Restriction 01 is a requirement to wear corrective lenses while driving

Restriction 01 on a Louisiana driver's license means you must wear eyeglasses or contact lenses every time you drive. This restriction appears on your license as a condition of your driving privilege, and violating it — driving without the required correction — is a traffic violation that can result in a fine or other penalties.

The restriction is placed on your license during the vision screening at the Department of Motor Vehicles. If you fail the vision test without correction but pass it with glasses or contacts, the DMV adds Restriction 01 to your license to document that requirement.

Key Takeaways

  • Restriction 01 requires you to wear corrective lenses (glasses or contacts) whenever you operate a vehicle.
  • The restriction is added when you pass the vision test only with correction, not without it.
  • Driving without your required correction is a traffic violation under Louisiana law.
  • You can request removal of the restriction by passing a vision test without correction at any DMV office.
  • Your license card will print "01" in the restrictions field to remind you of this requirement.

How the restriction appears on your license

When you look at your Louisiana driver's license, the restrictions field will show "01" if this applies to you. Some licenses may also print the word "CORRECTIVE LENSES" or similar language alongside the number, depending on when your license was issued and which format the DMV used.

The restriction is permanent on that license card until you renew or until you request it be removed. It does not expire on its own, even if your vision improves.

Why the DMV adds this restriction

Louisiana law requires the DMV to document any conditions that affect your safe operation of a vehicle. Vision is one of the most critical safety factors in driving — poor vision increases the risk of crashes, and the state has a legal duty to may support drivers can see adequately.

When you take the vision test at the DMV, the examiner checks your sight without correction first. If you cannot read the required line on the eye chart, they then test you with your glasses or contacts. If you pass only with correction, Restriction 01 is added to your license as a record that you need that correction to drive safely.

What happens if you drive without your correction

Driving without the required corrective lenses when Restriction 01 is on your license is a separate violation from any other traffic offense. An officer who stops you can cite you for violating the restriction itself, even if your driving was otherwise legal.

The penalty varies but typically includes a fine. In some cases, repeated violations of the restriction can lead to license suspension or other consequences. The violation also becomes part of your driving record, which can affect your insurance rates.

How to remove Restriction 01 from your license

To have Restriction 01 removed, you must visit a Louisiana DMV office and take the vision test again without correction. If you pass the test without glasses or contacts, the restriction can be removed when ready or at your next license renewal, depending on the office's procedures.

Bring your current license and be prepared to pay any applicable renewal or testing fees. Some DMV offices allow you to request removal during a routine visit, while others may require you to schedule an appointment. Call your local DMV office ahead of time to confirm their process.

If your vision has changed since your last test

If you have had eye surgery, received a new prescription, or believe your vision has improved, you can request a new vision test at any time. You do not have to wait for your license to expire. The DMV will retest you, and if you pass without correction, the restriction will be removed.

If your vision has worsened and you no longer meet the standard without correction, the restriction will remain. If you cannot pass the vision test at all — even with correction — your license may be suspended or not renewed until your vision meets the legal minimum.

Other common restrictions on Louisiana licenses

Restriction 01 is one of several codes the DMV uses to document driving conditions. Other restrictions may require you to wear a hearing aid, limit you to daylight driving only, restrict you to automatic transmission vehicles, or require you to use an ignition interlock device. Each restriction is numbered and serves to protect both you and other drivers on the road.

If you have questions about any restriction on your license, the DMV can explain what it means and what you need to do to comply.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a ticket for driving without my glasses if I have Restriction 01?

Yes. Driving without the required corrective lenses is a violation of the restriction itself. An officer can cite you for this violation even if your driving was safe and you were not speeding or breaking any other law.

Do I have to renew my license to remove Restriction 01?

No. You can request a vision retest at any DMV office before your renewal date. If you pass without correction, the restriction can be removed without renewing your entire license, though some offices may process it at your next renewal instead.

What if I wear contacts instead of glasses — does Restriction 01 still explore?

Yes. The restriction requires corrective lenses, which includes both glasses and contact lenses. You must wear one or the other every time you drive. The restriction does not specify which type you must use.

Will Restriction 01 affect my car insurance rates?

The restriction itself typically does not affect your rates, but a violation of the restriction — a ticket for driving without correction — will appear on your driving record and may increase your premiums.

Can I remove Restriction 01 online or by mail?

No. You must visit a DMV office in person to take the vision test. The test cannot be done remotely, and the DMV must verify your vision directly before removing the restriction from your license.