Restriction G is a corrective lenses requirement
Restriction G on a Texas driver's license means you must wear corrective lenses — glasses or contact lenses — every time you drive. The Texas Department of Public Safety adds this restriction when your vision test shows you need correction to meet the state's minimum vision standard of 20/40 in each eye.
This is one of the most common restrictions issued in Texas. It does not limit where you can drive, what vehicles you can operate, or the hours you can drive. It only requires that you have your corrective lenses with you and in use whenever you are behind the wheel.
Driving with Restriction G in place but without your glasses or contacts is a violation of your license conditions. A police officer can cite you for this, and it can result in a fine or other penalties depending on the circumstances.
Key Takeaways
- Restriction G means you must wear glasses or contact lenses every time you drive, as determined by your vision test at the Department of Public Safety.
- The restriction appears on your license card itself, usually printed near the bottom or in the restrictions section.
- You can remove Restriction G by passing a vision test without correction, which you can request at any Texas DPS office.
- Driving without your corrective lenses while Restriction G is on your license can result in a traffic citation and fine.
- Restriction G does not prevent you from driving any type of vehicle or limit your driving hours — it only requires corrected vision.
How the restriction appears on your license
When you look at your Texas driver's license card, Restriction G will be listed in the restrictions section, typically near the bottom of the front or back of the card. It may appear as just the letter "G" or as "G - Corrective Lenses" depending on when your license was issued.
The restriction is printed on every renewal of your license unless you pass a vision test without correction. If you have had the same license for several years, you may not have noticed it if you have always worn glasses or contacts while driving anyway.
Why Texas issues Restriction G
The Texas Department of Public Safety issues Restriction G based on the results of the vision screening you take when you get or renew your license. During that test, you read letters or numbers on a chart from a specific distance. If you cannot read them clearly without correction, the examiner notes this.
Texas law requires that all drivers meet a minimum vision standard. If you meet that standard only with glasses or contacts, the state adds Restriction G to may support you are always driving with corrected vision. This protects you and other drivers on the road.
The restriction does not mean your vision is poor or that you are unsafe to drive. Many people drive safely with corrective lenses their entire lives. The restriction straightforward documents that correction is necessary for you to meet the state standard.
How to remove Restriction G from your license
You can remove Restriction G by visiting any Texas Department of Public Safety office and requesting a vision test. If you pass the test without wearing corrective lenses — meaning you can read the chart clearly from the required distance — the examiner will note that the restriction is no longer needed.
You do not need to renew your entire license to remove the restriction. The DPS can issue you a corrected license card on the spot or mail it to you, depending on the office location and their current procedures. There is typically no additional fee for this correction beyond the standard license renewal fee if your license is not yet due for renewal.
If you have had vision correction surgery such as LASIK or PRK, this is the right time to request a vision test. Many people who have had these procedures no longer need glasses or contacts and can have Restriction G removed.
What happens if you drive without your corrective lenses
If a police officer stops you and discovers you are driving without your glasses or contacts while Restriction G is on your license, you can be cited for violating your license restrictions. This is a separate violation from any other traffic offense you might have committed.
The penalty for driving without required corrective lenses varies but typically includes a fine. In some cases, it can also result in points on your driving record, which can affect your insurance rates. Repeat violations can lead to more serious consequences.
The best approach is to keep your glasses or contacts in your vehicle at all times. If you wear contacts, keep a backup pair of glasses in the car as well in case your contacts tear or become uncomfortable during the day.
Other common Texas driver's license restrictions
Restriction G is just one of many restrictions Texas can place on a driver's license. Other restrictions include Restriction B (automatic transmission only), Restriction D (daylight driving only), and Restriction E (no freeway driving). Each restriction addresses a specific safety concern or medical condition.
If you have multiple restrictions, they will all appear on your license card. For example, you might have both Restriction G (corrective lenses) and Restriction D (daylight driving only) if your vision and other factors warrant both.
You can learn about other restrictions and what they mean by visiting the Texas Department of Public Safety website or asking at your local DPS office when you renew your license.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will Restriction G prevent me from getting a commercial driver's license?
No, Restriction G does not prevent you from obtaining a commercial driver's license. However, you must still meet the vision requirements for a CDL, and if you need correction to do so, the restriction will appear on your CDL as well. You should discuss this with the DPS examiner when you explore for a commercial license.
Can I drive at night with Restriction G?
Yes, Restriction G does not limit when you can drive. It only requires that you wear corrective lenses. You can drive at night, during the day, or at any time as long as you are wearing your glasses or contacts. If you also have Restriction D (daylight driving only), that would be a separate limitation.
What if I lost my glasses and need to drive?
If you have Restriction G and lose your glasses, you should not drive until you have a replacement pair or your contacts. Driving without your required correction is a violation of your license restrictions. If you need glasses urgently, many optical retailers can provide same-day service for basic prescriptions.
Do I need to tell the DPS if my vision improves?
You do not need to report an improvement in your vision, but you can request a vision test at any time to see if Restriction G can be removed. You do not have to wait until your license renewal. straightforward visit a DPS office and ask for a vision screening.
Can contact lenses satisfy Restriction G?
Yes, contact lenses satisfy Restriction G just as glasses do. The restriction requires corrective lenses, and it does not specify whether they must be glasses or contacts. Either form of correction meets the requirement.