Restriction G is a corrective lenses requirement
Restriction G on your Ohio driver's license means you must wear corrective lenses — glasses or contact lenses — every time you drive. The restriction appears on your license as a condition of your driving privilege, and violating it (driving without the required lenses) is a separate traffic violation beyond any other offense.
Ohio's Bureau of Motor Vehicles places this restriction on your license after you fail the vision screening at the license bureau or when your eye care provider reports that you need correction to drive safely. The restriction stays on your license until you pass a vision test without it or until you formally request removal through the bureau.
This is one of the most common restrictions issued in Ohio. It does not limit where you can drive, what vehicle you can operate, or the hours you are permitted to drive — only that you must have your corrective lenses with you and in use while behind the wheel.
Key Takeaways
- Restriction G requires you to wear glasses or contact lenses whenever you drive, and you must have them in your vehicle.
- The restriction is placed on your license after a vision screening shows you need correction to drive safely.
- Driving without your corrective lenses while Restriction G is on your license is a traffic violation separate from any other offense.
- You can request removal of Restriction G by passing a vision test at any Ohio license bureau location.
- The restriction does not limit the type of vehicle you drive, the time of day you drive, or where you can drive.
How Restriction G gets placed on your license
When you take your vision screening at the Ohio license bureau, the examiner uses a machine called a visual acuity screener to test how clearly you can see at a distance. If you cannot read the required line of letters or numbers without correction, the examiner will ask whether you wear glasses or contacts. If you do, they will retest you with your lenses on. If you pass with correction but fail without it, Restriction G is added to your license on the spot.
You may also receive Restriction G if you renew your license by mail or online and your previous license already had the restriction. Ohio carries restrictions forward unless you specifically request removal and pass a new vision test. Some people discover they have Restriction G only when they receive their renewed license in the mail.
If an eye care provider — an optometrist or ophthalmologist — reports to the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles that you have a vision condition requiring correction, the bureau can place Restriction G on your license without you taking a new test. This is rare but can happen if you have had an eye surgery or a significant change in your vision reported by your doctor.
What happens if you drive without your corrective lenses
Driving without your corrective lenses while Restriction G is on your license is a violation of Ohio Revised Code Section 4507.14. A police officer who stops you can cite you for this violation even if you were not speeding, running a red light, or committing any other traffic offense. The citation goes on your driving record.
The penalty for violating Restriction G is a fine. The amount varies depending on whether this is your first violation or a repeat offense, and it can range from around $50 to several hundred dollars. You may also face court costs. A violation does not automatically suspend your license, but it does create a record that can affect your insurance rates and your driving history.
If you are stopped and do not have your lenses with you, tell the officer when ready. Some officers may allow you to drive directly home or to a safe location if you live nearby, but this is at their discretion. Do not assume you will be permitted to continue driving.
How to remove Restriction G from your license
To remove Restriction G, you must visit an Ohio license bureau location and pass a vision screening without corrective lenses. You do not need an appointment at most locations, though some bureaus allow you to reserve a time slot online to reduce wait time. Bring your current driver's license and be prepared to pay the vision screening fee, which is typically under $10.
During the screening, the examiner will test your vision using the same visual acuity machine used for new licenses. If you pass — meaning you can read the required line of letters without glasses or contacts — the examiner will remove Restriction G from your license when ready. Your updated license will be printed on the spot, or you may receive it by mail depending on the bureau's process.
If you do not pass the vision test without correction, Restriction G remains on your license. You can try again at any time, but most people find that their vision does not improve without correction, so repeated attempts are usually unsuccessful. If your vision has genuinely improved — for example, after LASIK surgery or cataract removal — you may pass on a second attempt weeks or months later.
Restriction G and your driving record
Restriction G appears on your driving record and is visible to insurance companies, employers who check driving records, and law enforcement. It does not prevent you from obtaining car insurance, but some insurers may charge slightly higher premiums because the restriction indicates a vision condition. Most insurers do not penalize you for having the restriction itself — only for violations of it.
If you are explore for a job that requires a commercial driver's license (CDL) or a job where your driving record is reviewed, Restriction G will show up. However, the restriction alone does not disqualify you from most jobs. Your employer or the licensing authority will see that you have a vision condition and must wear correction — the same information your license plate tells a police officer.
When you renew your license, Ohio will carry Restriction G forward to your new license unless you have had it removed. If you pass a vision test without correction at any point, make sure the examiner documents the removal in the system so that your next renewal does not include the restriction again.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive with Restriction G if I wear contacts instead of glasses?
Yes. Restriction G requires corrective lenses, and contacts count as corrective lenses. You do not have to wear glasses specifically. As long as you are wearing contacts that correct your vision to the required standard, you are in compliance with the restriction.
What if I lost my glasses and need to drive?
You should not drive. Driving without your corrective lenses while Restriction G is on your license is a violation. If you have lost your glasses, obtain a replacement pair or use contacts before driving. If you need glasses urgently, many optical retailers can provide same-day service.
Does Restriction G mean I cannot drive at night?
No. Restriction G only requires that you wear corrective lenses — it does not restrict the time of day you drive or the conditions under which you drive. You can drive at night, in rain, or in any weather as long as you are wearing your glasses or contacts.
How long does it take to remove Restriction G?
If you pass the vision test without correction, the restriction is removed when ready and your new license is printed on the spot or mailed to you within days. If you do not pass, the restriction remains until you pass a future test.
Will Restriction G go away when I renew my license?
No. Ohio carries restrictions forward to renewed licenses automatically. You must request removal by visiting a license bureau and passing a vision test without correction. If you do not take that step, Restriction G will appear on every renewed license you receive.