How Texas Driver's License Restrictions Work
A restriction on your Texas driver's license is a condition that limits how or when you can drive. It appears on your license as a letter code and means you must follow that rule or face suspension or criminal charges. Restrictions are different from endorsements (which let you drive certain vehicle types) and different from suspensions (which take your license away entirely).
The Texas Department of Public Safety issues restrictions based on your driving record, medical conditions, court orders, or the results of your driving test. Some restrictions are temporary—they expire after a set time or when you meet a condition. Others stay on your record until you formally request removal and the state approves it.
Understanding what your specific restriction means is critical because violating it can result in a fine, arrest, or license suspension. The restriction code on your license card tells you what applies to you, but the actual rule behind that code is what matters when you drive.
Key Takeaways
- Texas restriction codes appear as letters on your license and define specific rules you must follow while driving.
- Common restrictions include corrective lenses, hearing aids, automatic transmission only, and no driving at night.
- Violating a restriction can result in a fine, criminal charges, or license suspension, even if you would otherwise be a legal driver.
- Some restrictions are temporary and expire automatically; others require you to request removal through the Department of Public Safety.
- You can view your restriction code on your physical license or check your driving record online through the Texas DPS website.
Common Texas Driver's License Restriction Codes and What They Mean
Texas uses letter codes to mark restrictions. The most common ones are:
Corrective lenses (B): You must wear glasses or contact lenses every time you drive. Driving without them violates the restriction, even on a short trip. This restriction is issued after a vision test shows you need correction to meet the legal standard.
Hearing aid (D): You must wear a hearing aid while driving if you were issued this restriction. It applies to drivers whose hearing test results require it. Driving without the device is a violation.
Automatic transmission only (E): You can only drive vehicles with automatic transmission. This restriction is typically issued after a driving test shows you cannot safely operate a manual transmission vehicle. Driving a manual transmission car violates the restriction.
No driving at night (N): You cannot drive between sunset and sunrise. This restriction is sometimes issued to older drivers or those with vision or medical conditions that affect night driving. Driving during these hours is a violation.
Daylight driving only (D, sometimes combined with other codes): Similar to the night restriction but phrased differently depending on when the restriction was issued. You can only drive during daylight hours.
Outside mirror required (O): Your vehicle must have an outside mirror on both sides. This is rare and typically applies to drivers of certain vehicle types.
Your license card lists your restriction code in the restrictions field. If you are unsure what your code means, you can contact the Texas DPS or check the DPS website for a full list of codes and their definitions.
How Restrictions Are Placed on Your License
Restrictions are added to your license through several routes. A vision test at the license office may result in a corrective lenses restriction if you do not meet the visual acuity standard without correction. A hearing test may result in a hearing aid restriction. A medical examination ordered by the DPS—often after a crash, conviction, or medical report—can result in restrictions based on the examiner's findings.
A court can also order restrictions as part of a sentence or probation condition. For example, a conviction for driving under the influence may result in a restriction limiting when or how you can drive. An ignition interlock device restriction means your vehicle must have an interlock installed.
If you fail your driving test, the examiner may recommend a restriction—such as automatic transmission only—if they believe you can drive safely only under that condition. You can retake the test without the restriction, but if you fail again, the restriction may be placed on your license.
What Happens If You Violate a Restriction
Driving in violation of a restriction is a separate offense from any other traffic violation. A police officer who stops you and discovers you are driving without the required corrective lenses, or driving at night when your license says you cannot, can cite you for violating the restriction itself.
The penalty depends on the restriction and your history. A first violation is typically a misdemeanor with a fine up to $200 and possible jail time. A second or subsequent violation within a certain period can result in higher fines and longer jail sentences. The violation also goes on your driving record and can affect your insurance rates.
In addition to the criminal penalty, the DPS may suspend your license for violating a restriction. This is separate from any court sentence and can last from 30 days to several months depending on the violation and your record.
How to Request Removal of a Restriction
If your restriction is temporary, it expires automatically on the date listed in your driving record. You do not need to do anything; your license is updated when you renew it or when the DPS processes the expiration.
If your restriction is permanent or you want to remove it before it expires, you must request removal through the Texas DPS. The process depends on the type of restriction. For a corrective lenses restriction, you can take a vision test at a DPS office. If you pass without correction, the restriction can be removed. For a hearing aid restriction, you take a hearing test. For an automatic transmission restriction, you can retake the driving test in a manual transmission vehicle.
For restrictions imposed by a court order—such as those related to a DUI conviction—you must follow the court's terms. Once you have met the conditions (such as completing an alcohol education program), you can petition the court to lift the restriction, and the court will notify the DPS.
To start the removal process, contact your local DPS driver license office or visit the Texas DPS website to find the specific steps for your restriction type. Some restrictions require a new test; others require a letter from a medical provider or court document.
Checking Your Driving Record and Restrictions
You can view your restrictions by checking your driving record online through the Texas DPS website. You will need your driver's license number and date of birth. The online record shows all restrictions currently on your license, their codes, and (for temporary restrictions) their expiration dates.
You can also view your restrictions on your physical license card. The restrictions field lists the letter codes. If you do not understand what a code means, the DPS website has a complete list of restriction codes and their definitions.
If you believe a restriction on your record is incorrect or was placed in error, you can contact the DPS to dispute it. You will need to provide documentation—such as a passing vision test result or a court order—to support your request.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive with an expired corrective lenses restriction?
No. Even if the restriction has expired, you cannot drive without the lenses until the DPS updates your record. The restriction remains active on your license until the DPS processes the expiration or you formally request removal. Check your driving record online to confirm the expiration date.
What if I get pulled over and I am violating my restriction?
You can be cited for violating the restriction, which is a separate misdemeanor charge from any other traffic violation. The officer will document the violation on the citation. You should contact an attorney to understand your options, as a conviction will go on your record and may result in license suspension.
Do restrictions transfer if I move to another state?
Texas restrictions are specific to your Texas license. If you move and get a license in another state, that state's DMV will review your driving record, but they are not required to place the same restrictions on your new license. However, some restrictions (such as those from a court order) may still explore to your driving in any state.
Can a restriction be removed early if I meet the condition before the expiration date?
Yes, for some restrictions. If your restriction requires you to pass a test or meet a condition, you can do so before the expiration date and request early removal. Contact the DPS to learn the process for your specific restriction type.
What is the difference between a restriction and a suspension?
A restriction limits how you can drive but does not take your license away. A suspension means your license is invalid and you cannot drive at all. Violating a restriction can lead to suspension, but they are separate statuses.