How Georgia marks restrictions on your license
A restriction on a Georgia driver's license is a condition that limits how or when you can drive. The Georgia Department of Driver Services prints restrictions as letter codes on the back of your physical license. Each code means you must follow a specific rule — for example, you cannot drive without corrective lenses, or you cannot drive between certain hours. If you violate a restriction, you can be cited for driving with a suspended or revoked license, even if your license itself is valid.
Restrictions are different from endorsements (which allow you to drive certain vehicle types) and suspensions (which take away your right to drive entirely). A restriction lets you keep your license but under conditions. The restriction stays on your record until the Georgia Department of Driver Services removes it, which usually happens when you renew your license, pass a required test, or meet the terms that triggered the restriction in the first place.
Key Takeaways
- Georgia uses letter codes printed on the back of your license to show restrictions, and you must follow each one or face a citation.
- Common restrictions include corrective lenses, hearing aids, automatic transmission only, and daylight-only driving for certain age groups.
- Restrictions are added when you fail a vision or hearing test, are under 18, have medical conditions, or are convicted of certain traffic offenses.
- You can request removal of a restriction by passing a new test, providing medical clearance, or waiting until your next renewal if the restriction was age-related.
The most common restriction codes on Georgia licenses
Georgia uses a standardized set of restriction codes. The most frequent ones are: B (corrective lenses required), C (hearing aid required), D (automatic transmission only), E (daylight driving only), and F (outside mirror required). Code B appears on licenses issued to people who failed the vision test without correction or who need glasses to meet the 20/40 vision standard. Code C is assigned when you fail the hearing test but can communicate through other means. Code D restricts you to vehicles with automatic transmission if you cannot safely operate a manual clutch.
Code E is common for drivers under 18 or for older drivers with medical conditions that affect night driving. Code F is less common and applies to drivers who need an outside mirror for safe visibility. Other codes exist for specific situations — for example, a restriction for ignition interlock devices (required after certain DUI convictions) or a restriction limiting you to in-state driving only. When you receive your license, the Georgia Department of Driver Services lists all your restrictions on the back, and you should review them before you drive.
Why Georgia adds restrictions to your license
The Georgia Department of Driver Services adds restrictions based on test results, age, medical conditions, or court orders. If you fail the vision screening during your license exam, you will receive a corrective lenses restriction unless you pass with glasses or contacts. If you fail the hearing test, you get a hearing aid restriction. Younger drivers — typically those under 18 — automatically receive a daylight-only restriction in some cases, depending on when they obtained their license and what class of license they hold.
Medical conditions can also trigger restrictions. If you report a condition like epilepsy, severe arthritis, or vision loss during the process process, the examiner may add a restriction or require a medical evaluation form from your doctor. Court orders from DUI convictions, reckless driving cases, or other traffic offenses can also result in restrictions. Some restrictions are temporary and expire after a set time; others remain until you pass a new test or provide updated medical documentation.
How to remove a restriction from your Georgia license
The method for removing a restriction depends on why it was added. If you have a corrective lenses restriction and your vision has improved, you can request a vision retest at any Georgia Department of Driver Services office. Bring your current glasses or contacts and ask to take the vision exam again. If you pass without correction, the restriction can be removed. For a hearing aid restriction, you can request a hearing retest with the same process.
Age-related restrictions (like daylight-only driving for drivers under 18) are usually removed automatically when you renew your license after reaching the required age. Medical restrictions require a letter from your doctor stating that your condition no longer affects your ability to drive safely. Submit this letter to the Georgia Department of Driver Services along with a request form; they will review it and may remove the restriction or require you to pass a new driving test. If a restriction was added due to a court order, it remains until the court lifts it or the specified time period ends.
What happens if you drive in violation of a restriction
Driving in violation of a restriction is a traffic offense in Georgia. If a police officer stops you and discovers you are driving without the required corrective lenses, hearing aid, or automatic transmission, or driving outside your permitted hours, you can be cited for driving with a suspended or revoked license. This citation carries the same penalties as driving with a suspended license — fines, points on your driving record, and potential jail time depending on how many prior violations you have.
A violation also affects your insurance rates and can complicate future license renewals. If you are cited multiple times for the same violation, the Georgia Department of Driver Services may suspend your license entirely. The best approach is to follow your restrictions strictly and request removal as soon as you are able to do so. If you believe a restriction was added in error, contact the Georgia Department of Driver Services to request a review.
Restrictions for drivers under 18 in Georgia
Georgia's Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) system adds automatic restrictions for drivers under 18. The most common is a daylight-only restriction (Code E), which prohibits driving between sunset and sunrise during the first months of licensure. This restriction is designed to reduce accidents among inexperienced young drivers, who have higher crash rates at night. The restriction typically expires when you turn 18 or after a set period (usually 12 months), whichever comes first.
Young drivers may also receive restrictions on the number of passengers they can carry, though this is enforced through the license class rather than a printed restriction code. If you are under 18 and have a daylight-only restriction, you cannot legally drive after dark, even if you are an experienced driver. Violating this restriction results in a citation and points on your record. Once you reach 18 or complete the GDL period, the restriction is removed at your next renewal.
Medical conditions that result in restrictions
When you explore for or renew a Georgia driver's license, you are asked about medical conditions that could affect your driving ability. Conditions like epilepsy, diabetes, heart disease, severe arthritis, or neurological disorders may result in restrictions or require a medical evaluation form (Form MV-14) from your physician. The form asks your doctor whether the condition affects your ability to drive safely and whether any restrictions are needed.
Based on the doctor's response, the Georgia Department of Driver Services may add restrictions, require periodic medical recertification, or in some cases deny your license. You are required to report new medical conditions to the department; failing to do so can result in license suspension if an accident or traffic stop reveals an unreported condition. If your condition improves or is managed with medication, you can request a new medical evaluation to remove or modify the restriction.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive without my glasses if I have a corrective lenses restriction?
No. A corrective lenses restriction means you must wear your glasses or contacts every time you drive. Driving without them is a violation and can result in a citation for driving with a suspended license. If your vision has improved, you can request a vision retest to have the restriction removed.
What does it mean if my license says "automatic transmission only"?
This restriction means you can only drive vehicles with automatic transmissions. You cannot legally operate a manual transmission vehicle. This restriction is usually added if you failed the driving test in a manual transmission car or if you have a physical condition that makes operating a manual clutch unsafe.
Will a daylight-only restriction expire automatically?
Yes, if the restriction was added because you were under 18, it will be removed when you turn 18 or after the GDL period ends, whichever comes first. You do not need to request removal; it happens at your next license renewal. If the restriction was added for a medical reason, it remains until your doctor clears you or you pass a new test.
How do I know what restrictions are on my license?
Your restrictions are printed on the back of your physical Georgia driver's license as letter codes. You can also view them online through the Georgia Department of Driver Services website if you log into your account, or by calling their customer service line. Review your restrictions when you receive your license to make sure they are correct.
Can a restriction be added after I already have my license?
Yes. If you are convicted of a traffic offense, ordered by a court to have an ignition interlock device, or report a new medical condition, the Georgia Department of Driver Services can add a restriction to your existing license. You will receive notice of the change. Some restrictions take effect when ready; others take effect at your next renewal.