REST is a restriction code that limits when you can drive
REST on your Florida driver's license means you are restricted to driving only during daylight hours — typically from sunrise to sunset. This restriction appears as a code on the back of your license and tells law enforcement and others that you are not permitted to operate a vehicle at night.
The restriction is usually placed on your license after you fail a vision test or report vision problems during renewal or initial issuance. Florida's Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles uses REST to allow people with limited eyesight to drive safely during the hours when visibility is best, rather than suspending their license entirely.
If you have REST on your license and you drive after dark, you can be cited for violating the terms of your license restriction. This is a separate violation from any other traffic offense and can result in points on your driving record and fines.
Key Takeaways
- REST means you can only drive during daylight hours, from sunrise to sunset, and cannot legally operate a vehicle after dark.
- The restriction is placed on your license when the DMV determines your vision is limited but safe enough for daytime driving.
- Driving at night with a REST restriction is a violation that can result in points, fines, and a citation on your record.
- You can request removal of the REST restriction by passing a vision test at your local DMV office.
How REST appears on your license
The REST code is printed on the back of your Florida driver's license in the "Restrictions" section. You will see it listed alongside any other restrictions you may have, such as corrective lenses required (marked as "C") or automatic transmission only (marked as "A").
The code itself is straightforward the letter "R" followed by "EST" or sometimes just "R" depending on how your license was issued. When law enforcement runs your license during a traffic stop, the restriction shows up in their system when ready, so they will know you are not supposed to be driving at that time of day.
Why the DMV places REST on your license
Florida's DMV places a REST restriction when your vision test results show that your eyesight does not meet the standard for unrestricted driving, but is adequate for daytime conditions. Common reasons include cataracts, macular degeneration, or other age-related vision changes that make night driving unsafe but do not prevent you from driving during the day.
The restriction is a middle ground between full licensure and suspension. Rather than taking away your license entirely, the state allows you to continue driving during hours when your vision is sufficient, which is often safer than forcing you to rely on other transportation or drive illegally.
What you need to do if you have REST
If your license has a REST restriction, you must follow it every time you drive. Do not drive between sunset and sunrise, even if you feel comfortable doing so or if the roads are well-lit. The restriction is a legal requirement, and violating it creates a separate traffic violation.
If you need to drive at night regularly — for work, medical appointments, or other reasons — you will need to have the restriction removed. The only way to do this is to visit your local DMV office and take a vision test. If you pass, you can request that the REST restriction be removed from your license.
Some people also choose to use ride-sharing services, taxis, or ask friends or family to drive them at night rather than attempt to remove the restriction. This is a safe option if you are not confident in your night vision, even if you technically could pass a test.
How to remove REST from your license
To remove a REST restriction, you must visit a Florida DMV office in person. You cannot remove it by mail or online. Bring your current driver's license and be prepared to take a vision screening test at the office.
The vision test at the DMV is the same test used for initial licensure or renewal. You will read letters on a chart from a set distance, and the examiner will check your peripheral vision and ability to see clearly. If you pass, the examiner will note that the restriction can be removed.
After you pass the test, you will need to pay a fee to have your license reissued without the REST restriction. The fee varies but is typically under $30. Your new license will be mailed to you within one to two weeks, and you can drive at night once you receive it.
What happens if you drive at night with REST
Driving between sunset and sunrise with a REST restriction on your license is a violation of Florida law. If you are stopped by law enforcement during those hours, you can receive a citation for violating the terms of your license restriction.
This violation typically results in points added to your driving record, a fine, and a court appearance if you choose to contest it. The exact penalty depends on the officer's discretion and the circumstances, but it is treated as a separate offense from any other traffic violation you might receive during the same stop.
Additionally, if you are involved in an accident while driving at night with a REST restriction, your insurance company may refuse to cover the claim, and you could face additional legal liability because you were driving in violation of your license terms.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive during twilight or dusk if I have REST?
No. REST restricts you to driving only during daylight hours, which means from sunrise to sunset. Twilight and dusk are considered nighttime for the purposes of this restriction. If you are unsure whether it is still light enough, it is safer to assume you cannot drive.
Do I have to take a written test to remove REST?
No. You only need to pass a vision test at the DMV. You do not have to retake the written knowledge test or the driving test. The vision screening is the only requirement to have the restriction removed.
What if I fail the vision test when I try to remove REST?
If you fail the vision test, the REST restriction will remain on your license. You can try again at a later date, but you must continue to follow the restriction until you pass. Some people work with an eye doctor to improve their vision before attempting the test again.
Does REST affect my insurance rates?
Having REST on your license itself does not typically affect your insurance rates. However, if you receive a citation for violating the restriction, that violation will appear on your driving record and may increase your rates.
Can I get REST removed if I have had cataract surgery?
Yes. If you have had surgery that improved your vision, you should visit the DMV and take a vision test. If your vision now meets the standard for unrestricted driving, the REST restriction can be removed.