Restriction 1 is a corrective lens requirement

Restriction 1 on a New Jersey driver's license means you must wear corrective lenses — glasses or contact lenses — whenever you drive. The restriction appears as a code on the back of your license card and is legally binding. If you drive without the corrective lenses you were required to wear during your vision test, you are driving in violation of your license conditions, even if you feel you can see well enough without them.

The Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) adds this restriction during the licensing process when the vision screening shows you need correction to meet the state's minimum vision standard. New Jersey requires drivers to have at least 20/40 vision in each eye, with or without correction. If you cannot meet that standard without glasses or contacts, the MVC will impose Restriction 1.

This is not a suggestion or a recommendation — it is a legal condition of your driving privilege. A police officer can cite you for driving with a suspended or revoked license if you are stopped while violating this restriction, even if your vision is otherwise adequate.

Key Takeaways

  • Restriction 1 requires you to wear corrective lenses every time you drive, and violating it can result in a traffic citation.
  • The MVC imposes this restriction when your uncorrected vision does not meet New Jersey's 20/40 minimum standard.
  • You can have the restriction removed by passing a new vision test without correction at an MVC office.
  • If your vision has improved through surgery or other means, you can request a vision retest to remove the restriction from your license.

How the restriction appears on your license card

On the physical New Jersey driver's license card, Restriction 1 is printed on the back in the "Restrictions" field. It may appear as "1" or spelled out as "Corrective Lenses." The front of the card does not display restrictions — you have to flip the card over to see them. This means a police officer checking your license during a traffic stop will see the restriction when ready.

The restriction code system is standardized across all New Jersey licenses. Other common restrictions include Restriction 2 (automatic transmission only) and Restriction 3 (outside mirrors required). Each restriction limits how or where you can drive based on the results of your medical or vision screening.

Removing Restriction 1 from your license

You can have Restriction 1 removed by scheduling a vision test at any Motor Vehicle Commission office. You do not need to renew your license or pay a fee — you straightforward request a vision retest. During the test, you will be asked to read the eye chart without wearing corrective lenses. If you can now see 20/40 or better in each eye without correction, the restriction will be removed.

Vision can improve for several reasons. Some people have refractive surgery (LASIK or PRK) to correct their vision permanently. Others may have had a temporary vision problem that has resolved. If you have had any procedure or change in your vision since you received your license, it is worth scheduling a retest to see if the restriction can be lifted.

To schedule a vision retest, contact your local MVC office or visit the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission website to find the office nearest you. You will need to bring your current driver's license and a form of identification. The test itself takes only a few minutes.

What happens if you drive without the required corrective lenses

Driving in violation of Restriction 1 — meaning driving without the corrective lenses you are required to wear — is a traffic offense in New Jersey. If a police officer stops you and discovers you are not wearing the required lenses, you can be cited for violating the conditions of your license. This is treated similarly to driving with a suspended or revoked license in terms of the legal consequences.

The citation can result in fines, points on your driving record, and potential license suspension. The exact penalty depends on whether this is your first violation and the circumstances of the stop. Even if you believe your vision is adequate without correction, the law does not allow you to make that judgment — the MVC's information during your vision test is what governs your driving privilege.

Restriction 1 versus other vision-related issues

Restriction 1 is different from having your license suspended or revoked due to a vision problem. If the MVC determines your vision cannot be corrected to the legal standard — even with glasses or contacts — your license may be suspended or revoked entirely, and you would not be allowed to drive at all. Restriction 1 means you can drive, but only with the correction in place.

It is also different from a medical suspension, which the MVC may impose if you have a medical condition (such as seizures or severe sleep apnea) that affects your ability to drive safely. A medical suspension requires a doctor's clearance and often a retest before your license can be reinstated. Restriction 1 is purely about vision correction and can be removed by passing a vision test.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I wear contact lenses instead of glasses to satisfy Restriction 1?

Yes. Restriction 1 requires corrective lenses, which includes both glasses and contact lenses. You can wear whichever you prefer, as long as you are wearing one of them while driving. Some people wear glasses; others wear contacts. The restriction does not specify which type you must use.

Will Restriction 1 affect my insurance rates?

No. Insurance companies do not charge higher rates based on license restrictions. They may ask about your vision during the underwriting process, but the presence of Restriction 1 on your license does not automatically increase your premium. Your driving record and claims history have far more impact on your rates.

Do I need to tell my employer about Restriction 1 if I drive for work?

That depends on your employer's policy and the type of driving you do. Some employers require employees who drive for work to disclose all license restrictions. If you drive a commercial vehicle or for a job that involves transporting passengers or cargo, your employer may have specific requirements. Check your employee handbook or ask your supervisor.

Can I get a hardship license if I cannot afford glasses or contacts?

A hardship license is not the solution for vision correction costs. If you cannot afford corrective lenses, contact local community health centers or vision information programs in your area — many offer low-cost or free eye exams and glasses. The MVC will not waive Restriction 1 based on cost.

What if I got Restriction 1 but I do not think I need glasses?

The vision test administered by the MVC is the legal standard. If you disagree with the result, you can request a retest at another MVC office or have your own eye doctor perform a vision screening. If an independent eye care professional confirms you can see 20/40 or better without correction, you can bring that documentation to the MVC and request removal of the restriction.