A restriction on your driver's license limits what you can legally drive or when you can drive it
A restriction is a condition placed on your driver's license that narrows the circumstances under which you can legally operate a vehicle. Unlike a suspension or revocation, which take your license away entirely, a restriction lets you keep your license but requires you to follow specific rules. The restriction appears on your license itself — usually printed as a code or letter — and is tied to your driving record in the state's system.
Restrictions exist because you have demonstrated a need for extra oversight: you may have a medical condition that requires monitoring, you may have caused an accident that suggests you need certain safeguards, or you may have violated traffic laws in a way that calls for limits rather than a full ban. The state issues the restriction to protect you and other drivers while still allowing you to drive under controlled conditions.
If you drive outside the bounds of your restriction — for example, driving without the required corrective lenses when your license says you must wear them — you are breaking the law. That violation can result in a ticket, fine, points on your record, or even license suspension. It is treated as a separate offense from whatever caused the restriction in the first place.
Key Takeaways
- A restriction limits how, when, or where you can drive, but does not take your license away entirely.
- Common restrictions include corrective lenses, automatic transmission only, daylight driving only, and ignition interlock devices.
- Restrictions are printed on your physical license and recorded in your state's driving record system.
- Violating a restriction can result in a ticket and additional penalties separate from the original reason for the restriction.
- You can request removal of a restriction once you meet the conditions the state set, though the process and timeline vary by state and restriction type.
Common types of restrictions and what they mean
The most frequent restriction is corrective lenses — your license will say you must wear glasses or contact lenses whenever you drive. This restriction is issued when your vision does not meet the state's standard without correction. You must have your lenses with you every time you get behind the wheel; driving without them violates the restriction even if your vision is otherwise fine.
Automatic transmission only means you can only drive vehicles with automatic transmissions, not manual (stick shift). This restriction is usually placed on drivers who have a physical disability or medical condition that makes operating a manual transmission unsafe. Driving a manual vehicle when this restriction is on your license is a violation.
Daylight driving only restricts you to driving during daylight hours — typically sunrise to sunset or a set time window like 5 a.m. to 8 p.m. This restriction is sometimes placed on older drivers or those with certain vision or cognitive conditions. Driving at night when this restriction is active is illegal.
Ignition interlock device (IID) requires you to have a breath-testing device installed in your vehicle. You must blow into the device before the engine will start, and it periodically tests your breath while you drive. This restriction is typically ordered after a DUI or DWI conviction. Tampering with, removing, or failing the device is a serious violation that can lead to license suspension.
Other restrictions may limit you to certain routes (such as driving only to and from work), require you to carry proof of insurance at all times, or restrict you from towing a trailer. Some states use letter or number codes on the license to indicate restrictions; others print them in plain language. Check your license or your state's DMV website to understand what code or notation means.
How restrictions appear on your license and in state records
When you receive a license with a restriction, the restriction is printed on the physical card itself. On many modern licenses, restrictions appear in a dedicated section or as a code — for example, "B" for corrective lenses, "E" for automatic transmission only. Some states print the full text of the restriction; others use abbreviations that you can look up on the DMV website.
The restriction is also recorded in your state's driver record database, which law enforcement can access during a traffic stop. If an officer pulls you over and runs your license, they will see the restriction and can verify whether you are complying with it. For example, if you have a daylight-only restriction and are stopped at night, the officer will know when ready that you are violating the restriction.
When you renew your license, the restriction carries forward unless you have met the conditions to have it removed. Some restrictions are temporary and automatically expire after a set period; others remain until you take specific action to remove them. Your state's DMV can tell you whether your restriction is permanent, temporary, or conditional.
Why restrictions are issued instead of suspension or revocation
A restriction is a middle ground between allowing you to drive freely and taking your license away. The state uses restrictions when it believes you can drive safely under certain conditions, but not under all conditions. This approach balances public safety with your need to drive — for work, medical appointments, or other essential purposes.
For medical or physical conditions, a restriction acknowledges that you can drive but need safeguards. Corrective lenses or automatic transmission restrictions allow people with vision or mobility issues to drive safely. For behavioral violations like a DUI, an ignition interlock device lets you keep your license while ensuring you cannot drive under the influence.
Restrictions also give you a path forward. Unlike a suspension, which is temporary but removes your license entirely, or a revocation, which is often permanent, a restriction lets you drive while you work toward removing it. This is especially important for people whose jobs depend on driving or who live in areas with limited public transportation.
How to find out what restrictions are on your license
The easiest way to check your restrictions is to look at your physical driver's license. Most states print restrictions on the front or back of the card, either in plain language or as a code. If you see a code you do not recognize, your state's DMV website has a key that explains what each code means.
You can also check your driving record through your state's DMV website. Most states allow you to view your record online for a small fee, or you can request a copy by mail or in person at a DMV office. Your official driving record will list all restrictions, suspensions, violations, and points on your license.
If you are unsure whether you have a restriction or what it means, contact your state's DMV directly. You can call, visit in person, or use the online chat or email option many states now offer. Having clarity on your restrictions is important because violating one can result in additional penalties.
What happens if you violate a restriction
Driving outside the bounds of your restriction is a separate traffic violation. If you are stopped and found to be violating a restriction, you can receive a ticket, fine, and points added to your driving record. The severity of the penalty depends on the restriction and your state's laws.
For example, driving without corrective lenses when your license requires them might result in a $50 to $200 fine and a few points. Driving at night when you have a daylight-only restriction could be treated more seriously, especially if you cause an accident. Tampering with or failing an ignition interlock device can lead to license suspension or additional criminal charges.
Violations can also trigger license suspension or revocation. If you accumulate too many points from restriction violations, your license may be suspended. In some cases, repeated violations of a restriction can result in the restriction being upgraded to a full suspension or revocation.
How to request removal of a restriction
The process for removing a restriction depends on the type of restriction and the reason it was placed. Some restrictions are temporary and expire automatically; others require you to take action.
For medical restrictions like corrective lenses or automatic transmission only, you typically need to pass a new medical or vision test. Contact your state's DMV to find out what test or documentation is required. You may need to visit a doctor or eye specialist, have them complete a form, and submit it to the DMV. Once the DMV verifies that you no longer need the restriction, it will be removed from your license at your next renewal or upon request.
For restrictions related to violations — such as an ignition interlock device after a DUI — the removal process is usually set by the court or the state's sentencing guidelines. You must complete the required time period (often 6 months to 2 years) and meet any other conditions, such as completing a substance abuse program. Once you have met all conditions, you can petition the DMV or the court to have the restriction removed.
Some restrictions can be removed when ready if circumstances change. For example, if you have a restriction because you are under a certain age, it will be automatically removed when you reach that age. Check with your DMV about the specific timeline and process for your restriction.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive someone else's car if I have a restriction?
Your restriction applies to you, not to the vehicle. If your restriction is corrective lenses, you must wear them in any car you drive. If your restriction is automatic transmission only, you cannot drive a manual car regardless of whose it is. The restriction follows your license, not the vehicle.
Will a restriction show up on my insurance or affect my rates?
Your insurance company can see your driving record, which includes restrictions. Some restrictions — particularly those related to violations like DUI — may increase your insurance rates. Others, like corrective lenses, typically do not. Contact your insurance company to ask how a specific restriction affects your policy.
Do I have to tell my employer about a restriction on my license?
If your job involves driving, your employer may require you to report restrictions or may discover them through a background check. Some restrictions, like daylight-only driving, could make you ineligible for certain driving jobs. Check your employment contract or ask your employer about their policy on license restrictions.
Can a restriction be placed on my license without my knowledge?
Restrictions are typically placed as part of a court order, DMV decision, or medical evaluation that you are aware of. However, if you miss a court date or fail to respond to a DMV notice, a restriction could be placed without your direct involvement. Always respond to official notices from the court or DMV.
What is the difference between a restriction and a suspension?
A restriction lets you keep your license but limits how you can use it. A suspension temporarily takes your license away entirely — you cannot drive at all. A restriction is less severe and usually allows you to continue driving under specific conditions.