Restriction B is a vision correction requirement, not a driving limitation
Restriction B means you must wear corrective lenses — glasses or contact lenses — every time you drive. It does not limit where you can drive, what hours you can drive, or what type of vehicle you can operate. It is purely about vision correction. If you have Restriction B on your license and you drive without your glasses or contacts, you are driving with an invalid license, even if you can see well enough to pass the test without them.
This restriction appears on your license card itself, usually printed as a code or condition in a box labeled "Restrictions" or "Conditions." Different states use different notation — some print the letter B, others use a full phrase like "Corrective Lenses Required" — but the meaning is the same across all states.
Restriction B is one of the most common restrictions issued. It does not mean your vision is poor; it means the DMV tested your vision with your correction in place and determined that correction is necessary for safe driving. Many people with 20/20 vision while wearing glasses still receive this restriction.
Key Takeaways
- Restriction B requires you to wear glasses or contact lenses whenever you operate a vehicle; driving without them violates the restriction.
- The restriction does not limit the type of vehicle, time of day, or location where you can drive — only that your vision must be corrected.
- You receive Restriction B during your vision screening at the DMV if your uncorrected vision does not meet the state standard but your corrected vision does.
- If you no longer need vision correction, you can request a new vision test at the DMV to have the restriction removed from your license.
- Driving with Restriction B but without your corrective lenses can result in a traffic citation and is treated as driving with an invalid license in most states.
How you get Restriction B on your license
When you take your vision test at the DMV, the examiner tests your eyesight in two ways: first without any correction, then with your glasses or contacts if you wear them. If your uncorrected vision falls below your state's minimum standard — typically 20/40 or worse — but your corrected vision meets the standard, the DMV issues Restriction B.
You do not have to ask for it or sign anything special. The restriction is automatically added to your license based on the test results. Some states also add Restriction B if you have a significant difference in vision between your two eyes, even if both eyes together meet the corrected standard.
The restriction stays on your license for the full term of your license — usually four to eight years depending on your state — unless you request a new vision test and pass it without correction.
What you must do if you have Restriction B
The only requirement is straightforward: wear your corrective lenses every time you drive. This means glasses or contact lenses, not just "having them in the car." If you wear contacts, they must be in your eyes. If you wear glasses, they must be on your face. Sunglasses with a prescription count as long as they correct your vision.
Keep your glasses or contacts accessible in your vehicle. If you are pulled over and an officer asks to see your license, they may also ask whether you are wearing your correction. If you are not, the officer can cite you for violating the restriction, which is typically treated as a moving violation.
If your vision changes and you no longer need correction, or if you have had corrective surgery like LASIK, you can visit the DMV for a new vision test. If you pass without correction, the restriction will be removed from your license at renewal or when ready, depending on your state's policy.
The difference between Restriction B and other common restrictions
Restriction B is a vision requirement. Other restrictions work differently. Restriction A, for example, typically means you can only drive an automatic transmission vehicle. Restriction D often means you cannot drive on interstate highways. Restriction E may limit you to daylight driving only. Each restriction addresses a different safety concern and carries different rules.
You can have multiple restrictions on a single license. For example, you might have both Restriction B (corrective lenses) and Restriction D (no interstates) if your vision requires correction and you also have another limitation. Each restriction is independent and must be followed separately.
What happens if you drive without your correction
Driving with Restriction B but without your glasses or contacts is a traffic violation in all states. The penalty varies by state but typically includes a fine ranging from $50 to $300, and the violation may appear on your driving record. Some states treat it as a moving violation that can increase your insurance rates.
If you are involved in an accident while driving without your required correction, your insurance company may deny your claim or reduce the payout, because you were operating the vehicle in violation of your license conditions. This can leave you personally liable for damages.
Repeated violations of Restriction B can lead to license suspension or revocation in some states, though a single incident is usually handled as a fine.
How to remove Restriction B from your license
Visit your state's DMV office and request a vision test. Tell the examiner that you want to be tested without your correction to see if the restriction can be removed. If your uncorrected vision now meets your state's minimum standard, the restriction will be removed at that time or at your next license renewal, depending on your state's procedures.
Some states allow you to request this test at any time; others require you to wait until your license renewal. Call your local DMV office or check your state's DMV website to confirm the process and whether there is a fee for the vision test.
If you have had vision correction surgery like LASIK or PRK, bring documentation from your eye doctor showing the procedure and your current vision results. This can speed up the process, as the DMV may not need to retest you if the documentation shows your uncorrected vision now meets the standard.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive with Restriction B if I wear sunglasses instead of regular glasses?
Only if your sunglasses have a prescription that corrects your vision. Non-prescription sunglasses do not satisfy Restriction B. If you need vision correction and you wear non-prescription sunglasses while driving, you are violating the restriction, even if the sunglasses are tinted.
Does Restriction B mean I failed my vision test?
No. It means you passed your vision test with correction. Your uncorrected vision did not meet the standard, but your corrected vision did, so you were issued a license with the restriction. This is a common outcome and does not indicate a problem with your eyesight or your ability to drive safely with correction.
What if I forgot my glasses and got pulled over?
You can be cited for violating Restriction B. The officer may issue a ticket, which is typically a fine. If this happens, you may be able to contest the ticket by showing proof that you now have a valid prescription and that you normally wear your correction while driving. Consult your state's traffic court procedures or a traffic attorney for guidance on your specific situation.
If I get LASIK surgery, do I need to tell the DMV?
You do not have to report it, but you should visit the DMV for a vision test so the restriction can be removed. The DMV will not know about your surgery unless you tell them or request a new test. Bring documentation from your eye doctor showing your current vision results to make the process faster.
Can I have Restriction B removed before my license expires?
Yes. Visit your DMV office and request a vision test. If you pass without correction, most states will remove the restriction when ready or issue you a new license card without the restriction. Some states may charge a small fee for an interim license or vision retest, but many do not.