Restriction AB explained
Restriction AB on a Texas driver's license means you must wear corrective lenses (glasses or contact lenses) whenever you drive. This restriction appears on your license as a condition of your driving privilege, and violating it — driving without the required correction — is a traffic violation in Texas.
The restriction is placed on your license during the vision screening at the Department of Public Safety (DPS) when you renew, explore for, or take a driving test. If the examiner determines your vision meets the legal standard only with correction, they add the AB restriction to your license record. You will see it printed on the back of your physical license card under "Restrictions."
This is one of the most common restrictions issued. It does not limit where you can drive, what type of vehicle you can operate, or the hours you can drive — only that corrective lenses must be worn while doing so.
Key Takeaways
- Restriction AB requires you to wear glasses or contact lenses every time you drive in Texas.
- The restriction is added during a vision test at DPS if your uncorrected vision does not meet the legal standard.
- Driving without the required correction is a traffic violation and can result in a ticket.
- You can request a vision retest at any DPS office if your vision has improved or if you believe the restriction was placed in error.
How the restriction gets added to your license
When you explore for a Texas driver's license or renew an existing one, DPS administers a vision screening as part of the process. The examiner uses a vision machine to test your eyesight at a standard distance. If your vision without correction falls below 20/40 in either eye, or if you have other vision issues that require correction, the examiner will add Restriction AB to your license.
You do not have to fail the test outright to receive this restriction. The restriction straightforward documents that you need corrective lenses to drive safely and legally in Texas. The examiner will tell you at the time of testing whether the restriction is being added.
If you wear contacts or glasses during the vision test, the examiner tests your vision with the correction in place. If you pass the test while wearing correction, the restriction is added to reflect that requirement.
What happens if you drive without the required correction
Driving without the corrective lenses required by Restriction AB is a traffic violation. A police officer who stops you can cite you for this violation, and you may receive a ticket. The violation is separate from any other traffic offense — you could be stopped for speeding, for example, and also cited for driving without required correction.
The ticket itself carries a fine, and the violation goes on your driving record. Accumulating violations can affect your insurance rates and your driving record status with DPS. In some cases, repeated violations or violations combined with other infractions can lead to license suspension.
The safest and simplest approach is to keep your corrective lenses with you whenever you drive and wear them at all times behind the wheel.
Requesting a vision retest if you think the restriction is wrong
If your vision has improved since the restriction was added, or if you believe the restriction was placed in error, you can request a vision retest at any DPS driver license office. You do not need an appointment for a vision screening — you can walk in during business hours.
Bring your current Texas driver's license and be prepared to pay a retest fee. The fee varies but is typically a small amount (check your local DPS office for the exact cost). The examiner will conduct a new vision screening, and if you pass without correction, the restriction can be removed from your license.
If you pass the test with correction still required, the restriction will remain. The retest takes only a few minutes, and you will receive confirmation of the results before you leave the office.
Other common Texas driver's license restrictions
Restriction AB is one of several restrictions that DPS can add to a Texas license. Other restrictions include Restriction B (automatic transmission only), Restriction C (daylight driving only), and Restriction D (no freeway driving). Each restriction addresses a specific driving limitation or safety concern.
Restrictions are not punishments — they are conditions that allow you to drive safely within your abilities. You may have multiple restrictions on a single license if multiple conditions explore to you. For example, you could have both Restriction AB (corrective lenses) and Restriction C (daylight only) if your vision and other factors warrant both.
How to renew your license with Restriction AB
When you renew your Texas driver's license, you will go through the vision screening again. If you still need corrective lenses, Restriction AB will be carried forward to your new license. You do not have to do anything special — the restriction is automatically reapplied if the vision test shows it is still necessary.
You can renew your license online through the DPS website, by mail, or in person at a DPS office. Online and mail renewals do not include a vision test, so the restriction from your current license carries over. If you renew in person at an office, you will take a new vision test, and the results will determine whether the restriction continues, is removed, or is added.
If you want to challenge the restriction during renewal, request an in-person renewal so you can take a fresh vision test.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Restriction AB mean I cannot drive at night?
No. Restriction AB only requires corrective lenses; it does not limit the time of day you can drive. If you need to wear glasses or contacts at night, you should do so for safety, but the restriction itself does not prohibit nighttime driving. A separate restriction (Restriction C) would be added if daylight-only driving were required.
Can I get the restriction removed by wearing contacts instead of glasses?
No. The restriction is based on your vision correction need, not the type of correction you use. Whether you wear glasses or contacts, the restriction remains because you still require correction to meet the legal vision standard. You can wear either type of correction while driving.
What if I got Restriction AB years ago and my vision has changed?
You can request a vision retest at any DPS office to see if the restriction is still necessary. If your vision has improved enough that you no longer need correction to meet the legal standard, the restriction can be removed. Bring your license and be ready to pay a retest fee.
Will Restriction AB affect my car insurance rates?
The restriction itself does not automatically raise your rates. However, if you receive a ticket for driving without the required correction, that violation will appear on your driving record and may affect your rates. Insurance companies review your driving record, not the restrictions on your license.
Can I drive someone else's car if I have Restriction AB?
Yes, as long as you wear your corrective lenses. The restriction applies to you as a driver, not to specific vehicles. You must follow the restriction in any vehicle you operate.