Restriction B prohibits you from driving without corrective lenses
Restriction B on your Washington driver's license means you must wear eyeglasses or contact lenses whenever you drive. If you have this restriction and drive without the required correction, you are breaking the law — even if you can see reasonably well without them. The restriction appears on your license as a condition of your driving privilege, not as a penalty.
Washington's Department of Licensing adds Restriction B during your vision screening at the licensing office or when you renew your license. The examiner tests your vision and determines that you need correction to drive safely. This is a common restriction — many drivers have it — and it does not affect your ability to hold a valid license or drive on public roads as long as you follow the condition.
The restriction stays on your license until you pass a vision test without needing correction, or until you renew and the examiner determines you no longer need it. You cannot straightforward ignore it or request its removal without demonstrating improved vision.
Key Takeaways
- Restriction B requires you to wear corrective lenses (glasses or contacts) every time you operate a vehicle.
- Washington's Department of Licensing places this restriction based on your vision test results during licensing or renewal.
- Driving without your required correction while Restriction B is on your license is a violation and can result in a traffic citation.
- The restriction remains until you pass a vision test showing you no longer need correction, or until your next renewal appointment.
- You must have your corrective lenses with you in the vehicle — you cannot drive legally without them if this restriction applies to you.
How the vision test determines if you need Restriction B
When you take the vision screening at a Washington Department of Licensing office, the examiner tests your eyesight using a standard eye chart. If your vision without correction falls below the legal standard for driving — generally 20/40 or worse in either eye — the examiner will test you again with corrective lenses. If your vision improves to 20/40 or better with glasses or contacts, the examiner will add Restriction B to your license.
The legal standard exists because driving requires you to read road signs, see pedestrians and other vehicles clearly, and react quickly to hazards. Uncorrected vision that does not meet this standard puts you and others at risk. The restriction is not a judgment about your overall eyesight — it straightforward means you need correction to meet the safety threshold for driving.
You will see the restriction printed on the front or back of your physical license card, usually listed under "Restrictions" or "Conditions." It may appear as "B" or spelled out as "Corrective Lenses Required."
What happens if you drive without your corrective lenses
Driving without the corrective lenses required by Restriction B is a traffic violation in Washington. A police officer who stops you can cite you for violating the restriction, which is typically treated as a minor infraction. The citation carries a fine, and a conviction goes on your driving record.
Beyond the legal consequence, driving without correction when you need it increases your risk of causing an accident. You may not see a pedestrian, miss a traffic signal, or fail to notice another vehicle until it is too late. Insurance companies also take violations of license restrictions seriously — a citation could affect your rates or your coverage.
If you forget your glasses or contacts at home, you should not drive. If you are stopped and do not have them with you, tell the officer you left them at home. You can still receive a citation, but being honest about the situation is better than trying to hide the violation.
Removing Restriction B from your license
To remove Restriction B, you must demonstrate that your vision meets Washington's legal standard without corrective lenses. The most straightforward way is to visit a Department of Licensing office and request a vision retest. Bring your current license and be prepared to pay a retest fee — the amount varies but is typically under $20.
During the retest, the examiner will test your vision without correction first. If you pass at 20/40 or better in both eyes, the restriction will be removed. If you still need correction, Restriction B will remain on your license.
You can also have the restriction removed during a license renewal. When you renew, you will take a vision screening as part of the process. If your uncorrected vision now meets the standard, the examiner will not add the restriction to your new license.
Other common Washington driver's license restrictions
Washington uses several restrictions to may support drivers operate vehicles safely within their abilities. Restriction A requires automatic transmission only — the driver cannot operate a vehicle with a manual transmission. Restriction D limits driving to daylight hours only, typically used for drivers with poor night vision. Restriction E prohibits freeway driving.
Some restrictions are temporary — for example, a new driver under 18 may have restrictions that expire when they reach a certain age or complete a probationary period. Restriction B, however, remains until your vision improves or you choose to have it retested. Unlike age-based restrictions, there is no automatic expiration date.
If you have multiple restrictions, you must follow all of them. For example, if you have both Restriction B (corrective lenses) and Restriction D (daylight only), you must wear your glasses and only drive during daylight hours.
Preparing for a vision retest
If you think your vision has improved and you want to remove Restriction B, schedule an appointment at your local Department of Licensing office or visit a third-party licensing service that offers vision testing. Bring your current driver's license and any identification required by the office.
On the day of your retest, wear any corrective lenses you normally use to see if your uncorrected vision has improved. The examiner will test you without correction first. If you have had eye surgery, a new prescription, or other changes to your vision, mention this to the examiner — it may be relevant to the test results.
Be aware that the retest is the same standard vision screening used for all drivers. There is no special process or appeal if you do not pass. If your uncorrected vision still does not meet the legal standard, Restriction B will remain until your next renewal or until you retest again.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive with contacts instead of glasses if I have Restriction B?
Yes. Restriction B requires corrective lenses — either glasses or contacts. You can wear whichever works best for you, as long as you have vision correction in place while driving. If you wear contacts, make sure they are properly fitted and that you have a backup pair of glasses in your vehicle in case a contact falls out.
Does Restriction B appear on my record if I get pulled over?
Yes. When an officer runs your license during a traffic stop, the restriction shows up in their system. If you are stopped and do not have your corrective lenses, the officer will see the restriction and can cite you for violating it.
What if I got Restriction B years ago and my vision has changed?
You can request a vision retest at any time. Visit a Department of Licensing office or a third-party licensing service and ask for a retest. If your uncorrected vision now meets the legal standard, the restriction will be removed. If not, it will remain on your license.
Can I get a restricted license if I refuse to wear corrective lenses?
No. If your vision does not meet the legal standard without correction, Washington will not issue you an unrestricted license. You can either accept Restriction B and drive with corrective lenses, or you cannot drive legally. There is no middle ground or exemption.
Does Restriction B affect my insurance rates?
The restriction itself does not automatically raise your rates, but a citation for violating it will. If you are pulled over for driving without your required correction, the violation goes on your record and your insurance company may increase your premiums.