Restriction AB is a vision correction requirement, not a driving limitation
Restriction AB on your Texas driver's license means you must wear corrective lenses — glasses or contact lenses — every time you drive. It does not restrict where you can drive, what hours you can drive, or what type of vehicle you can operate. It is purely a vision requirement tied to your medical examination results when you renewed or first obtained your license.
The Texas Department of Public Safety adds this restriction when the vision test shows you need correction to meet the state's minimum vision standard of 20/40 in each eye (or 20/40 in one eye and 20/60 in the other, with both eyes open). If you passed the vision test only while wearing glasses or contacts, the restriction appears on your license as a permanent reminder that correction is required for legal driving.
This restriction is one of the most common ones issued in Texas. It carries no penalty as long as you comply — meaning you wear your corrective lenses while driving. Driving without the required correction when you have Restriction AB can result in a traffic citation.
Key Takeaways
- Restriction AB requires you to wear glasses or contact lenses every time you operate a vehicle, based on your vision test results.
- The restriction does not limit where, when, or what type of vehicle you can drive — only that you must wear correction while doing so.
- You received this restriction because your vision met the legal minimum only with corrective lenses, not without them.
- Driving without the required correction is a traffic violation and can result in a citation from law enforcement.
- If your vision improves through surgery or other means, you can request the restriction be removed by taking a new vision test at the DPS.
How the restriction appears on your license
On the front of your Texas driver's license, restrictions appear in a small box labeled "RESTRICTIONS." Restriction AB will be listed there as a letter code. You may also see other restrictions listed — for example, Restriction C (automatic transmission only) or Restriction D (outside mirrors required) — if your medical or driving history warrants them.
The restriction code is printed on every license you hold, whether physical or digital. If you check your license status through the Texas DPS online portal, the restriction will also appear there. This means law enforcement, rental car companies, and insurance companies can all see that correction is required.
What you must do to comply
Compliance is straightforward: wear your glasses or contact lenses whenever you are behind the wheel. This applies to all driving — commuting to work, running errands, highway driving, or parking lot driving. There is no exception for short distances or low-speed situations.
Keep your prescription current. If your vision has changed significantly since your last eye exam, schedule an appointment with an optometrist or ophthalmologist. Wearing an outdated prescription while driving with Restriction AB does not technically violate the restriction, but it defeats the purpose of the requirement and creates a safety risk.
If you wear contact lenses, keep a backup pair of glasses in your vehicle. Contact lenses can tear, fall out, or become uncomfortable during a long drive. Having glasses available ensures you can still see clearly if a contact lens problem occurs while you are on the road.
Removing the restriction if your vision improves
If you have had vision correction surgery (such as LASIK or PRK) or if your vision has improved for any other reason, you can request that Restriction AB be removed. The process requires you to visit a Texas DPS office and take a new vision test without wearing correction.
If you pass the vision test without glasses or contacts, the restriction will be removed from your license. You will not need to renew your entire license — the DPS can update your record and issue a new license with the restriction removed. There is a fee for this service, which varies but is typically under $30.
Bring your current driver's license and proof of identity to the DPS office. You do not need a doctor's note or any documentation of surgery; the vision test itself is the only requirement. If you do not pass the test without correction, the restriction remains in place.
What happens if you drive without the required correction
Driving without glasses or contacts when you have Restriction AB is a traffic violation. If a police officer stops you and discovers you were driving without the required correction, you can receive a citation. The violation is typically classified as a minor traffic offense, but it still goes on your driving record and can affect your insurance rates.
The officer may also issue a warning rather than a citation, depending on the circumstances and the officer's discretion. However, you should not rely on this — the safest and legal approach is to always wear your correction while driving.
If you receive a citation for this violation, you have the option to contest it in traffic court or pay the fine. Consult the citation itself for the specific court, important date, and fine amount in your case.
Other common Texas driver's license restrictions
Restriction AB is one of several medical and safety restrictions that can appear on a Texas license. Understanding the difference can help you know what your own restrictions mean.
Restriction C requires an automatic transmission vehicle only — issued when you have a physical condition that prevents you from operating a manual transmission safely. Restriction D requires outside mirrors on your vehicle, typically for drivers with limited peripheral vision. Restriction E limits you to daylight driving only, usually for drivers with significant vision limitations. Restriction F requires an ignition interlock device, issued after certain alcohol-related driving convictions.
Some drivers have multiple restrictions. For example, you might have both Restriction AB (vision correction required) and Restriction C (automatic transmission only). Each restriction is independent and must be followed separately.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive with contacts instead of glasses if I have Restriction AB?
Yes. Restriction AB requires corrective lenses — either glasses or contacts. The restriction does not specify which type. As long as you are wearing some form of vision correction that allows you to see clearly, you are in compliance. If you wear contacts, make sure your prescription is current and keep backup glasses in your vehicle in case of an emergency.
Will Restriction AB affect my car insurance rates?
The restriction itself does not automatically raise your rates. Insurance companies care more about your driving record and claims history. However, if you receive a citation for driving without the required correction, that violation will appear on your record and may increase your rates.
Do I need to tell my employer or insurance company about Restriction AB?
You do not have a legal obligation to notify your employer or insurance company about the restriction. However, if your job involves commercial driving or if you are asked directly about restrictions on an insurance process, you should disclose it. Some commercial driving positions have their own vision requirements that may conflict with Restriction AB.
What if I lost my glasses and need to drive?
If you have lost or broken your glasses, you should not drive until you have replacement correction. Driving without the required correction is a violation. If you need to get to an eye care provider to replace your glasses, ask someone else to drive you, use a rideshare service, or wait until you have obtained new correction.
Can I get a hardship license if I cannot afford glasses?
Texas does not issue hardship licenses to bypass vision correction requirements. If you cannot afford glasses or contacts, contact a local community health center, vision clinic, or charitable organization that provides low-cost eye care. Many communities have programs that help people obtain affordable vision correction.