Restriction A is a requirement to wear corrective lenses while driving
Restriction A on a Florida driver's license means you must wear eyeglasses or contact lenses every time you drive. The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) places this restriction on your license when the vision test during your exam shows you need correction to drive safely.
The restriction appears as a code on the back of your physical license card. It is not optional — driving without the required correction when Restriction A is on your license is a traffic violation. Law enforcement can cite you for it, and it may affect your insurance rates or claims if you are in an accident.
Restriction A is one of the most common restrictions issued in Florida. It does not limit where you can drive or what type of vehicle you can operate. It only requires that your vision be corrected to the standard the state considers safe.
Key Takeaways
- Restriction A requires you to wear corrective lenses (glasses or contacts) whenever you operate a vehicle.
- The restriction is placed on your license based on your vision test results at the DMV.
- Driving without correction when Restriction A is on your license is a traffic violation.
- You can request removal of Restriction A by passing a new vision test at a Florida DMV office.
- Restriction A does not prevent you from driving any type of vehicle or traveling to any location.
How the vision test determines Restriction A
When you take the vision screening at a Florida DMV office, the examiner tests your ability to read letters and numbers on a chart from a set distance. The state has a minimum standard: you must be able to see at least 20/40 in each eye, or 20/30 in one eye if the other is worse. If you fall below that standard without correction but meet it with glasses or contacts, Restriction A is added to your license.
The examiner does not prescribe lenses or tell you what strength you need. They only determine whether you can see well enough to drive safely with correction. If you wear bifocals or progressive lenses, tell the examiner before the test so they can note that on your record.
You do not have to bring your current prescription to the DMV. The vision test itself determines whether correction is needed. If you have had recent changes to your prescription, it is a good idea to update your glasses or contacts before you test, because the examiner will test you as you appear on the day of the exam.
What you must do to comply with Restriction A
The practical requirement is straightforward: keep corrective lenses with you and wear them while driving. This means glasses on your face or contacts in your eyes before you start the engine. The restriction applies to all driving — local trips, highway driving, and any time you are behind the wheel.
If you are stopped by law enforcement and you are not wearing the required correction, you can be cited for violating the restriction. The citation is separate from any other traffic violation and can result in a fine. Some insurance companies also use restriction violations as a reason to deny a claim if you are in an accident.
If your prescription changes or you switch between glasses and contacts, you do not need to update your license. The restriction itself does not change — only the requirement to wear correction stays in place.
How to remove Restriction A from your license
You can request removal of Restriction A by visiting a Florida DMV office and taking a new vision test. You do not need to renew your entire license or pay a renewal fee — you are only requesting a vision retest. Bring your current license and be prepared to pay a small fee for the retest (the amount varies by county but is typically under $10).
If you pass the vision test without correction — meaning you can see 20/40 or better in each eye without glasses or contacts — the examiner will remove Restriction A from your license on the spot. Your updated license will be mailed to you within a few business days.
If you still need correction, Restriction A will remain. You can retest at any time if your vision improves, but repeated retests within a short period may prompt the DMV to ask for documentation from an eye care provider.
Restriction A versus other common Florida license restrictions
Florida uses a letter-code system for restrictions. Restriction A (corrective lenses) is the most common. Other restrictions include Restriction B (automatic transmission only), Restriction C (outside mirrors required), and Restriction D (daylight driving only). Some drivers have multiple restrictions on a single license.
Unlike Restriction A, which is based on vision, restrictions like B and C are usually based on physical limitations or the type of vehicle you drove during your test. Restriction D may be placed if the examiner determines your vision or reaction time is not safe in low-light conditions.
Each restriction has its own removal process. Some, like Restriction D, may require a letter from a doctor. Restriction A is unique in that you can remove it straightforward by passing a new vision test.
What happens if you ignore Restriction A
Driving without the required correction is a traffic violation in Florida. An officer who stops you can issue a citation, which typically results in a fine of $30 to $100 depending on the county and whether you have prior violations. The violation goes on your driving record.
If you are in an accident and you were not wearing the required correction, your insurance company may use that fact to deny your claim or reduce the payout. Some insurers also use restriction violations as grounds to cancel your policy.
Repeated violations of Restriction A can lead to license suspension. The state tracks violations, and multiple infractions within a certain period may trigger administrative action by the DHSMV.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to wear glasses if I have Restriction A, or can I use contacts instead?
Either one is acceptable. The restriction requires corrective lenses, not a specific type. You can wear glasses, contacts, or switch between them. The requirement is that your vision be corrected while you drive.
Can I get Restriction A removed before my license expires?
Yes. You can visit any Florida DMV office at any time and request a vision retest. There is no waiting period. If you pass the test without correction, Restriction A is removed when ready and a new license is mailed to you.
What if I wear bifocals or progressive lenses?
Tell the DMV examiner before your vision test. Progressive lenses are acceptable for driving. The examiner will note your lens type on your record so there is no confusion if you are stopped by law enforcement.
Does Restriction A mean I can only drive during certain hours?
No. Restriction A has no time limits. It only requires that you wear corrective lenses. If you need daylight-only driving, that would be a separate restriction (Restriction D), not Restriction A.
If I get LASIK or cataract surgery and no longer need glasses, do I have to remove Restriction A?
You are not required to, but you can. If your vision improves to 20/40 or better without correction after surgery, you can visit the DMV and request a retest. If you pass, Restriction A is removed. If you prefer to keep wearing glasses for other reasons, you can leave the restriction on your license.