REST is a restriction code that limits when and where you can drive
REST on your driver's license means your driving privileges are restricted to specific conditions — usually daylight hours, certain roads, or routes to and from work or medical appointments. It is not a suspension or revocation. You can still drive, but only under the terms the state has set.
The exact restrictions vary by state and by why the restriction was imposed. A REST code might mean you cannot drive between sunset and sunrise, or it might mean you can only drive to your job and back home. Some states use REST for drivers with medical conditions, vision problems, or as a step down from a full suspension.
The restriction appears on your license itself — usually printed on the back or in a separate section — so police can see it during a traffic stop. Driving outside the restriction (for example, driving at night when your license says daylight only) is a violation and can result in a ticket, points on your record, or license suspension.
Key Takeaways
- REST means your license is restricted to certain times, places, or conditions — you can still drive, but only under those limits.
- Common restrictions include daylight-only driving, driving only to work or medical appointments, or driving only on certain roads.
- The specific restriction is printed on your physical license, and violating it can result in a ticket or further license action.
- REST restrictions are imposed by your state's Department of Motor Vehicles or a court, usually for medical, vision, or safety reasons.
- You can request a review or removal of a REST restriction if your circumstances change, but the process and timeline depend on why it was imposed.
Why states impose REST restrictions
States use REST codes to keep drivers and the public safe while allowing people with certain limitations to drive under controlled conditions. Common reasons include vision problems that make night driving unsafe, medical conditions that affect reaction time or alertness, or a history of traffic violations that warrant supervised driving.
A driver with correctable vision issues might receive a restriction requiring corrective lenses and daylight-only driving. Someone with a seizure disorder might be restricted to local roads only. A young driver with multiple violations might be restricted to driving to school and work, with no passengers.
In some cases, a REST restriction is a middle ground between a full license and a suspension. If you have lost points on your record or had a serious violation, a court or the DMV might offer a restricted license as an alternative to losing your license entirely for a set period.
How REST restrictions appear on your license
The restriction code and its meaning are printed directly on your driver's license — usually on the back, in a section labeled "Restrictions" or "Conditions." The format varies by state. Some states use letter codes (like "B" for corrective lenses, "D" for daylight driving), while others spell out the restriction in plain language.
You should review your license when you receive it to confirm the restriction is correct. If the restriction is unclear or you believe it was added in error, contact your state's DMV when ready. Driving without knowing your restriction does not protect you if you are stopped — the officer will see it on your record.
When you renew your license, the DMV will review whether the restriction still applies. If your circumstances have changed — for example, your vision has improved or your medical condition is now managed — you can request that the restriction be removed at renewal time or earlier.
Driving outside your REST restrictions
Violating a REST restriction is a traffic offense. If you are stopped while driving outside your restriction — for instance, driving at night when your license says daylight only — you can receive a citation, points on your driving record, and a fine. The severity depends on your state and whether this is a repeat violation.
A single violation may result in a ticket and points. Multiple violations can lead to license suspension or revocation. Some states treat restriction violations more seriously than others, so check your state's traffic code or ask the DMV what the penalty is for your specific restriction.
If you are unsure whether a particular drive falls within your restriction, do not risk it. Contact your DMV to clarify the exact terms. For example, if your restriction says "work and medical appointments only," ask whether a trip to the grocery store on the way home from work is permitted, or whether you need to go directly home.
How to request removal or modification of a REST restriction
The process for removing a REST restriction depends on why it was imposed and your state's rules. If the restriction was based on a medical condition, you may need a letter from your doctor stating that the condition no longer affects your driving. If it was based on vision, you may need to pass a vision test or provide an updated eye exam.
Contact your state's DMV to learn the specific steps. Some states allow you to request a review at any time, while others require you to wait until your license renewal. A few states allow you to petition a court to remove the restriction if you can show changed circumstances.
If the restriction was imposed by a court as part of a sentence or probation, you may need to petition the court itself, not the DMV. Your attorney or the court's probation department can tell you the correct process and whether you are yet may be able to access to request removal.
REST restrictions for young and new drivers
Many states impose temporary REST restrictions on drivers under 18 or those with a learner's permit or provisional license. These might include restrictions on the number of passengers, nighttime driving, or use of cell phones. These restrictions are separate from medical or safety-based REST codes but appear on the license the same way.
Provisional license restrictions typically expire when you turn 18 or after you have held the license for a certain period without violations. Check your state's DMV website or your license itself to see when your restrictions will be removed automatically.
If you receive a violation while under a provisional or young-driver restriction, the DMV may extend the restriction period or impose additional limits. Driving cleanly during this period is the fastest way to regain full privileges.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does REST mean I cannot drive at all?
No. REST means you can drive, but only under specific conditions set by your state. You are not suspended or revoked. You must follow the restrictions on your license, but you retain your driving privileges within those limits.
Can I drive someone else's car if I have a REST restriction?
Yes, as long as you follow the restriction. The restriction applies to you, not to the vehicle. If your restriction is daylight-only, you cannot drive anyone's car at night. If it is work-only, you cannot use someone else's car for personal errands.
What happens if I get pulled over and the officer does not know about my REST restriction?
The officer will see the restriction on your license when they run it. If you are violating the restriction, you can still receive a citation. It is your responsibility to know and follow your restrictions, regardless of whether the officer is aware of them.
How long does a REST restriction last?
It depends on why the restriction was imposed. Some are temporary and expire automatically at a certain age or after a set period. Others remain until you request removal and meet the conditions (such as passing a vision test or providing medical clearance). Check your license or contact your DMV for the specific timeline.
Can I appeal a REST restriction if I disagree with it?
Yes, the process varies by state and by whether the restriction was imposed by the DMV or a court. If the DMV imposed it, you can usually request a hearing or review. If a court imposed it, you may need to petition the court. Contact your state's DMV or your attorney for the correct procedure.