Restriction 9 prohibits you from driving a vehicle with an automatic transmission
Restriction 9 on a North Carolina driver's license means you are only permitted to operate vehicles with a manual (stick shift) transmission. If your license carries this restriction, you cannot legally drive an automatic transmission vehicle, even if you are otherwise licensed to drive.
This restriction appears on your license as a code printed in the restrictions section. North Carolina's Division of Motor Vehicles assigns it based on the type of vehicle you used during your driving test or based on medical or physical limitations documented during the licensing process.
The restriction is permanent unless you request removal by retesting or providing updated medical documentation to the DMV. It applies every time you drive, regardless of the reason or distance.
Key Takeaways
- Restriction 9 limits you to manual transmission vehicles only and appears as a code on your physical license card.
- The restriction is typically assigned when you pass your driving test in a manual transmission vehicle or when the DMV documents a physical condition that requires manual transmission operation.
- Driving an automatic transmission vehicle while this restriction is on your license is a violation and can result in a traffic citation.
- You can request removal by retesting in an automatic transmission vehicle or by submitting medical documentation showing the restriction is no longer necessary.
How Restriction 9 gets placed on your license
North Carolina assigns Restriction 9 in two main situations. The first is when you take and pass your driving test in a manual transmission vehicle. The DMV records the transmission type of the test vehicle, and if it is manual, the restriction is added to your license to match your demonstrated driving experience.
The second situation involves a medical or physical condition. If you have a documented condition—such as a leg injury, mobility limitation, or neurological issue—that makes automatic transmission operation safer or necessary, your physician or the DMV medical review unit may recommend or require this restriction. In this case, the restriction protects both you and other drivers by ensuring you operate only the vehicle type you are physically able to control safely.
When you renew your license, the restriction carries forward unless you take action to remove it.
What you cannot do with Restriction 9
With Restriction 9 on your license, you cannot legally operate any vehicle with an automatic transmission. This includes rental cars, borrowed vehicles, company vehicles, and personal vehicles. The restriction applies regardless of the vehicle's size, purpose, or how short the drive is.
If a law enforcement officer stops you while driving an automatic transmission vehicle and sees Restriction 9 on your license, you can be cited for violating the terms of your license. The citation is typically classified as a moving violation and can result in a fine, points on your driving record, and potential insurance rate increases.
The restriction also affects your ability to take a commercial driver's license (CDL) test or certain professional driving roles that require operation of automatic transmission vehicles.
How to remove Restriction 9 from your license
The most direct way to remove Restriction 9 is to retake your driving test in an automatic transmission vehicle at a North Carolina DMV office. You will need to schedule a road test appointment, bring a vehicle with automatic transmission, and pass the test. Once you pass, the restriction is removed and your license is updated.
If the restriction was placed due to a medical or physical condition, you can also request removal by submitting updated medical documentation to the DMV. Your physician must provide a statement indicating that the condition no longer requires the restriction or that your condition has improved enough to safely operate an automatic transmission vehicle. Send this documentation to the North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles Medical Review Unit.
You do not need to renew your license to remove the restriction. The DMV can update your record and issue a replacement license card with the restriction removed. There is a fee for a replacement license, which varies but is typically under $10.
Retesting for automatic transmission vehicles
To schedule a road test, contact your local DMV office or use the North Carolina DMV website to book an appointment online. You will need to bring a valid form of identification, proof of insurance for the test vehicle, and the automatic transmission vehicle itself. The test follows the same format as a standard driving test and covers basic vehicle control, traffic law knowledge, and safe driving practices.
The test examiner will specifically evaluate your ability to operate the automatic transmission vehicle safely. If you pass, the examiner documents this on your record, and you receive a replacement license without Restriction 9. If you do not pass, you can schedule another test after a waiting period set by the DMV.
Many people find the automatic transmission test easier than the manual transmission test because automatic vehicles require less coordination between the clutch and accelerator. However, you must still demonstrate safe vehicle control and knowledge of traffic laws.
Medical documentation route for restriction removal
If your restriction was based on a medical condition and that condition has changed, gather documentation from your healthcare provider. The statement should clearly indicate what the original condition was, how it has improved, and why you can now safely operate an automatic transmission vehicle.
Mail this documentation to the North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles, Medical Review Unit, 1100 New Bern Avenue, Raleigh, NC 27697. Include a copy of your driver's license or license number so the DMV can match the documentation to your record. The review process typically takes two to four weeks.
If the DMV approves your request based on the medical documentation, they will send you a notice and issue a replacement license. If they deny the request, they will explain the reason and may ask for additional information or a medical examination.
What happens if you drive with Restriction 9 violated
Driving an automatic transmission vehicle while Restriction 9 is on your license is a moving violation in North Carolina. A law enforcement officer can cite you during a traffic stop, and the violation appears on your driving record.
The consequences include a fine (amount varies by jurisdiction), points added to your driving record, and a record of the violation that insurance companies can see. Multiple violations can lead to license suspension or revocation. Additionally, if you are involved in an accident while driving in violation of your license restrictions, your insurance company may deny a claim or use the violation as grounds to cancel your policy.
The violation also affects your ability to challenge other traffic citations or insurance decisions, because it demonstrates you were not operating within the terms of your license.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive someone else's automatic transmission car if I have Restriction 9?
No. Restriction 9 applies to all vehicles you operate, regardless of ownership. Driving any automatic transmission vehicle while the restriction is on your license is a violation, whether the vehicle belongs to you, a family member, or a rental company.
Will Restriction 9 affect my insurance rates?
The restriction itself does not typically affect your rates, but a citation for violating the restriction will. If you are cited for driving an automatic transmission vehicle with Restriction 9 on your license, that moving violation can increase your premiums.
How long does it take to get Restriction 9 removed after I pass a retesting?
You receive your updated license when ready after passing the road test, though the physical replacement card may take one to two weeks to arrive by mail. You can request a temporary license document on the spot if you need proof before the card arrives.
What if I got Restriction 9 because of a medical condition that is now permanent?
If your condition is permanent and requires manual transmission operation, the restriction should remain on your license. Do not attempt to remove it if the underlying condition has not changed. Doing so and then driving an automatic transmission vehicle could result in a violation and safety risk.
Can I appeal a denial of restriction removal?
Yes. If the DMV denies your request for removal based on medical documentation, you can request a hearing before the DMV Medical Review Board. Contact the Medical Review Unit for the appeal process and timeline, which typically takes several weeks.