RSTR is a restriction code that limits how or where you can drive
RSTR on your driver's license means you have a restriction — a rule about the conditions under which you're allowed to drive. It's not a violation or a mark against you. It's a condition printed on your license that tells police officers, insurance companies, and you what you can and cannot do behind the wheel.
The exact restriction depends on what your state's DMV decided you need. Some RSTR codes mean you can only drive during daylight hours. Others mean you must wear corrective lenses, use an automatic transmission, or drive only on certain roads. Your license will show the specific code — usually a letter or number — that corresponds to the restriction in your state's handbook.
Restrictions are different from endorsements (which add driving privileges, like the right to haul hazardous materials) and suspensions (which take away your license entirely). A restriction lets you keep driving, but only under specific circumstances.
Key Takeaways
- RSTR codes vary by state, so the same code in one state may mean something different in another state.
- Common restrictions include daylight-only driving, corrective lenses required, automatic transmission only, and no highway driving.
- You can find what your specific RSTR code means by checking your state's DMV handbook or calling your local DMV office.
- Driving outside the terms of your restriction can result in a traffic citation, even if you are otherwise a safe driver.
Why your license has a restriction
Your state's DMV placed a restriction on your license for one of several reasons. You may have failed a vision test but passed with corrective lenses, so the DMV requires you to wear glasses or contacts whenever you drive. You may have a medical condition that requires an automatic transmission, or you may have been ordered by a court to drive only during daylight hours as part of a DUI sentence.
Some restrictions come from your own request — for example, if you want to limit yourself to automatic transmission vehicles while learning to drive a manual. Others are mandatory based on your age, test results, or a court order. Either way, the restriction stays on your license until the DMV removes it, which usually happens when the underlying reason no longer applies.
Common RSTR codes and what they mean
Each state uses its own codes, so you must check your state's DMV handbook to know for certain what your code means. However, some restrictions appear in many states:
- Corrective lenses required: You must wear glasses or contacts every time you drive.
- Daylight driving only: You cannot drive between sunset and sunrise.
- Automatic transmission only: You can only drive vehicles with automatic transmissions, not manual.
- No highway driving: You are limited to local roads and cannot use interstate highways.
- Ignition interlock device: Your vehicle must have a device that tests your breath before the engine starts.
- Right side mirror required: Your vehicle must have a right side mirror in working order.
Your license will show the code — often a single letter or number — next to the word "RSTR" or in a restrictions box. If you do not know what your code means, look it up in your state's DMV handbook, which is free and available online, or call your local DMV office and give them the code.
How to find out what your specific code means
The fastest way is to check your state's DMV handbook, which lists every restriction code and its meaning. You can read it free from your state's DMV website or pick up a printed copy at any DMV office. Search for "restrictions" or "RSTR" in the handbook's index.
If you cannot find it in the handbook, call your state's DMV customer service line and tell them your code. They can tell you exactly what it means and answer questions about how it affects your driving. Have your license in front of you when you call so you can read the code accurately.
You can also ask a police officer during a traffic stop, though that is not the ideal time to learn about your own license. Your insurance company may also have a record of your restrictions, since they affect your coverage and rates.
What happens if you drive outside your restriction
Driving in violation of a restriction — for example, driving at night when your license says daylight only, or driving without your required glasses — is a traffic violation. You can be cited and fined, and the violation goes on your driving record. It may also increase your insurance rates and could lead to license suspension if you accumulate multiple violations.
The officer does not have to prove you were unsafe; the violation itself is the offense. Even if you drove perfectly and caused no accident, you broke the law by ignoring the restriction on your license.
How to get a restriction removed
The process depends on why the restriction was placed. If it was for vision, you can usually get it removed by passing a vision test at the DMV without the corrective lenses. If it was for a medical condition, you may need a doctor's letter saying the condition no longer applies. If it was court-ordered, you may need to petition the court to lift it, or it may automatically expire on a set date.
Contact your state's DMV and ask what documentation you need to remove your specific restriction. They will tell you whether you need a test, a letter, a court order, or straightforward the passage of time. Some restrictions are temporary and expire automatically; others stay until you take action.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does RSTR mean I have a bad driving record?
No. A restriction is a condition on your license, not a mark of a bad record. Many safe drivers have restrictions — for example, anyone who needs glasses to see clearly will have a corrective lenses restriction. It straightforward means you have a condition that requires you to follow certain rules when you drive.
Can I drive someone else's car if I have a restriction?
Only if the restriction applies to you, not to the vehicle. For example, if your restriction is corrective lenses required, you can drive any car as long as you wear your glasses. If your restriction is automatic transmission only, you cannot drive a manual transmission car, even if it belongs to someone else.
Will my insurance company know about my restriction?
Yes. Insurance companies can see your driving record, which includes restrictions. Some restrictions may affect your rates or coverage. Tell your insurance company about any new restrictions so they have accurate information.
What if I lost my license and got a new one — do restrictions carry over?
Usually yes, unless the reason for the restriction no longer applies. When you renew or replace your license, the DMV will print the same restrictions unless you have had them removed. If you believe a restriction should no longer be there, ask the DMV to review it before you leave the office.