Restriction T is a requirement to wear corrective lenses while driving
Restriction T on your Missouri driver's license means you must wear eyeglasses or contact lenses every time you drive. The state issues this restriction when your vision test shows you need correction to drive safely, but you pass the test while wearing those lenses.
This is one of the most common restrictions on Missouri licenses. It does not prevent you from driving — it straightforward requires that you correct your vision before you get behind the wheel. Driving without your corrective lenses when Restriction T is on your license is a violation and can result in a traffic ticket.
Key Takeaways
- Restriction T requires you to wear glasses or contacts every time you operate a vehicle, not just on highways or in certain conditions.
- You receive this restriction during your vision screening at the Missouri Department of Revenue when you renew or obtain your license.
- Driving without your corrective lenses when this restriction is active can result in a traffic citation and fines.
- You can have Restriction T removed by passing a vision test without correction at a Missouri Department of Revenue office.
- If your vision improves through surgery or other means, you can request a new vision screening to remove the restriction.
How you get Restriction T on your license
Restriction T appears on your license after you take the vision screening at a Missouri Department of Revenue office. During this test, an examiner checks your eyesight using a standard eye chart. If you cannot read the required line of letters without glasses or contacts, but you can read it with them, the examiner will add Restriction T to your license.
You do not have to request this restriction — it is added automatically based on your test results. The restriction will print on your physical license card and will also appear in the Missouri driver record system.
What you must do to comply with Restriction T
Compliance is straightforward: wear your corrective lenses every time you drive. This means keeping your glasses or contacts with you whenever you get into a vehicle, even for short trips around town or to a nearby store.
If you wear contact lenses, make sure you have them in before you start driving. If you wear glasses, keep them on while the vehicle is in motion. If a police officer stops you and you are not wearing your correction, you can receive a citation for violating the restriction, which carries a fine. The violation also goes on your driving record.
How to remove Restriction T from your license
You can have Restriction T removed by visiting a Missouri Department of Revenue office and taking another vision screening. If you pass the test without wearing corrective lenses — meaning your vision has improved — the examiner will remove the restriction from your license.
Vision can improve for several reasons. Some people have corrective eye surgery such as LASIK or PRK. Others find that their prescription has changed and they no longer need correction. If either of these situations applies to you, schedule a vision screening appointment at your local Department of Revenue office. Bring your current license and be prepared to pay the standard vision screening fee, which varies by location.
If you have had eye surgery or a significant change in your vision, ask your eye doctor whether you are likely to pass an uncorrected vision test. This can help you decide whether it is worth scheduling the screening.
Other common Missouri driver's license restrictions
Restriction T is one of several restrictions that can appear on a Missouri license. Other restrictions address different driving limitations — for example, Restriction E requires automatic transmission only, and Restriction K restricts you to daylight driving hours. Each restriction appears on your license based on your individual circumstances and test results.
If you have multiple restrictions, all of them will print on your license. You must follow all restrictions that explore to you. If you are unsure what your restrictions mean or whether you are complying correctly, contact the Missouri Department of Revenue or ask a police officer.
What happens if you drive without your corrective lenses
Driving without your glasses or contacts when Restriction T is on your license is a traffic violation in Missouri. If you are stopped by a police officer, you can receive a citation. The fine amount varies, but violations related to license restrictions typically result in fines ranging from $50 to several hundred dollars, depending on the officer's discretion and local court policy.
Beyond the fine, this violation goes on your driving record. Multiple violations can affect your insurance rates and may eventually lead to license suspension if you accumulate too many points. More importantly, driving without proper vision correction puts you and others on the road at risk — the restriction exists because uncorrected vision makes it harder to see hazards, read signs, and react quickly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Restriction T mean I can only drive during certain hours?
No. Restriction T applies to all driving, at any time of day or night. You must wear your corrective lenses whenever you operate a vehicle, with no time-of-day exceptions. If you need to drive only during daylight hours, that would be a different restriction.
Can I get Restriction T removed without going to the Department of Revenue?
No. You must visit a Missouri Department of Revenue office in person to take a vision screening. Only an examiner at the Department of Revenue can officially remove the restriction from your license. You cannot remove it by mail, online, or through any other method.
What if I wear bifocals or progressive lenses?
Bifocals and progressive lenses count as corrective lenses. If you wear them to pass your vision test, you must wear them while driving. Restriction T does not distinguish between single-vision, bifocal, or progressive lenses — it straightforward requires that you wear whatever correction you need.
Will my insurance company know about Restriction T?
Your insurance company can see your license restrictions if they request your driving record. However, Restriction T alone typically does not affect your insurance rates, since it is a common restriction that most drivers comply with easily. Violations of the restriction would show on your record and could affect your rates.
Can I get a temporary removal of Restriction T if I forget my glasses?
No. There is no temporary waiver or exception for Restriction T. If the restriction is on your license, you must comply with it every time you drive. If you forget your glasses, you should not drive — pull over safely and wait, or arrange for someone else to drive.