Rest B is a medical restriction that limits when you can drive
Rest B on your Florida driver's license means you cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m. It is a medical restriction the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) adds to your license when an eye doctor or the state determines you have vision or medical conditions that make nighttime driving unsafe.
The restriction does not mean you cannot drive at all — only that you must stay off the road during those five hours. If you drive during the restricted hours, you can be cited for violating the terms of your license, even if you were driving safely otherwise.
Rest B is one of several medical restrictions Florida uses. Others include corrective lenses requirements, hearing aid requirements, or restrictions on highway driving. Rest B specifically targets nighttime driving because many medical conditions — including certain eye diseases, cataracts, or neurological conditions — make it harder to see in low light or to react quickly in darkness.
Key Takeaways
- Rest B prohibits driving between midnight and 5 a.m. and appears as a restriction code on your license card.
- An eye care professional or the DHSMV adds this restriction when your vision or medical condition makes nighttime driving risky.
- Driving during the restricted hours is a violation even if you are driving carefully, and can result in a citation.
- You can request the restriction be removed by having your eye doctor or physician send a letter to the DHSMV stating the condition has improved.
How Rest B appears on your license
When you look at your Florida driver's license card, restrictions appear in the lower right section under "Restrictions." Rest B will be listed as a code — you may see "B" or the full text "No driving between midnight and 5 a.m." depending on your card's issue date and format.
The restriction is permanent on your license until you or a medical professional request it be removed. It does not expire on its own, even if years pass. If you believe the restriction no longer applies to you, you will need to take steps to have it lifted.
Why the state adds Rest B to your license
The DHSMV can add Rest B in two ways. First, an eye care professional — an optometrist or ophthalmologist — may recommend the restriction during a vision test or eye exam. If they believe your vision is unsafe for nighttime driving, they can note this on your exam report, and the DHSMV will add it to your license when you renew or when the report reaches the state.
Second, the DHSMV itself can impose Rest B if you fail a vision screening at the license office or if the state reviews your medical records and determines nighttime driving is unsafe. This sometimes happens after an accident, a medical report, or a renewal appointment where vision is tested.
Common conditions that lead to Rest B include age-related macular degeneration, cataracts, diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, or any condition that reduces peripheral vision or night vision. The restriction is meant to protect you and other drivers by keeping people with compromised nighttime vision off the road during the hours when visibility is lowest.
What you can and cannot do with Rest B
You can drive at any time between 5 a.m. and midnight. You can drive on highways, local roads, and in any weather or traffic condition during those hours — the restriction only limits the time of day, not the type of road or driving situation.
You cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m. under any circumstance. This includes emergencies. If you have a medical emergency at 2 a.m., you should call 911 rather than drive yourself. If you are caught driving during the restricted hours, you can be pulled over and cited for violating the restrictions on your license, which is a separate violation from any traffic offense.
Some people misunderstand Rest B as a suggestion or a guideline. It is not. It is a legal restriction on your license, and violating it has consequences including fines and points on your driving record.
How to remove Rest B from your license
To have Rest B removed, you need medical documentation that your condition has improved or that nighttime driving is now safe for you. The best path is to schedule an eye exam with an optometrist or ophthalmologist and ask them to evaluate whether the restriction still applies.
If the eye care professional agrees the restriction is no longer necessary, they will provide you with a written statement or a completed vision report. You then send this document to the DHSMV along with a request to remove the restriction. You can mail it to the address on your license or visit a local DHSMV office in person.
The DHSMV will review the medical documentation. If they agree, they will remove Rest B from your license. You do not need to renew your license for this to happen — the restriction can be lifted between renewal cycles. However, the change will not appear on your physical card until you renew your license or request a replacement card.
If you want the change to show on your card right away, you can pay a small fee to get a replacement license card with the updated restrictions. Check the DHSMV website or call your local office for the current fee.
What happens if you drive during the restricted hours
If you are stopped by law enforcement while driving between midnight and 5 a.m., the officer will see Rest B on your license. You will be cited for violating the restrictions on your license. This is a separate violation from any traffic offense — you could be cited for both speeding and for violating Rest B, for example.
A violation of license restrictions typically results in a fine and points added to your driving record. The exact penalty varies, but points can raise your insurance rates and can count toward a suspension if you accumulate too many violations in a short time. A second or third violation of the same restriction can lead to more serious consequences.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive during Rest B hours if it is an emergency?
No. The restriction applies in all situations, including emergencies. If you have a medical emergency, call 911 and let emergency services transport you. Driving yourself during restricted hours is a violation even in urgent situations.
Will Rest B go away when I renew my license?
No. Rest B remains on your license until you or a medical professional request it be removed. Renewing your license does not automatically lift the restriction. You must submit medical documentation showing the condition has improved.
Can I get a different type of license that does not have Rest B?
No. Rest B is tied to your medical condition, not your license type. A commercial license, motorcycle endorsement, or any other license class will still carry the same restriction if the DHSMV has determined it is medically necessary.
What if my eye doctor says I do not need Rest B anymore, but the DHSMV disagrees?
You can request a hearing with the DHSMV to challenge the restriction. Contact your local DHSMV office to learn about the hearing process. You will need to present medical evidence supporting your doctor's opinion.
Does Rest B affect my insurance rates?
Most insurance companies do not specifically penalize Rest B, but violations of the restriction will appear on your driving record and can raise your rates. Stick to the restriction to avoid violations and the insurance consequences that follow.