Restriction B limits you to wearing corrective lenses while driving

Restriction B means you must wear eyeglasses or contact lenses every time you drive. It appears on your license as a condition of your driving privilege, not as a violation or mark against you. The restriction exists because the vision test you took during licensing showed you need correction to see clearly enough to drive safely.

This is one of the most common restrictions issued. It does not mean your vision is poor in general — it means that without correction, your vision does not meet the standard your state sets for safe driving. The restriction protects you and others on the road by ensuring you can see traffic signs, pedestrians, and hazards clearly.

If you drive without your corrective lenses when Restriction B is on your license, you are driving in violation of the restriction. This can result in a traffic citation, fines, and points on your driving record, even if your driving was otherwise safe. Some states treat it as a moving violation.

Key Takeaways

  • Restriction B requires you to wear glasses or contacts every time you operate a vehicle, and driving without them violates the restriction.
  • The restriction appears on your license because your vision test showed you need correction to meet your state's safe driving standard.
  • Violating Restriction B can result in a traffic citation, fines, and points added to your driving record.
  • You can request removal of the restriction by passing a vision test without corrective lenses, though most people will not be able to do so.
  • If your prescription changes, you should update your license to reflect your current vision needs.

How the restriction appears on your license

Restriction B shows up in a specific section of your driver's license, usually labeled "Restrictions" or "Conditions." The exact location and format depend on your state — some print it as a code (like "B"), others spell it out as "Corrective Lenses Required." You should be able to see it on the front or back of your physical license card.

When you renew your license, the restriction carries forward unless you request a vision retest and pass it without correction. Some states automatically retest you at renewal; others only retest if you ask. If you are unsure whether your restriction will carry over, contact your state's Department of Motor Vehicles before your renewal appointment.

Why you received this restriction

You received Restriction B because during your vision screening at the DMV, you could not read the eye chart clearly enough to meet your state's minimum standard without glasses or contacts. Each state sets its own vision threshold — typically 20/40 or 20/50 uncorrected vision triggers a restriction, though this varies.

The restriction does not mean you failed the test. It means you passed the test with correction, which is a normal and acceptable outcome. Millions of licensed drivers have Restriction B. It is a straightforward accommodation that lets you drive safely while accounting for your vision needs.

What happens if you drive without your corrective lenses

Driving without your glasses or contacts when Restriction B is on your license is a violation of your license conditions. If a police officer pulls you over and notices you are not wearing correction, or if you are involved in an accident and the officer discovers the restriction, you can receive a citation.

The consequences vary by state but typically include a fine (often $50 to $200), points added to your driving record, and sometimes a mandatory court appearance. Accumulating points can lead to license suspension or increased insurance rates. Some states treat it as a moving violation, which carries more serious consequences than a non-moving violation.

Even if you believe you can see well enough without correction, the law requires you to follow the restriction. The restriction exists because the state determined that correction is necessary for safe driving, and enforcing it protects everyone on the road.

How to remove Restriction B from your license

To remove Restriction B, you must pass a vision test without corrective lenses. You can request a retest at your state's DMV — you do not have to wait until your license renewal. Contact your local DMV office to schedule a vision screening appointment.

During the retest, you will look at an eye chart without glasses or contacts. If your uncorrected vision now meets your state's minimum standard, the restriction will be removed. If it does not, the restriction remains in place. Most people who received the restriction initially will not pass an uncorrected retest, because the underlying vision condition does not change without medical intervention.

If you have had corrective eye surgery (like LASIK), your uncorrected vision may have improved enough to pass the retest. In that case, bring documentation of your surgery to your DMV appointment so the examiner understands why your vision has changed.

Other common driver's license restrictions

Restriction B is one of many conditions that can appear on a license. Restriction A requires corrective lenses and also limits you to daytime driving only. Restriction C requires an automatic transmission vehicle (no manual transmission). Restriction D requires an outside left mirror. Other restrictions address hearing aids, prosthetic devices, or specific vehicle modifications.

Each restriction is tied to a specific safety need identified during your licensing process. They are not punitive — they are designed to let you drive safely within your circumstances. If you have questions about any restriction on your license, your state's DMV website or a local office can explain what it means and what you need to do to comply.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a ticket for forgetting my glasses one time?

Yes. If you are stopped and an officer sees that Restriction B is on your license but you are not wearing correction, you can receive a citation. Whether the officer issues one depends on the circumstances and the officer's judgment, but legally you are in violation of your license conditions.

Do I have to tell my insurance company about Restriction B?

You should check your insurance policy or contact your insurer directly. Most insurers do not require you to report a vision restriction, but some may ask about it during the process process. Being honest about your driving conditions helps may support your coverage is accurate.

What if I lost my glasses and need to drive?

You should not drive without your corrective lenses if Restriction B is on your license. If you have lost your glasses, get a replacement pair or contacts before driving. If it is an emergency, consider using a rideshare service, taxi, or asking someone else to drive instead.

Will Restriction B affect my insurance rates?

Restriction B itself typically does not increase your rates. However, if you receive a citation for violating the restriction, that violation will appear on your driving record and may increase your rates. Following the restriction protects both your safety and your insurance costs.

Does Restriction B mean I cannot drive at night?

No. Restriction B only requires corrective lenses — it does not limit the time of day you can drive. If you also have Restriction A, then you are limited to daytime driving. Check your license to see which restrictions explore to you.