Restriction B is a corrective lens requirement
Restriction B means you must wear corrective lenses — glasses or contact lenses — whenever you drive. It appears on your license as a condition of your driving privilege, and driving without the correction you were tested in is a violation, even if you feel you can see well enough that day.
This restriction is issued during your vision test at the DMV. If you fail the vision screening without correction but pass it with glasses or contacts, the examiner will note Restriction B on your license. The restriction stays in place until you request it be removed, which requires passing a vision test without correction.
Different states use different codes — some call it Restriction B, others use "corrective lenses" or similar language — but the meaning is the same across all states. If you move and get a new license, the restriction will transfer to your new license unless you pass an uncorrected vision test.
Key Takeaways
- Restriction B requires you to wear glasses or contacts every time you drive, and driving without them is a traffic violation.
- The restriction appears on your license after you fail the vision test without correction but pass it with correction.
- You can request removal of the restriction by returning to the DMV and passing a vision test without glasses or contacts.
- If you wear bifocals or progressive lenses, make sure you wear the same type during your vision test and while driving, since the restriction applies to the specific correction you tested in.
How the restriction gets added to your license
When you take your vision test at the DMV, the examiner checks how well you see both with and without correction. If your uncorrected vision is below the legal threshold for your state — usually 20/40 or worse — but you can see 20/40 or better with glasses or contacts, the examiner will add Restriction B to your license.
You do not have to do anything to trigger the restriction. It is automatic based on the test results. The examiner will tell you about it before you leave, and it will print on your physical license and appear in the DMV's digital record.
If you already have a license without the restriction and your vision changes, you will not automatically get the restriction added. You would only receive it if you renew your license and fail the vision test without correction at that time.
What happens if you drive without the required correction
Driving with Restriction B on your license but without wearing your glasses or contacts is a traffic violation. A police officer who stops you can cite you for violating the restriction, which is typically a moving violation. The penalty varies by state but often includes a fine, points on your driving record, or both.
Beyond the legal consequence, driving without your required correction is a safety issue. The restriction exists because your uncorrected vision is not sharp enough to safely operate a vehicle. Wearing the correction you tested in ensures you can see road signs, pedestrians, and hazards clearly enough to react in time.
If you are involved in an accident and you were driving without your required correction, your insurance company may deny your claim or reduce your payout, since you were violating a license restriction.
How to remove Restriction B from your license
To remove the restriction, you must return to the DMV and take another vision test without wearing glasses or contacts. If you pass — meaning your uncorrected vision meets your state's legal standard — the examiner will remove Restriction B from your license.
You do not need to renew your entire license to do this. Most DMVs allow you to request a vision retest as a separate transaction. Call your local DMV or check their website to find out whether you need an appointment or can walk in, and whether there is a fee for the retest.
If you have had vision correction surgery like LASIK or PRK, you may now see well enough without glasses or contacts to pass the uncorrected test. This is the most common reason people request a retest. Bring any documentation of your surgery if you have it, though the DMV will rely on the test results, not your paperwork.
Restriction B and different types of corrective lenses
The restriction applies to the type of correction you wore during your vision test. If you tested in single-vision glasses, you must wear single-vision glasses while driving. If you tested in bifocals or progressive lenses, you should wear the same type, since the restriction is based on the vision you demonstrated in that specific correction.
If you switch from glasses to contacts or vice versa, you do not need to update your license — the restriction covers any corrective lens. However, if you switch from single-vision to bifocals or progressive lenses, or if you change your prescription significantly, it is a good idea to take another vision test to make sure you still meet the standard with your new correction.
Some states also have a separate restriction for night driving only, which is different from Restriction B. If you have both restrictions, you must wear correction during the day and cannot drive at night at all.
What to bring to your vision retest
Bring your current driver's license and a form of payment if your state charges a retest fee. You do not need to bring your glasses or contacts — the test is specifically to see if you can pass without them. Some DMVs may ask for an eye doctor's letter confirming you have had vision correction surgery, but this is not required in most places.
Wear comfortable clothing and arrive well-rested. Vision tests are sensitive to fatigue and stress, so you want to be in the best condition to pass. If you are nervous about the test, you can practice by going a day without your correction to see how your uncorrected vision feels, though this should not be while driving.
Restriction B across different states
Every state uses some form of vision restriction, but the codes and thresholds vary. Some states call it Restriction B, others use "corrective lenses," "glasses," or "contact lenses." The legal vision standard also differs — some states require 20/40 uncorrected vision to remove the restriction, while others use 20/50 or another threshold.
If you move to a new state and get a new license, your old Restriction B will transfer to your new license unless you pass an uncorrected vision test in your new state. The new state's DMV will use their own vision standard to decide whether to keep or remove the restriction.
You can check your state's DMV website to find the exact vision standard and the code your state uses for corrective lens restrictions. This information is usually in the driver's manual or on the vision test page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a Restriction B removed without going to the DMV?
No. Only the DMV can remove the restriction, and only after you pass their vision test without correction. You cannot have an eye doctor remove it or request it be removed without taking the test. The DMV needs to verify your uncorrected vision meets the legal standard.
What if I fail the uncorrected vision test but my prescription has changed?
If you fail without correction but think your prescription may have changed, get an eye exam from an optometrist or ophthalmologist first. Once you have a new prescription, you can return to the DMV and take the uncorrected test again. If your new prescription is strong enough, you may pass the uncorrected test, or you may need to wear the new correction while driving.
Does Restriction B affect insurance rates?
The restriction itself does not directly affect your insurance rate. However, if you are cited for driving without your required correction, that violation will appear on your driving record and may increase your rates. The violation is what matters to insurers, not the restriction.
Can I wear sunglasses instead of regular glasses if I have Restriction B?
Sunglasses with your prescription are fine if they meet your vision correction needs. However, regular sunglasses without your prescription do not count as meeting the restriction. The restriction requires the specific correction you tested in — whether that is glasses, contacts, or prescription sunglasses.
What if I lost my glasses and cannot drive to get new ones?
If you have Restriction B and your glasses break or are lost, you should not drive until you have replacement correction. If you need to drive to get new glasses, ask someone else to drive you, or use a ride service. Driving without your required correction is a violation even if the reason is an emergency.