Common restrictions on a driver's license and what they mean
A driver's license restriction is a condition that limits how or when you can drive. It appears on your license as a letter or code — usually printed on the back — and tells police and insurance companies that your driving privileges come with specific rules. Restrictions are not suspensions or revocations; you can still drive, but only under the conditions listed.
The most common restrictions are corrective lenses (you must wear glasses or contacts), automatic transmission only (you cannot drive a manual car), or daylight driving only (no driving between sunset and sunrise). Other restrictions might limit you to vehicles with hand controls, require an ignition interlock device, or restrict you to driving for work purposes only. Each state uses its own codes, so a restriction marked "B" in one state may mean something different in another.
Restrictions stay on your license until you meet the condition for removal — such as passing a vision test without correction, completing a required course, or serving out a suspension period. Some restrictions are permanent unless you formally request removal and meet the state's requirements.
Key Takeaways
- Restrictions are conditions on your license that limit when, where, or how you can drive, but they do not prevent you from driving entirely.
- Common restrictions include corrective lenses, automatic transmission only, daylight driving only, and hand controls for vehicles.
- Each state uses different codes for restrictions, so you should check your state's DMV website or your license itself to understand what your specific codes mean.
- Restrictions can be removed by meeting the underlying requirement — such as passing a vision test, completing a course, or waiting out a suspension period.
- Violating a restriction can result in a traffic ticket, insurance rate increases, or license suspension, depending on the violation and your state's laws.
Why restrictions are placed on licenses
Restrictions are added to your license when the state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) determines that you can drive safely, but only under certain conditions. The most common reason is a medical or physical limitation — for example, if you have poor vision that is corrected by glasses, the DMV will restrict you to wearing them while driving. If you have limited mobility, you might be restricted to vehicles with hand controls.
Restrictions can also result from legal violations. A conviction for driving under the influence (DUI) often comes with an ignition interlock restriction, which requires you to pass a breath test before the car will start. Some states impose restrictions on young drivers, such as no driving between midnight and 5 a.m., or restrictions on the number of passengers you can carry. Restrictions may also be ordered by a court as part of a sentence or probation.
The goal of a restriction is to allow you to drive while protecting you and others on the road. It is a middle ground between a full license and a suspension or revocation.
How restrictions appear on your license
Restrictions are printed on the back of your physical driver's license, usually in a section labeled "Restrictions" or "Conditions." Each restriction is shown as a letter or number code followed by a brief description. For example, "B - Corrective lenses" means you must wear glasses or contacts. "D - Automatic transmission" means you can only drive cars with automatic transmissions.
Your state's DMV website will have a complete list of all restriction codes used in your state. If you are unsure what a code on your license means, you can look it up there or call your local DMV office. When you renew your license, the DMV will review whether each restriction should remain, be removed, or be added.
If you receive a new restriction — for example, after a medical exam or a court order — you will typically be notified by mail and given instructions on how to update your license. In some cases, you may need to visit a DMV office in person to have the restriction added.
Restrictions related to vision and medical conditions
Vision restrictions are the most common type. If you fail a vision screening at the DMV, you will be required to wear corrective lenses while driving. You cannot legally drive without them, even if you think you can see well enough. If you are caught driving without your glasses or contacts, you can receive a traffic ticket.
Other medical restrictions depend on your condition and your state's rules. If you have a seizure disorder, you may be restricted to daytime driving only, or you may be required to provide a letter from your doctor confirming that you are safe to drive. If you have limited use of one arm or leg, you may be restricted to vehicles with hand controls or other adaptive equipment. Some states require you to renew your license more frequently if you have a medical condition that could change.
To have a medical or vision restriction removed, you typically need to pass a new test or provide documentation from a doctor. For vision restrictions, this usually means passing a vision test without correction. For other medical restrictions, you may need a letter from your physician stating that your condition has improved or is controlled.
Restrictions from traffic violations and DUI convictions
A DUI or DWI conviction almost always results in restrictions on your license. The most common is an ignition interlock device (IID) restriction, which requires you to blow into a device connected to your car's ignition. If the device detects alcohol in your breath, the car will not start. You must pay for the device yourself, and it typically costs $60 to $100 per month to install and maintain.
Some states impose a "work only" restriction after a DUI, meaning you can drive only to and from work, medical appointments, or court-ordered programs like alcohol education classes. This restriction lasts for a set period, usually several months to a year. Other states may restrict you from driving between certain hours or require you to carry proof of insurance at all times.
The length and type of restriction depend on whether it is your first offense, your blood alcohol content (BAC) at the time of arrest, and your state's laws. A second or third DUI typically results in longer or more severe restrictions. To have a DUI-related restriction removed, you must complete all court-ordered requirements — such as an alcohol education program, community service, or probation — and then request removal from your DMV.
Restrictions for young and new drivers
Many states impose automatic restrictions on drivers under 18 or those with a learner's permit or provisional license. Common restrictions include no driving between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m., no more than one unrelated passenger under 21, and no use of cell phones while driving. Some states also restrict young drivers from driving on highways or require them to display a special license plate or decal.
These restrictions are designed to reduce accidents among young drivers, who have higher crash rates than older drivers. As you age or gain driving experience, these restrictions are automatically removed. For example, when you turn 18 or after you hold a provisional license for a certain period (often six months to a year), the restrictions expire and you receive an unrestricted license.
If you violate a young driver restriction — for example, by driving after the curfew or with too many passengers — you can receive a traffic ticket. Violations may also delay your may be able to access to move to an unrestricted license.
How to request removal of a restriction
The process for removing a restriction depends on the type of restriction and why it was placed. For vision restrictions, you must pass a vision test at your DMV office without correction. Bring your current license and be prepared to pay a testing fee, which varies by state but is usually $10 to $30.
For medical restrictions, you may need to provide a letter from your doctor stating that your condition has improved or is controlled. Contact your DMV office to ask what documentation is required. Some states allow you to submit this by mail; others require an in-person visit.
For restrictions from DUI convictions or other legal violations, you must complete all court-ordered requirements first — such as an alcohol education program, probation, or community service. Once you have completed these, contact your DMV to request removal. You may need to provide proof of completion, such as a certificate from the program or a letter from your probation officer.
For age-related restrictions on young driver licenses, removal is automatic when you meet the age or experience requirement. You do not need to request it; the restriction will be removed when you renew your license or reach the specified age.
What happens if you violate a restriction
Violating a license restriction is a traffic violation and can result in a ticket, fine, and points on your driving record. The penalty depends on the type of restriction and your state's laws. For example, driving without corrective lenses when required can result in a fine of $50 to $200 and one to three points on your record. Violating a DUI-related restriction, such as driving with an ignition interlock device that has detected alcohol, can result in a much larger fine, additional license suspension, or even criminal charges.
A violation can also affect your insurance rates. Insurance companies view restriction violations as a sign of risky driving, and they may increase your premiums or drop your coverage entirely. If you are caught violating a restriction multiple times, your license may be suspended or revoked.
If you receive a ticket for violating a restriction, you have the right to contest it in traffic court. You can argue that you were not aware of the restriction, that the restriction was placed in error, or that you were not actually violating it. However, ignorance of a restriction is generally not a valid legal defense, so it is important to understand what restrictions are on your license and what they mean.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive if I have restrictions on my license?
Yes, you can drive with restrictions. A restriction is not a suspension or revocation — it is a condition that limits how or when you can drive. You must follow the restriction or you risk a traffic ticket and points on your record.
Do restrictions show up on my driving record?
Restrictions appear on your license itself, not on your driving record. However, if you violate a restriction and receive a ticket, that violation will appear on your record. Insurance companies can see restrictions on your license when they check your driving record.
How long do restrictions stay on my license?
It depends on the type of restriction. Some restrictions, like corrective lenses, stay on your license until you request removal and pass a test. Others, like age-related restrictions for young drivers, are automatically removed when you reach a certain age or complete a certain time period. Court-ordered restrictions typically last until you complete the required program or probation.
Can I get a restriction removed early?
For some restrictions, yes. If you have a vision restriction and your eyesight improves, you can request an early vision test. For medical restrictions, you can ask your doctor to write a letter stating that your condition has improved. For court-ordered restrictions, you would need to petition the court or your probation officer. Age-related restrictions cannot be removed early.
What if I disagree with a restriction on my license?
Contact your local DMV office and ask to speak with a supervisor. Bring any documentation that supports your position — for example, a recent vision test showing that your eyesight is now corrected, or a letter from your doctor. If you believe the restriction was placed in error, you can request a hearing or appeal through your state's DMV process.