Driver's license restrictions depend on the type of license you hold
A driver's license restriction is a condition printed on your license that limits how or when you can drive. The restriction appears as a letter code on the back of your license — for example, "B" for corrective lenses, or "H" for hearing aid required. Different states use different codes, but the restriction itself is legally binding: driving outside its limits can result in a ticket, even if you're otherwise a safe driver.
Restrictions are not the same as suspensions or revocations. A restriction lets you drive under certain conditions. A suspension or revocation takes your license away entirely. You may receive a restriction when you first get your license (because you need glasses to see the road clearly), or a court may add one after a violation or conviction.
Key Takeaways
- Restrictions are letter codes on your license that limit when, where, or how you can drive — they are legally binding conditions, not suggestions.
- Common restrictions include corrective lenses, automatic transmission only, and daylight driving only, though the specific codes vary by state.
- You can request removal of a restriction by contacting your state's Department of Motor Vehicles and providing proof the restriction no longer applies.
- Driving outside a restriction's limits counts as a violation and can result in a ticket, points on your record, or license suspension.
- Some restrictions are temporary (like a learner's permit restriction that expires when you pass your test), while others remain until you request removal.
Common types of driver's license restrictions
The most frequent restriction is corrective lenses — usually coded as "B" — which means you must wear glasses or contact lenses whenever you drive. If you have this restriction and drive without correction, you can be ticketed even if you were not in an accident.
Other common restrictions include automatic transmission only (you cannot drive a manual car), daylight driving only (no driving between sunset and sunrise), and hearing aid required (you must wear your hearing aid while driving). Some states restrict new drivers to certain hours — for example, no driving between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m. — or prohibit them from driving with passengers under a certain age.
A few restrictions are specific to the vehicle: motorcycle endorsement restrictions, for instance, limit you to motorcycles only and prohibit you from driving cars. Ignition interlock restrictions require you to use a breath-testing device before the car will start; these are typically ordered by a court after a DUI conviction.
Why restrictions are placed on your license
The Department of Motor Vehicles adds restrictions during the licensing process if your vision test, hearing test, or medical evaluation shows you need one. If you fail the vision portion of your written test, for example, you will be required to pass a vision exam before getting your license, and if that exam shows you need correction, the "corrective lenses" restriction will appear on your license.
A court can also impose restrictions as part of a sentence or probation. After a DUI conviction, a judge may order an ignition interlock restriction. After a reckless driving conviction, a judge might impose a daylight-only restriction or a restriction on driving with passengers. These court-ordered restrictions remain in place until the court removes them or until the probation period ends.
Some restrictions are temporary and automatic. A learner's permit, for instance, usually comes with restrictions on driving alone or driving at night. Once you pass your driving test and receive your full license, those restrictions disappear without you having to do anything.
How to read the restrictions on your license
Your restrictions appear on the back of your physical 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, you might see "B — Corrective lenses" or "H — Hearing aid."
If you are unsure what a code means, your state's DMV website lists all restriction codes and their meanings. You can also call your local DMV office or look up the code in your state's driver's manual. Do not guess — if you are unclear about what you can and cannot do, contact the DMV before driving.
Removing or changing a restriction
To remove a restriction, contact your state's Department of Motor Vehicles and explain why the restriction no longer applies. If you had a corrective lenses restriction and your vision has improved, you can request a vision test. If you pass without correction, the DMV will issue you a new license without that restriction.
For court-ordered restrictions like ignition interlock, you must petition the court that imposed the restriction. The court will decide whether to remove it based on how long you have complied with it and other factors. You cannot straightforward go to the DMV and have it removed.
The process and timeline vary by state. Some states allow you to request a new license when ready after your circumstances change; others require you to wait until your license renewal. Contact your DMV to learn the specific steps and any fees involved.
What happens if you drive outside a restriction
Driving outside a restriction is a traffic violation. If you are stopped and an officer sees that you violated a restriction — for example, you were driving at night with a daylight-only restriction — you can receive a ticket. The violation goes on your driving record and may result in points, a fine, or both.
Repeated violations of the same restriction can lead to license suspension or revocation. If you have a corrective lenses restriction and are caught driving without glasses multiple times, the DMV may suspend your license. A court-ordered restriction violation can also result in additional criminal penalties, depending on the original offense.
Restrictions versus endorsements and suspensions
A restriction limits how you can drive but allows you to drive. An endorsement (or "classification") is the opposite — it gives you permission to drive a vehicle type you otherwise could not, such as a motorcycle or a commercial truck. You can have both: for example, a motorcycle endorsement with a corrective lenses restriction.
A suspension or revocation takes your license away entirely. You cannot drive at all during a suspension. A revocation is permanent unless you go through a formal reinstatement process. A restriction, by contrast, lets you keep your license as long as you follow the condition.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a restriction removed before my license renewal?
Yes, in most states you can request a new license with a restriction removed at any time. Contact your DMV to learn whether you need to pass a test (such as a vision test) and whether there is a fee. Some states allow you to update restrictions online or by mail; others require an in-person visit.
What if I did not know I had a restriction?
Check the back of your physical license. If you received your license recently, the DMV should have explained any restrictions during the licensing process. If you are unsure what a code means, look it up on your state's DMV website or call your local DMV office. Ignorance of a restriction is not a legal defense if you are stopped.
Do restrictions transfer if I move to another state?
No. When you move to a new state, you must get a license from that state. The new state's DMV will conduct its own tests and may impose different restrictions based on your medical history and test results. Some restrictions (like corrective lenses) are common across states; others are specific to state law.
Can a restriction be added to my license after I already have it?
Yes. A court can add a restriction as part of a sentence or probation order. The DMV will then issue you a new license with the restriction printed on it. You will be notified of the change. If you believe a restriction was added in error, contact the DMV or the court that ordered it.
What is the difference between a restriction and a violation?
A restriction is a condition on your license that limits how you can drive. A violation is breaking that condition or breaking a traffic law. Driving outside a restriction is itself a violation. For example, the restriction is "corrective lenses required"; the violation is driving without them.