Restriction A is a requirement to wear corrective lenses while driving
Restriction A on a Texas driver's license means you must wear eyeglasses or contact lenses every time you drive. The Texas Department of Public Safety adds this restriction when your vision test shows you need correction to meet the state's minimum vision standard of 20/40 in each eye.
If you drive without the required corrective lenses, you are breaking the law. A police officer can cite you for violating your license restrictions, which is a separate offense from driving without a license. The citation can result in a fine, and the violation goes on your driving record.
The restriction appears on the front of your license card in the "Restrictions" section. It will show as a single letter or code — in this case, the letter A — along with any other restrictions that explore to you.
Key Takeaways
- Restriction A requires you to wear corrective lenses (glasses or contacts) whenever you operate a vehicle in Texas.
- The restriction is imposed based on your vision test results at the time you renew or first obtain your license.
- Driving without the required correction is a violation of your license restrictions and can result in a traffic citation.
- You can have the restriction removed by passing a vision test without correction or by having an eye doctor certify that your uncorrected vision now meets state standards.
How Texas determines if you need Restriction A
When you take your vision test at a Texas Department of Public Safety office, the examiner tests your vision in each eye separately. If your uncorrected vision is worse than 20/40 in either eye, but you can achieve 20/40 or better with glasses or contacts, the examiner will add Restriction A to your license.
The 20/40 standard is a legal minimum, not an ideal vision level. Many people drive safely with worse uncorrected vision as long as they wear correction. Texas law allows this trade-off: you can drive with worse natural eyesight if you correct it to the legal minimum.
If you fail the vision test even with correction, you will not receive an unrestricted license. Instead, you may be issued a license with additional restrictions, or you may be denied a license until your vision improves or you can provide documentation from an eye care professional.
When you get Restriction A added to your license
Restriction A is typically added during your initial license exam or when you renew your license. If you have worn glasses or contacts for years and your vision has not changed, the restriction will carry over to your renewed license automatically — you will not need to take another vision test unless Texas requires one for your age group.
Texas requires vision tests at certain renewal intervals. If you are renewing by mail or online and have not had a vision test in the required time, you may be asked to visit an office to complete one. If your vision has improved and no longer requires correction, you can request the restriction be removed at that time.
If you received Restriction A on a learner's permit, it will transfer to your full driver's license when you pass the driving exam and receive your license card.
How to remove Restriction A from your license
The most straightforward way to remove Restriction A is to pass a vision test without corrective lenses. You can request a vision test at any Texas Department of Public Safety office. If you pass the test and your uncorrected vision meets the 20/40 standard in each eye, the restriction will be removed.
You can also have an eye care professional — an optometrist or ophthalmologist — test your vision and provide written documentation that your uncorrected vision meets Texas standards. Bring this documentation to a DPS office, and they can remove the restriction without requiring you to take their test.
There is no fee to request a vision retest at a DPS office. If you choose to have your eye doctor perform the test, you will pay their standard examination fee, which varies by provider.
What happens if you violate Restriction A
Driving without the required corrective lenses is a violation of your license restrictions. An officer who stops you and discovers you are not wearing glasses or contacts can issue a citation. This is separate from any other traffic violation you may have committed.
The penalty for violating a license restriction varies. It typically results in a fine and may add points to your driving record. Accumulating points can lead to license suspension or higher insurance rates. A conviction for violating a restriction can also affect your ability to renew your license.
If you are stopped and cannot produce your license, the officer may also cite you for driving without a license, which carries a more serious penalty. Always carry your license with you when you drive.
Other common Texas driver's license restrictions
Restriction A is one of several restrictions Texas uses. Restriction B requires you to wear a hearing aid if you are deaf or hard of hearing. Restriction C limits you to driving only during daylight hours. Restriction D restricts you to driving only on certain roads or within a certain area.
You can have multiple restrictions on a single license. For example, you might have both Restriction A (corrective lenses) and Restriction C (daylight driving only) if your medical condition or test results warrant both. Each restriction is listed separately on your license card.
Some restrictions are temporary — for instance, a restriction related to a medical condition may be removed once the condition improves or is treated. Others, like Restriction A for vision, may remain for years or for the life of your license, depending on whether your vision changes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to wear my glasses if I have Restriction A but I can see fine without them?
Yes. Restriction A is a legal requirement, not a suggestion based on how you feel. Your vision test showed that your uncorrected vision does not meet Texas's 20/40 standard, so you must wear correction while driving regardless of how clearly you think you can see. Driving without the required correction is a violation.
Can I get a temporary license without Restriction A while I wait for my vision to improve?
No. Texas does not issue temporary licenses that override restrictions. If your vision does not meet the standard, the restriction will be on any license you receive. Once your vision improves, you can request a retest to have the restriction removed.
What if I lost my glasses and I have Restriction A — can I still drive?
No. If you have Restriction A, you must wear corrective lenses to drive legally. If you have lost or broken your glasses, you should not drive until you have them replaced or have contact lenses available. Driving without the required correction is a violation of your license restrictions.
Does Restriction A affect my insurance rates?
The restriction itself does not automatically raise your rates. However, if you are cited for violating the restriction, that citation and any conviction will appear on your driving record and may increase your rates. Insurance companies review your driving history, not just your license restrictions.
Can I renew my license online if I have Restriction A?
You may be able to renew online, but it depends on how long it has been since your last vision test. If Texas requires a vision test for your renewal, you will need to visit a DPS office in person. Check the renewal notice you received or the Texas DPS website to see whether a vision test is required for your renewal.