Restriction A is a requirement to wear corrective lenses while driving
Restriction A on a Texas driver's license means you must wear eyeglasses or contact lenses every time you drive. The Texas Department of Public Safety adds this restriction during the vision screening at the license office if your uncorrected vision does not meet the state standard, but your corrected vision does.
This is one of the most common restrictions issued in Texas. It does not limit where you can drive, what type of vehicle you can operate, or the hours you can drive — only that your eyes must be corrected to the standard the state requires for safe driving.
Driving without the corrected lenses while Restriction A is on your license is a violation. A police officer can cite you for this during a traffic stop, and it can result in a fine or other penalties depending on the circumstances.
Key Takeaways
- Restriction A requires you to wear glasses or contacts every time you operate a vehicle, with no exceptions.
- The restriction appears on your license if your vision meets the state standard only when corrected, not when uncorrected.
- You can remove Restriction A by passing a vision test without correction at a Texas DPS office.
- Driving with Restriction A on your license but without corrected lenses is a traffic violation that can result in a fine.
How Texas vision standards work
Texas requires all drivers to have vision of at least 20/40 in each eye, or 20/40 in one eye and 20/60 in the other, to drive safely. If you cannot meet this standard without glasses or contacts, the examiner will test your vision with correction in place.
If your corrected vision meets the 20/40 standard but your uncorrected vision does not, the examiner will add Restriction A to your license. This tells law enforcement and you that corrected vision is a condition of your driving privilege in Texas.
The restriction is not a judgment about your eyesight — it is a safety measure. Many people drive with Restriction A throughout their lives without issue, as long as they wear their lenses while driving.
When Restriction A appears on your license
Restriction A is added during your vision screening at a Texas DPS office when you renew your license, get your first license, or take a vision test after a violation or medical concern. The examiner performs the test and determines whether you need the restriction based on your results.
You will see the restriction printed on the front or back of your physical license card. It will read "Restriction A" or may be listed as a code depending on your license format. The restriction stays on your license until you remove it or until your license expires and you renew without the restriction.
How to remove Restriction A from your license
To remove Restriction A, you must pass a vision test without wearing corrective lenses at a Texas DPS office. If your uncorrected vision now meets the state standard of 20/40 in each eye (or the required combination), the restriction will be removed.
Schedule a vision test appointment at your local DPS office. Bring your current license and be prepared to pay a fee for the test — the cost varies by location but is typically under $25. The examiner will test your vision without correction and inform you when ready whether you pass.
If you pass, the restriction is removed on the spot, and you will receive a new license without Restriction A. If you do not pass, the restriction remains, and you will need to continue wearing corrected lenses while driving.
What happens if you drive without corrected lenses
Driving with Restriction A on your license but without glasses or contacts is a traffic violation in Texas. An officer who stops you can cite you for this violation, and you may face a fine or other penalties.
The violation is separate from any other traffic offense you might commit. For example, if you are pulled over for speeding and the officer notices you are not wearing glasses, you could be cited for both speeding and violating Restriction A.
In addition to legal consequences, driving without corrected vision puts you and others at risk. Vision correction exists to help you see hazards on the road — removing that correction increases the chance of an accident.
Restriction A and vehicle type
Restriction A applies to all vehicles you are licensed to drive. If you have a standard Class C license with Restriction A, the restriction covers cars, trucks, and motorcycles. If you hold a commercial driver's license (CDL) with Restriction A, the restriction applies to all commercial vehicles you operate.
There is no separate restriction for different vehicle types. The requirement to wear corrected lenses is the same whether you are driving a sedan, a truck, or a motorcycle.
Other common Texas driver's license restrictions
Restriction A is one of several restrictions Texas DPS can place on a license. Other restrictions include Restriction B (automatic transmission only), Restriction C (daylight driving only), and Restriction D (no freeway driving). Each restriction limits your driving in a different way.
You can have multiple restrictions on a single license. For example, you might have both Restriction A (corrective lenses) and Restriction C (daylight only) if your vision and age or medical condition warrant both.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive at night with Restriction A?
Yes. Restriction A does not limit when you can drive — only that you must wear corrected lenses. You can drive at night, during the day, or any time as long as you are wearing your glasses or contacts.
Do I need to tell my insurance company about Restriction A?
Restriction A is a standard vision correction requirement and does not typically affect your insurance rates or coverage. However, if you are cited for driving without corrected lenses, that violation may be reported to your insurer and could affect your rates.
What if I lost my glasses and need to drive?
If you have Restriction A, you should not drive without your corrected lenses. If you have lost or broken your glasses, get them replaced or repaired before driving. Driving without correction is a violation and puts you at risk.
Does Restriction A mean I failed my vision test?
No. Restriction A means your uncorrected vision did not meet the state standard, but your corrected vision did. You passed the vision test — the restriction straightforward documents that you must wear correction while driving.
Can I get Restriction A removed if my vision has not changed?
No. If your uncorrected vision still does not meet the state standard, you cannot remove Restriction A. The restriction stays on your license as long as you need corrected lenses to meet the 20/40 standard.