Rest B is a medical restriction that limits when you can drive
Rest B on your driver's license means you are not permitted to drive between the hours of midnight and 5 a.m. This restriction appears in the "Restrictions" or "Conditions" section of your license, usually printed as a code rather than spelled out. It is a safety measure imposed by your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (or equivalent agency) based on a medical evaluation or driving record concern.
The restriction does not prevent you from holding a valid license or driving during daylight and evening hours. It straightforward narrows the times when you are legally allowed to operate a vehicle. If you drive during the restricted hours, you can be cited for violating your license conditions, even if you are driving safely and have committed no other violation.
Different states use different codes for the same restriction — some call it "Rest B," others use "No Driving 12 a.m. to 5 a.m." or similar language. The meaning is the same across all states that use this restriction: you cannot be behind the wheel during those overnight hours.
Key Takeaways
- Rest B prohibits driving between midnight and 5 a.m., regardless of road conditions or how alert you feel.
- The restriction appears on your physical license card and in your driving record, and violating it can result in a traffic citation.
- Rest B is typically imposed after a medical evaluation, a vision test failure, or a pattern of nighttime driving incidents.
- You can request a review of the restriction through your state DMV if your medical condition improves or circumstances change.
Why Rest B restrictions are placed on licenses
Rest B is most commonly imposed when a driver has a medical condition that affects alertness, reaction time, or vision — particularly conditions that worsen at night or with fatigue. Sleep disorders, certain medications, vision impairments, and neurological conditions can all trigger this restriction. The DMV uses it as a middle ground: rather than suspending your license entirely, the agency allows you to drive during hours when you are more likely to be alert and when visibility is better.
The restriction can also be placed after a pattern of nighttime traffic violations or accidents, signaling that your driving during those hours poses a documented risk. In some cases, an eye doctor's report or a medical professional's recommendation will prompt the DMV to add Rest B to your license as a condition of renewal or reinstatement.
Age can also play a role. Some states impose Rest B on very young drivers during their first months of licensure, as a graduated licensing measure to reduce nighttime crash risk in that age group. The restriction typically expires once the driver reaches a certain age or completes a probationary period.
How to find Rest B on your license
Look at the back of your physical driver's license card. Most states print restrictions in a section labeled "Restrictions," "Conditions," "Endorsements," or "Limitations." The code may appear as "B," "Rest B," "No Night Driving," or a longer description depending on your state's format. If the restriction is not when ready obvious, check the small print — some states use abbreviations that are straightforward to miss.
You can also view your restrictions online through your state DMV's website or mobile app. Most states allow you to log in with your license number and date of birth to see your full driving record, including all active restrictions. This is often faster than examining the physical card, especially if the print is small or worn.
If you are unsure whether you have Rest B or another restriction, contact your state DMV directly. They can confirm what restrictions are on your record and explain why each one was placed there.
What happens if you drive during Rest B hours
Driving between midnight and 5 a.m. while Rest B is on your license is a violation of your license conditions. A police officer who stops you during those hours can cite you for driving in violation of restrictions, even if you were driving safely and obeying all traffic laws. The citation will appear on your driving record and can result in fines, points on your license, or both — depending on your state's penalties.
Multiple violations of the same restriction can lead to license suspension or revocation. Some states treat repeated condition violations more seriously than a single infraction, viewing them as evidence that you cannot follow the terms of your driving privilege. This can make it harder to get your license reinstated later.
If you have a legitimate reason to drive during Rest B hours — a medical emergency, a job that requires nighttime travel, or a change in your medical status — you should contact your state DMV to request a modification or removal of the restriction rather than straightforward ignoring it.
How to request removal or modification of Rest B
Contact your state DMV and ask about the process for reviewing or removing restrictions. Most states require you to submit a written request along with supporting documentation. If the restriction was placed due to a medical condition, you will typically need a letter from your doctor stating that your condition has improved or that the restriction is no longer medically necessary.
Some states allow you to request a hearing before a DMV official or medical review officer. You can present evidence that the restriction should be lifted — such as a clean driving record since the restriction was imposed, medical clearance, or completion of a defensive driving course. The DMV will review your request and decide whether to remove, modify, or keep the restriction in place.
The timeline for this process varies by state, but most decisions are made within 30 to 60 days of your request. During that time, the restriction remains in effect, so you should continue to follow it unless you receive written notice that it has been removed.
Rest B versus other common license restrictions
Driver's licenses can carry many different restrictions, and it is important not to confuse Rest B with others. Corrective lenses (usually coded as "01" or "Corrective Lenses") means you must wear glasses or contacts while driving. Automatic transmission only (often "03" or "Auto Trans") means you cannot drive a manual transmission vehicle. Daylight driving only is the opposite of Rest B — it means you can only drive during daylight hours, not at night.
Some states use Rest A or Rest C for different time windows. Rest A might restrict driving between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m., while Rest C could restrict a different window. Always check your specific license to see which restriction applies to you, because the hours matter for legal compliance.
If you are unsure what a code on your license means, your state DMV website usually includes a full list of restriction codes and their meanings. You can also call the DMV directly for clarification.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive at 4:59 a.m. if I have Rest B?
No. Rest B prohibits driving until 5 a.m., so 4:59 a.m. is still within the restricted window. You must wait until 5 a.m. or later to legally drive. Similarly, you must stop driving by midnight — 12:01 a.m. is a violation.
Does Rest B explore to all vehicles or just certain ones?
Rest B applies to all vehicles you drive. The restriction is tied to your license, not to a specific car. Whether you are driving a personal vehicle, a rental, or someone else's car, the restriction remains in effect during the prohibited hours.
Will Rest B show up on my driving record when I explore for insurance?
Yes. Insurance companies can see your full driving record, including restrictions. Some insurers may charge higher premiums if you have Rest B, viewing it as an indicator of a medical or safety concern. It is worth comparing quotes from multiple insurers, as policies vary.
Can I get Rest B removed if I take a defensive driving course?
A defensive driving course alone typically will not remove Rest B, since the restriction is usually based on a medical condition or a documented pattern of incidents, not just poor driving habits. However, completing a course can strengthen your case when you request a review, especially if combined with medical clearance or a clean driving record.
What if Rest B was placed on my license by mistake?
Contact your state DMV when ready and request a review. Bring any documentation that shows the restriction was placed in error — such as medical records proving you do not have the condition cited, or proof that the incident that triggered it did not occur. The DMV can correct errors, but you need to initiate the request.