The "10 First" restriction limits you to driving only during daylight hours

"10 First" is a vision-related restriction that appears on your Oregon driver's license. It means you are restricted to driving only between the hours of 5 a.m. and 10 p.m. — essentially daylight and early evening driving only. You cannot legally drive at night or in the early morning hours outside this window.

This restriction is placed on your license by the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) when you fail the vision screening portion of your driving test or renewal exam. The restriction exists because your vision does not meet the standard required for unrestricted driving, but ODOT has determined you can drive safely during hours when visibility is better.

The restriction appears as a code on the back of your physical license card and in the ODOT computer system. Law enforcement can see it during a traffic stop, and it is legally enforceable — driving outside the permitted hours is a violation.

Key Takeaways

  • A "10 First" restriction means you can only drive between 5 a.m. and 10 p.m., and driving outside those hours is a traffic violation.
  • ODOT places this restriction on your license when your vision test results show you do not meet the standard for unrestricted driving.
  • The restriction is permanent unless you pass a vision test that meets ODOT's requirements and request the restriction be removed.
  • You can request a vision retest at any ODOT office, and if you pass, you can ask to have the restriction lifted from your license.

How the restriction appears on your license

On the physical card itself, you will see a small code printed on the back that lists your restrictions. "10 First" may appear as a code number or as the full text, depending on when your license was issued. The exact format varies, but ODOT records will always show the restriction in your file.

If you are unsure whether you have this restriction, you can check your ODOT record online through the Oregon DMV website or call your local ODOT office. They can confirm what restrictions are on your license and explain why each one was placed there.

Why ODOT places this restriction

Oregon's vision standards require that you see clearly enough to identify road signs, pedestrians, and other vehicles at safe distances. The standard is measured during the vision screening test, which checks your visual acuity and sometimes your peripheral vision or ability to see in low light.

If your test results show vision that is below the standard for unrestricted driving but still safe enough for daytime driving, ODOT restricts you to daylight hours rather than suspending your license entirely. This allows you to drive for work, errands, and other daytime activities while protecting public safety by keeping you off the road when visibility is poor.

How to get the restriction removed

To remove a "10 First" restriction, you must pass a vision test that meets ODOT's unrestricted driving standard. You can schedule a vision retest at any ODOT office — you do not need to wait for your license renewal. The test is the same screening you took when the restriction was placed.

Once you pass the test, bring your passing results and your current license to an ODOT office. Tell the staff member that you want to remove the "10 First" restriction. They will update your record and issue you a new license without the restriction. There is a fee for the new license card, which varies but is typically under $50.

If you do not pass the retest, you will keep the restriction. You can retest as often as you want, but ODOT may require you to wait a certain period between tests if you fail — ask your local office about their retest policy.

What happens if you drive outside the permitted hours

Driving during restricted hours — before 5 a.m. or after 10 p.m. — is a traffic violation. If a police officer stops you during those hours and sees the restriction on your license, you can receive a citation. The violation is typically treated as a driving with restrictions violation rather than a more serious offense, but it still goes on your driving record.

Repeated violations can lead to license suspension or other penalties. If you regularly need to drive outside the 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. window for work or other essential reasons, your best option is to address the underlying vision issue and retest to have the restriction removed.

Other vision-related restrictions in Oregon

Oregon uses several vision-related restriction codes. "10 First" is one of the most common, but you might also see restrictions for corrective lenses only, daylight driving only (without a specific time window), or restrictions on freeway driving. Each restriction reflects a different vision concern and different safety limitations.

If you have multiple restrictions on your license, each one is enforceable. For example, if you have both a "10 First" restriction and a corrective lenses restriction, you must wear your glasses or contacts and you must not drive after 10 p.m. — both rules explore at the same time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive at 10:01 p.m. if I have a "10 First" restriction?

No. The restriction means you must stop driving at 10 p.m., so 10:01 p.m. is outside the permitted window. The cutoff is strict, and driving even a few minutes past 10 p.m. is a violation.

Do I need to retest my vision every year to keep the restriction, or is it permanent?

The restriction stays on your license until you remove it by passing a vision test. You do not need to retest to keep the restriction — it remains in place automatically. You only retest if you want to try to have it removed.

What if I got the restriction years ago and my vision has improved?

You can retest at any time. Vision can change, and if it has improved enough to meet the unrestricted standard, you can pass the test and request removal. There is no waiting period to retest unless ODOT's local policy requires one after a failed test.

Will the "10 First" restriction show up on my driving record if I get pulled over?

Yes. The officer will see it on your license during any traffic stop. It is part of your official driving record and is visible to law enforcement, insurance companies, and anyone else who runs a background check that includes your license status.

Can I get a waiver or exception to the "10 First" restriction for work?

Oregon does not issue waivers for vision-related restrictions. Your only option is to pass a vision test that meets the unrestricted standard. If your job requires night driving and you cannot pass the test, you may need to explore other employment options or address the underlying vision issue with an eye care provider.