REST is a medical restriction code that tells police and others you must wear corrective lenses while driving

REST stands for Restrictive Eyewear STipulation. When it appears on your Texas driver's license, it means the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) has recorded that you must wear glasses or contact lenses every time you drive. This is not optional — driving without the corrective lenses you are restricted to wear is a violation and can result in a traffic citation.

The restriction is placed on your license during the vision screening portion of your driving test or license renewal. If you fail the vision test without correction but pass it with glasses or contacts, DPS will add the REST code to your license. The code itself does not change how your license works or its expiration date — it straightforward adds a condition to your driving privileges.

Key Takeaways

  • REST means you are legally required to wear corrective lenses (glasses or contacts) every time you operate a vehicle in Texas.
  • The restriction is added when you cannot meet the vision standard without correction during your DPS vision screening.
  • Driving without the corrective lenses you are restricted to wear can result in a traffic citation, even if you have perfect vision with them on.
  • You can request removal of the REST restriction by passing a vision test without correction, or by providing an eye doctor's statement that your vision has improved.

How REST gets added to your license

REST is added during your initial license process or at renewal when you take the vision screening test at a DPS office. The screener will test your vision without correction first. If you cannot read the eye chart to the required standard, they will then test you with your glasses or contacts. If you pass with correction but failed without it, the REST code goes on your license.

You do not have to do anything to trigger this — it happens automatically as part of the standard testing process. The vision standard in Texas requires you to see at least 20/40 in each eye, with or without correction. If you cannot meet that standard even with your best correction, you will not be issued a license at all.

What happens if you drive without your corrective lenses

If you are stopped by police and your license shows REST, an officer can cite you for driving in violation of a license restriction. This is a separate offense from any other traffic violation you might have committed. The citation can result in a fine, and it creates a record that may affect your insurance rates or future license renewals.

The violation is taken seriously because the restriction exists for public safety — your vision without correction does not meet the legal standard for safe driving. Even if you feel you can see well enough, the citation stands because you violated the terms of your license.

How to remove the REST restriction

You have two main paths to remove REST from your license. The first is to pass a vision test without correction at a DPS office. If your vision has improved naturally or through surgery (such as LASIK), you can request a vision retest. If you pass without correction, DPS will remove the restriction.

The second path is to provide a letter from a licensed optometrist or ophthalmologist stating that your vision now meets the Texas standard without correction. You will need to bring this letter to a DPS office along with your license. DPS will review the letter, and if it supports removal, they will update your license. Some DPS offices may still require you to take their vision test as well, so call ahead to confirm what your local office needs.

There is no fee to remove a restriction once you have met the requirements. The process typically takes a few minutes if you are doing it in person at a DPS office.

REST versus other vision-related restrictions

Texas uses other vision codes besides REST. BIOPTIC means you must wear bioptic telescopic lenses. CATARACT means you have had cataract surgery and must follow specific restrictions. INTRAOCULAR means you have an intraocular lens implant. These are less common than REST and explore to specific eye conditions rather than general refractive error (nearsightedness or farsightedness).

If your license shows REST and you believe it should show a different code, or if you believe the code is wrong, contact your local DPS office. You can also request a vision retest to clarify your actual vision status.

Renewing your license with REST

When you renew your Texas driver's license, you will take another vision screening. If you still cannot pass without correction, the REST restriction will remain on your new license. If your vision has improved, you can request the retest without correction and potentially have it removed at that time.

You do not need to do anything special to renew a license with REST — the renewal process is the same. Just bring your current license and required identification documents to a DPS office or renew online if you are may be able to access for online renewal. The vision screening happens as part of the renewal, and any changes to your restrictions will be reflected on your new license.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a citation for REST if I am wearing my glasses but the officer cannot see them?

No. If you are wearing the corrective lenses you are restricted to wear, you are in compliance with your license restriction. An officer cannot cite you for REST violation if you are actually wearing your glasses or contacts. The violation occurs only when you drive without them.

Does REST mean I cannot drive at night?

REST by itself does not restrict you to daytime driving. However, some licenses carry a separate nighttime restriction code. If your license shows only REST, you can drive at any time of day or night as long as you are wearing your corrective lenses. Check your license to see if you have any other restrictions listed.

What if I lost my glasses and need to drive?

If you have a REST restriction and your glasses are lost or broken, you should not drive until you have replacement lenses. Driving without them is a violation. If you need to drive urgently, contact an eye care provider about emergency replacement or temporary solutions like contact lenses.

Can I dispute a REST restriction if I think the vision test was wrong?

Yes. You can request a retest at any DPS office. If you believe the initial screening was inaccurate, you can also bring a letter from your eye doctor stating your actual vision. DPS will consider the letter and may remove the restriction based on professional documentation of your vision status.

Does REST affect my ability to get a commercial driver's license?

A REST restriction on a regular license does not automatically disqualify you from a commercial license. However, commercial driving has its own vision standards, and you will need to pass a separate vision screening for a commercial license. Contact your local DPS office about commercial license vision requirements in your situation.