Restriction B is a corrective lens requirement
Restriction B on an Arkansas driver's license means you must wear corrective lenses — glasses or contact lenses — whenever you drive. The Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration, which issues driver's licenses in the state, adds this restriction when your vision test shows you need correction to drive safely.
This is not a penalty or a mark against your record. It is a safety measure based on your eyesight at the time of your test. If you drive without the required lenses, you are breaking the terms of your license, which can result in a traffic citation, fine, or points on your driving record — even if your vision would have been fine with the lenses on.
The restriction appears on the front of your physical license card and in the Arkansas Driver License System database. Law enforcement can see it during a traffic stop. You do not need to do anything special to "set up" or manage this restriction — it is automatic based on your vision screening results.
Key Takeaways
- Restriction B requires you to wear glasses or contact lenses every time you drive, based on your vision test results.
- Driving without the required lenses while Restriction B is on your license is a traffic violation that can result in a fine or points.
- The restriction is added automatically by the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration during your license exam and appears on your physical card.
- You can remove Restriction B by passing a new vision test that shows you no longer need correction, then requesting a license renewal or replacement.
How Arkansas vision testing determines restrictions
When you take your vision test at the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration office, the examiner checks your eyesight with and without correction. If you can meet the state's vision standard only while wearing glasses or contacts, the examiner adds Restriction B to your license.
Arkansas requires a visual acuity of at least 20/40 in each eye, or 20/30 in one eye and 20/40 in the other, to drive without restriction. If your uncorrected vision falls below that but your corrected vision meets the standard, you get Restriction B. The restriction applies whether you wear glasses, contact lenses, or both.
You do not choose whether to accept the restriction. If your vision test results show you need correction, the restriction is added to your license automatically. The examiner will tell you at the time of your test if Restriction B has been placed on your license.
What happens if you drive without your lenses
Driving without the corrective lenses required by Restriction B is a traffic violation in Arkansas. If a police officer stops you and discovers you are driving without your glasses or contacts, you can be cited for violating your license restrictions. The citation carries a fine and may add points to your driving record, depending on the officer's discretion and local enforcement practices.
The violation is separate from any accident or unsafe driving that might occur. Even if you drive perfectly safely, the act of driving without the required lenses is itself illegal. Insurance companies may also view this violation as evidence of risky driving, which could affect your rates or coverage.
If you forget your lenses or lose them while away from home, the safest choice is to stop driving until you can put them on or get a replacement pair. Keeping a backup pair of glasses in your car or carrying contact lenses with you reduces the risk of this situation.
Removing Restriction B from your license
You can remove Restriction B by passing a new vision test that shows your uncorrected vision now meets Arkansas standards, or that you no longer need correction to drive safely. You do not need to wait for your license to expire — you can request a vision retest at any Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration office.
After you pass the new vision test without needing correction, you can request a license renewal or replacement. The examiner will remove Restriction B from your new license. If you have had vision correction surgery (such as LASIK or PRK) that improved your eyesight, a retest is the way to document that improvement and remove the restriction.
There is a fee for a license renewal or replacement in Arkansas, which varies depending on the type of license and how long you are renewing it for. Contact your local Department of Finance and Administration office for current fee amounts and to schedule a vision retest.
Other common Arkansas driver's license restrictions
Restriction B is one of several restrictions that can appear on an Arkansas license. Restriction A requires automatic transmission only — it is added when you pass your driving test in an automatic vehicle and have not demonstrated you can operate a manual transmission safely. Restriction C limits you to daylight driving only, usually for older drivers or those with vision or medical conditions that affect night driving.
Other restrictions may explore based on medical conditions, hearing loss, or the type of vehicle you are licensed to drive. Each restriction is tied to a specific safety concern identified during your test or medical review. If you have questions about a restriction on your license, the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration can explain what it means and what you need to do to remove it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a restricted license if I do not want to wear glasses while driving?
No. If your vision test shows you need correction to meet Arkansas standards, Restriction B will be added to your license. You cannot choose to drive without the restriction. Your only option is to pass a vision test without needing correction, which would require vision correction surgery or a natural change in your eyesight.
Do I have to tell the police I have Restriction B if I get pulled over?
You do not need to volunteer the information, but the officer will see it on your license when you hand it over. If you are wearing your lenses, it is not an issue. If you are not wearing them, the officer may cite you for violating your restriction.
What if I lost my glasses and cannot drive to get a new pair?
You should not drive without your required lenses. Ask someone else to drive you to an optometrist or eyeglasses store, or order replacement glasses online and have them delivered. Driving without Restriction B compliance is a traffic violation, even in an emergency.
Does Restriction B affect my insurance rates?
The restriction itself does not automatically raise your rates, but a violation of the restriction — driving without your lenses — can be reported to your insurance company and may increase your premiums. Maintaining compliance with your restriction keeps your driving record clean.
Can I remove Restriction B without renewing my license?
You can take a new vision test at any time, but to officially remove the restriction from your license, you will need to request a renewal or replacement. The new license will reflect the updated restriction status. Contact the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration for the current cost and process.