The 4ALS code indicates you have corrective lenses restrictions on your Ohio driver's license
The code 4ALS on your Ohio driver's license means you are required to wear corrective lenses — glasses or contact lenses — whenever you drive. The "4" is Ohio's restriction code for vision correction, and "ALS" stands for "any lens system." This restriction appears in the "Restrictions" section of your license, usually printed as a small code rather than spelled out in full text.
Ohio's Bureau of Motor Vehicles adds this restriction during the licensing process when your vision test shows you need correction to meet the state's minimum vision standard. The restriction is legally binding: driving without your corrective lenses when this code is on your license is a violation, even if you feel you can see well enough without them.
Key Takeaways
- The 4ALS code means you must wear glasses or contact lenses every time you drive, not just for highway driving or certain conditions.
- Ohio assigns this restriction based on your vision screening at the license bureau, using a standard acuity test.
- Driving without correction when 4ALS is on your license can result in a traffic citation and points on your driving record.
- You can request a vision retest at any Ohio BMV office if you believe your vision has improved or if you want to remove the restriction.
How Ohio's vision testing works at the license bureau
When you renew your license or explore for a new one in Ohio, the BMV staff member administers a vision screening using a standard eye chart or electronic vision tester. You read letters or symbols at a specified distance, typically 20 feet. Ohio's minimum standard is 20/40 vision in each eye, or 20/30 in one eye and 20/60 in the other, with or without correction.
If your uncorrected vision falls below that threshold but you can meet the standard with glasses or contacts, the examiner will note that you need correction and add the 4ALS restriction to your license. The restriction does not specify which type of lens — glasses, contacts, or both — so you may use whichever works for you, as long as you are wearing something.
What 4ALS means for your driving privileges
With a 4ALS restriction, you are legally required to wear your corrective lenses during all driving, not just highway driving or night driving. This includes short trips around town, parking lot maneuvers, and any situation where you are behind the wheel. The restriction is absolute and does not have exceptions for familiar routes or daylight hours.
If a police officer stops you and notices you are not wearing glasses or contacts, or if you are involved in an accident and the officer determines you were driving without correction, you can be cited for violating your license restrictions. This violation typically results in points added to your driving record and may affect your insurance rates.
How to remove or modify the 4ALS restriction
If your vision has improved — for example, through surgery, new glasses, or a change in your prescription — you can request a vision retest at any Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles office. Bring your current license and be prepared to pay a small retest fee, which varies by county but is typically under $10. The examiner will run the same vision screening used during your original license process.
If you pass the retest without correction, the 4ALS restriction will be removed from your license. If you still need correction but your vision has improved enough to meet the standard without it, the restriction is also removed. If you still need correction, the restriction remains, but you will receive a new license card reflecting the current date.
You do not need an eye doctor's letter or prescription to request a retest — the BMV conducts its own screening. However, if you have had recent eye surgery or a significant prescription change, bringing documentation from your eye care provider can speed up the process and give the examiner context for your retest.
Other vision-related codes on Ohio licenses
Ohio uses several restriction codes related to vision and driving. The code 4 by itself (without ALS) means corrective lenses are required. The code 8 indicates you must wear a corrective lens in only one eye. Some older licenses may show B for "corrective lenses," which is an older notation for the same restriction as 4ALS.
If your license shows a different code — such as codes related to medical conditions, vehicle type, or other restrictions — those operate independently of the 4ALS vision requirement. You must follow all restrictions listed on your license.
What happens if you ignore the 4ALS restriction
Driving without your corrective lenses when 4ALS is on your license is a primary offense in Ohio, meaning an officer can stop you specifically for that violation. The citation is typically classified as a minor misdemeanor, which carries a fine and points on your driving record. Points can increase your insurance premiums and may contribute to license suspension if you accumulate too many violations in a short period.
If you are involved in an accident and the police report notes that you were not wearing correction, your insurance company may use that fact to deny a claim or reduce your coverage. Some insurers also review driving records during renewal and may increase your rates based on restriction violations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive with contacts instead of glasses if my license says 4ALS?
Yes. The ALS in 4ALS means "any lens system," so you can wear glasses, contacts, or either one. You just need to be wearing some form of corrective lens whenever you drive. You do not need to notify the BMV about which type you use.
Do I need to renew my license if I get new glasses?
No. The 4ALS restriction stays on your license regardless of changes to your prescription or glasses. You only need to renew your license when it expires or if you want to remove the restriction through a vision retest.
What if I lost my glasses and I am driving with the 4ALS restriction?
You should not drive without your corrective lenses if 4ALS is on your license. If you have lost or broken your glasses, wait until you can replace them or use contacts. Driving without correction is a violation and puts you and others at risk.
How much does a vision retest cost in Ohio?
The fee varies by county but is typically under $10. Contact your local Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles office for the exact fee in your area. Some counties may waive the fee if you are retesting due to a recent eye surgery or medical procedure.
Will the 4ALS restriction show up on background checks or insurance forms?
The restriction appears on your driver's license and in Ohio's driving record system. Insurance companies can see it when they review your license, and some may ask about it during the process process. It is not a criminal record and does not appear on general background checks.