Restriction C is a corrective lenses requirement
Restriction C on your Colorado driver's license means you must wear corrective lenses — glasses or contact lenses — whenever you drive. The state issues this restriction when your vision test shows you need correction to drive safely, but your corrected vision meets the legal standard.
This is one of the most common restrictions Colorado issues. It does not limit where you can drive, what type of vehicle you can operate, or the hours you can drive. It only requires that you have your corrective lenses with you and in use while behind the wheel.
If you drive without your glasses or contacts when Restriction C is on your license, you are driving with an invalid license — even if your uncorrected vision is close to the legal limit. Law enforcement can cite you for this violation.
Key Takeaways
- Restriction C means you must wear glasses or contact lenses every time you drive, as determined by your vision test at the DMV.
- You can drive any vehicle, any time of day, and any distance — the restriction only covers corrective lenses.
- Forgetting your glasses or contacts and driving anyway is a violation, even if your uncorrected vision is close to passing.
- You can request a vision retest if you believe your vision has improved or if you want to remove the restriction.
How Colorado determines if you need Restriction C
The Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles tests your vision during your license exam or renewal. The standard is that your corrected vision must be at least 20/40 in each eye, and your combined field of vision must meet state requirements. If your uncorrected vision falls below this standard but your corrected vision meets it, the examiner will add Restriction C to your license.
You do not have to be severely nearsighted or farsighted to receive this restriction. Even a mild refractive error — one that most people would not notice in daily life — can trigger it if it affects your performance on the DMV vision test.
What you need to do if you have Restriction C
Keep your corrective lenses in your vehicle at all times. This means having your glasses or contacts with you even on short trips. If you wear contacts, keep a backup pair of glasses in the car in case a lens tears or falls out.
Some people wear bifocals or progressive lenses for reading and distance. Make sure your prescription is current for driving — if you have had a recent eye exam and your prescription has changed, update your glasses or contacts before your next drive.
You do not need to notify the DMV that you are wearing your corrective lenses. The restriction is straightforward a note on your license that you must comply with it.
Removing Restriction C from your license
If your vision has improved or you have had corrective surgery, you can request a vision retest at any Colorado DMV office. Bring your current glasses or contacts and be prepared to take the same vision test you took when you first received your license.
If your corrected vision still meets the legal standard but your uncorrected vision has improved enough, the examiner may remove Restriction C. If you have had refractive surgery such as LASIK, the examiner will test your uncorrected vision and may remove the restriction if you now meet the standard without correction.
There is no fee to request a vision retest, and the process usually takes a few minutes. You will receive an updated license in the mail within one to two weeks.
Other common Colorado driver's license restrictions
Restriction C is one of several restrictions Colorado uses to keep drivers and the public safe. Restriction B requires you to wear a hearing aid if you are deaf or hard of hearing. Restriction D limits you to daylight driving only. Restriction E restricts you to vehicles with an automatic transmission.
Some drivers have multiple restrictions. For example, you might have both Restriction C (corrective lenses) and Restriction D (daylight only) if your vision is poor and you also have a medical condition that affects your ability to drive at night.
What happens if you are stopped while driving without your glasses
If a police officer stops you and discovers you are driving without your corrective lenses when Restriction C is on your license, you can be cited for driving with an invalid license. This is a traffic violation that can result in a fine and points on your driving record.
The citation is separate from any other traffic violation you might have committed. Even if you were pulled over for a minor infraction like a broken taillight, the officer can add a citation for the Restriction C violation.
If you receive a citation, you have the option to contest it in traffic court. You can explain the circumstances and ask the judge to reduce or dismiss the charge, though the outcome depends on the specific situation and the judge's discretion.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive with contacts instead of glasses if I have Restriction C?
Yes. The restriction requires corrective lenses, but does not specify whether they must be glasses or contacts. You can wear either one, as long as you are wearing some form of correction while driving. If you wear contacts, keep a backup pair of glasses in your vehicle in case you have a problem with a lens.
Does Restriction C mean I cannot drive at night?
No. Restriction C only requires corrective lenses. It does not limit the time of day you can drive. If you also have Restriction D on your license, then you cannot drive at night — but that is a separate restriction.
What if I lost my glasses and need to drive?
You should not drive without your corrective lenses if Restriction C is on your license. If you have lost your glasses, get them replaced or use contacts before you drive. If you need to drive urgently, consider asking someone else to drive you, or use a rideshare service.
How long does Restriction C stay on my license?
Restriction C remains on your license until you request a vision retest and pass without the restriction. It does not expire on its own. You can request a retest at any time if you believe your vision has improved.
Will Restriction C affect my insurance rates?
Restriction C itself does not typically affect your insurance rates. Insurance companies care about your driving record and claims history, not about corrective lens restrictions. However, if you receive a citation for driving without your glasses, that violation could affect your rates.