5DD is a medical restriction code that tells law enforcement you have a condition requiring corrective lenses

The code 5DD on your Florida driver's license means you must wear corrective lenses — glasses or contact lenses — whenever you drive. It is one of several restriction codes the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles uses to note conditions that affect your ability to drive safely.

When an officer pulls you over, they can see this code on your license. If you are driving without the required glasses or contacts, you are violating the terms of your license, even if you can technically see the road. This is treated as a separate violation from the underlying vision issue.

The code appears in the "Restrictions" section of your license, usually printed as a small number or letter code. You will see it on the physical card itself and in the Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles database if your record is checked.

Key Takeaways

  • 5DD means you are required by law to wear glasses or contact lenses every time you drive in Florida.
  • The restriction is based on your vision test results at the time you renewed or first obtained your license.
  • Driving without corrective lenses when 5DD is on your license is a separate traffic violation, even if you can see adequately without them.
  • You can request a vision retest if your eyesight has improved and you no longer need correction.

How the restriction gets added to your license

The 5DD code is added during your vision screening at the Department of Motor Vehicles. When you renew your license or take a vision test, the examiner checks your eyesight with and without correction. If you fail the uncorrected vision test but pass with glasses or contacts, the examiner adds the 5DD restriction to your license.

You do not have to do anything special to get this code — it is automatic based on your test results. The examiner will tell you at the time of your test if a restriction is being placed on your license. Some people are surprised to see it later, particularly if they have worn glasses for years and did not think about it during the test.

What happens if you drive without your corrective lenses

Driving without the glasses or contacts required by your 5DD restriction is a traffic violation. An officer can cite you for this violation separately from any other infraction. The violation is usually treated as a non-moving violation, though the consequences depend on whether you were involved in an accident or other incident at the time.

If you are stopped and cannot produce your corrective lenses, you may be asked to pull over and wait for someone to bring them to you, or the officer may issue a citation. Repeated violations can affect your driving record and insurance rates.

How to remove or change the 5DD restriction

If your vision has improved and you no longer need corrective lenses, you can request a vision retest at any Florida Department of Motor Vehicles office. Bring your current license and be prepared to pay the retest fee, which varies by location but is typically a small amount.

During the retest, you will take the same vision screening you took when you first got the restriction. If you pass the uncorrected vision test, the examiner will remove the 5DD code from your license. You will receive an updated license in the mail within a few weeks.

If you still need correction but your prescription has changed significantly, you can also request a retest to may support your license reflects your current vision needs accurately.

Other common restriction codes on Florida licenses

5DD is one of several codes used on Florida driver's licenses. Other common restrictions include codes for automatic transmission only, daylight driving only, or hearing aid requirements. Each code appears in the same restrictions section and carries the same legal weight — violating any restriction is a traffic violation.

If you are unsure what any other code on your license means, you can contact your local Department of Motor Vehicles office or check the Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles website for a full list of restriction codes and their meanings.

Why corrective lens restrictions matter for your insurance

Insurance companies can see restriction codes on your driving record. If you have a 5DD restriction and are involved in an accident while not wearing your corrective lenses, your insurer may deny your claim or use the violation as grounds to raise your rates or cancel your policy.

Even if you are not in an accident, some insurers ask about restrictions during the underwriting process. Being honest about your 5DD restriction and confirming you always wear your lenses can help you avoid problems later.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive at night with a 5DD restriction?

Yes. The 5DD code does not restrict when you can drive — only that you must wear corrective lenses when you do. If you have a separate nighttime driving restriction, that would be listed as a different code on your license.

What if I lost my glasses and need to drive?

You should not drive without your corrective lenses if 5DD is on your license. If you have lost your glasses, contact your eye doctor or optometrist for an emergency replacement or temporary pair. If you absolutely must drive, contact a local Department of Motor Vehicles office about temporary options.

Do contact lenses count as corrective lenses for the 5DD restriction?

Yes. Contact lenses satisfy the 5DD requirement just as glasses do. You do not need to wear glasses specifically — the restriction only requires that you wear some form of vision correction.

How long does a vision retest take?

The vision screening itself takes about five to ten minutes. If you pass and the restriction is removed, you will receive an updated license in the mail within two to three weeks. You can continue driving with your current license during this time.

Will a 5DD restriction affect my ability to get a commercial driver's license?

A 5DD restriction on a regular driver's license does not automatically disqualify you from a commercial license. However, commercial driving has its own vision standards, and you will need to pass a separate vision test for a commercial license. Contact the Florida Department of Motor Vehicles for specific requirements.