Restriction A is a corrective lens requirement that means you must wear glasses or contact lenses whenever you drive
If your driver's license shows Restriction A, you are required by law to wear corrective lenses — glasses or contact lenses — every time you operate a vehicle. This restriction appears on your license because your vision does not meet the state's uncorrected vision standard, but does meet it when corrected. Driving without your lenses while this restriction is active is a violation and can result in a ticket, fine, or license suspension.
The restriction is placed there during your vision screening at the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or equivalent agency in your state. An eye exam or vision test showed that your uncorrected vision falls below the legal threshold — typically 20/40 or worse in one or both eyes — but that corrective lenses bring you to the required standard, usually 20/40 or better. States use this system to may support safe driving while allowing people with correctable vision problems to hold a license.
Key Takeaways
- Restriction A means you must wear glasses or contact lenses every time you drive, and driving without them is a traffic violation.
- The restriction is placed on your license after a vision test shows your uncorrected sight is below the state's legal standard but correctable.
- You can remove the restriction by passing a new vision test without correction, though this is rare for people whose vision naturally requires correction.
- If you lose or damage your glasses while driving, you should pull over safely and not continue driving until you can wear your lenses again.
- Different states use slightly different vision thresholds and may label restrictions differently, so check your state's DMV handbook for exact rules.
How the restriction gets placed on your license
When you take your vision test at the DMV, the examiner tests your sight both with and without correction. If your uncorrected vision is below the legal standard for your state but your corrected vision meets it, the examiner will add Restriction A to your license. You will see this noted in the restrictions section of your physical license card or in your digital license record.
The threshold varies slightly by state. Most states require 20/40 vision or better in at least one eye to drive without restriction. Some states are stricter and require 20/30. A few allow 20/50 with correction. When you renew your license, the DMV will test your vision again. If your corrected vision still does not meet the uncorrected standard, the restriction will remain on your new license.
What happens if you drive without your lenses
Driving with Restriction A on your license but without wearing your glasses or contacts is a traffic violation. If a police officer pulls you over and you cannot produce your lenses, you can be cited. The penalty varies by state but typically includes a fine ranging from $50 to $200, and in some states a point on your driving record.
More importantly, driving without correction when your vision requires it puts you and others at risk. Your ability to read road signs, see pedestrians, and judge distance decreases significantly. Insurance companies may also deny a claim if an accident occurs and you were driving in violation of a license restriction.
Removing Restriction A from your license
To remove Restriction A, you must return to the DMV and pass a new vision test without wearing any correction. This means your uncorrected vision must meet your state's legal standard on its own. For most people with myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), or astigmatism, this is not possible without surgery.
If you have had refractive surgery such as LASIK or PRK that corrected your vision permanently, you can take a new vision test without lenses. If you pass, the restriction will be removed from your license at your next renewal or when ready if you request it. Some states allow you to remove the restriction sooner than your renewal date by visiting the DMV and paying a small fee for a vision retest.
Other common license restrictions and what they mean
Restriction A is one of several vision-related restrictions. Restriction B means you must wear corrective lenses and also limits you to daytime driving only — you cannot drive at night. Restriction C typically means you must wear corrective lenses and cannot drive on highways or limited-access roads. Some states use different letters or descriptions for the same restrictions, so check your state's DMV handbook to understand what each code means on your specific license.
Non-vision restrictions also exist. Restrictions may require you to use an automatic transmission, drive only within a certain distance of your home, use a hearing aid, or display a medical alert placard. These are placed on your license based on medical conditions or physical limitations identified during the licensing process.
What to do if you lose or damage your glasses while driving
If your glasses break or you lose them while you are behind the wheel, you should pull over to a safe location as soon as possible and stop driving. Continuing to drive without your required correction is a violation and unsafe. Call someone to pick you up, use a ride service, or wait until you can replace or repair your lenses before driving again.
Keep a backup pair of glasses in your vehicle if you rely on them for driving. Some people keep an older prescription pair as a backup, or a second pair in the glove compartment. This reduces the risk of being stranded or tempted to drive without correction if your primary pair is damaged.
How Restriction A affects insurance and vehicle registration
Your insurance company does not need to know about Restriction A specifically, but they may ask during the process process whether you have any license restrictions. Answer honestly. If you cause an accident while driving in violation of your restriction, the insurance company may use that violation to deny your claim or cancel your policy.
Vehicle registration itself is not affected by Restriction A. You can register a vehicle normally. However, if you are stopped by police and found to be driving without your required lenses, the officer may cite you for both the vision restriction violation and potentially for reckless driving, depending on the circumstances and your state's laws.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive with contacts instead of glasses if my restriction says glasses?
Restriction A does not specify glasses or contacts — it requires corrective lenses. Contact lenses count as correction. You can wear either glasses or contacts as long as your vision is corrected to the legal standard while driving.
Will Restriction A prevent me from getting a commercial driver's license?
No, but you will need to meet the vision standard for commercial driving, which is often stricter than for regular licenses. You can still hold a commercial license with a vision correction restriction, though the restriction will be noted on your commercial license as well.
Do I have to tell my employer about Restriction A?
If your job involves driving as part of your duties, your employer may ask to see your license. You are not required to disclose the restriction unless your employer specifically asks about it or requires a copy of your license. However, if you are hired to drive and the job requires an unrestricted license, you should know that before accepting the position.
What if I got Restriction A years ago and my vision has changed?
You can request a vision retest at the DMV at any time, not just at renewal. If your vision has improved enough to meet the uncorrected standard, the restriction can be removed. If your vision has worsened, you may need a stronger prescription, but the restriction itself will remain.
Is Restriction A the same in every state?
Most states use Restriction A for corrective lens requirements, but the exact vision thresholds and how restrictions are labeled can vary. Check your state's DMV handbook or website to understand the specific rules in your state, especially if you move or travel across state lines.