarily — for instance, if you want to limit yourself to daylight driving for safety reasons, you can ask the DPS to add code D.
What to do if you want to remove a restriction
Removing a restriction usually requires you to demonstrate that the reason for it no longer applies. For code L (corrective lenses), you would need to pass a vision test without glasses and provide the results to the DPS. For code B (automatic transmission only), you must pass the driving test again in a manual transmission vehicle.
For restrictions placed by a court order, you must petition the court that imposed them. The court may require you to complete a program, pass a test, or show a period of safe driving before lifting the restriction. Contact the Texas Department of Public Safety or the court that issued the restriction to learn the specific steps for your situation.
If you believe a restriction was placed in error — for example, code L was added even though you do not wear glasses — you can request a hearing. File a written request with the DPS explaining why the restriction is incorrect, and include any supporting documents such as a vision test result.
How restrictions affect your driving record and insurance
Driving in violation of a restriction is treated as a separate traffic offense. If you are stopped while driving a manual transmission vehicle with code B on your license, you will receive a ticket for that violation in addition to any other citations. Points are added to your driving record, and your insurance company will see the violation when they review your record at renewal.
Insurance companies use restriction violations as evidence of risky driving behavior, which can increase your premium or result in non-renewal. Some insurers also charge higher rates if your license carries certain restrictions, particularly code D (daylight driving only), because it signals a medical or age-related limitation.
A pattern of restriction violations can lead to license suspension or revocation. The Texas Department of Public Safety tracks these violations, and repeated offenses may trigger an administrative hearing to determine whether your license should be suspended.
Reading your restriction code box correctly
The restriction codes appear in a box on the front of your license, usually near the bottom left. If you have multiple restrictions, they will be listed together — for example, "B, L" means automatic transmission only and corrective lenses required. The order does not matter; both restrictions explore equally.
If your restriction box is blank or empty, you have no restrictions. Some people confuse restrictions with endorsements (which appear in a separate box and allow you to drive certain vehicles like motorcycles or commercial trucks). Endorsements expand what you can drive; restrictions limit it.
If you cannot read your restriction codes clearly on your physical license, you can also view them on your Texas driving record, which you can order online through the DPS website or request in person at any DPS office.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive without my glasses if I have code L?
No. Code L means corrective lenses are required at all times while driving. You must wear your glasses or contacts, and you must carry a backup pair in the vehicle. Driving without them is a violation even if you are only driving a short distance or in familiar areas.
What happens if I get pulled over and I am violating a restriction?
You will receive a ticket for the restriction violation. The officer will cite the specific code you violated. This creates a separate traffic offense on your record, which can result in points, fines, and higher insurance rates. Repeated violations can lead to license suspension.
Can I remove code B by taking the test again in an automatic vehicle?
No — code B is removed by passing the test in a manual transmission vehicle, not an automatic. You must demonstrate that you can safely operate a manual transmission. Schedule a new driving test with the DPS and request to take it in a manual vehicle.
Do restrictions show up on my driving record that employers see?
Restrictions themselves do not appear on the record employers typically see, but violations of restrictions do. If you received a ticket for driving in violation of a restriction, that violation will show on your driving record and may be visible to employers who run background checks.
If I move to another state, do my Texas restrictions transfer?
When you get a license in a new state, that state will issue its own restrictions based on your driving test and medical history in that state. Your Texas restrictions do not automatically transfer, but your driving record — including any restriction violations — may be visible to the new state's licensing authority.