Endorsements are codes that show restrictions or violations on your driving record
An endorsement is a code printed on your driving licence that tells other drivers, insurers, and law enforcement what you are and are not allowed to do behind the wheel, or what traffic violations you have committed. Not every licence has endorsements — many drivers never get one. But if yours does, the code appears as a letter or number combination in a specific section of your licence, and it stays there for a set period depending on what it is.
Endorsements fall into two categories: restrictions (things you must do or cannot do) and convictions (violations you were convicted of). A restriction like "B" means you cannot drive an automatic transmission vehicle. A conviction code like "SP30" means you were speeding. The difference matters because restrictions are permanent until you change them, while conviction codes expire after a certain number of years.
Key Takeaways
- Endorsements are letter or number codes on your licence that show either restrictions on what you can drive or traffic violations you were convicted of.
- Restriction codes like "B" (automatic only) or "C" (corrective lenses required) stay on your licence until you formally change them.
- Conviction codes like "SP30" (speeding) or "DU08" (driving under the influence) expire after four or ten years depending on the violation.
- Your insurance company will see your endorsements and may charge higher premiums or refuse to cover you if you have certain codes.
- You can check your own endorsements by requesting your driving record from your state's Department of Motor Vehicles.
Common restriction codes and what they mean
Restriction codes appear on your licence when you pass your driving test with conditions, or when a court orders a restriction as part of a sentence. The most common restriction is "B", which means you can only drive an automatic transmission vehicle — you cannot operate a manual (stick shift) car. This code is added when you pass your driving test in an automatic car and do not demonstrate that you can handle a manual.
Other restriction codes include "C" (you must wear corrective lenses — glasses or contact lenses — whenever you drive), "D" (you must wear a hearing aid), and "E" (you cannot drive a motorcycle). Some restrictions are temporary and tied to a specific medical condition; others are permanent. A court may also add a restriction like "R" (restricted driving — you can only drive to and from work or for medical reasons) if you have been convicted of a serious traffic offence and received a suspended sentence.
Conviction codes and how long they stay on your record
Conviction codes record traffic violations you were found guilty of. Unlike restrictions, these codes have an expiration date. The most common conviction codes are speeding violations, which use codes like "SP30" (exceeding the speed limit by 1–10 mph), "SP40" (exceeding the speed limit by 11–20 mph), and "SP50" (exceeding the speed limit by more than 20 mph). Most speeding convictions stay on your licence for four years.
More serious violations stay longer. "DU08" (driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs) remains on your record for ten years. "IN10" (driving without insurance) also stays for ten years. "BA10" (driving with excess alcohol) stays for ten years. Other common codes include "CU80" (careless driving), which stays for four years, and "MS90" (failure to stop after an accident), which stays for four years. Once the expiration date passes, the code is removed from your licence automatically.
How endorsements affect your insurance premiums
Insurance companies check your driving record before they quote you a price, and endorsements directly affect what you pay. A single speeding conviction may raise your premium by 10 to 15 percent, depending on your insurer and how much you were speeding. Multiple convictions or a conviction for a serious offence like driving under the influence can double your premium or cause an insurer to refuse to cover you altogether.
Restrictions do not usually raise your premium — they straightforward confirm that you are following the conditions of your licence. However, if you drive in violation of a restriction (for example, driving a manual car when your licence says "B"), you are driving illegally, and if you have an accident, your insurance may refuse to pay out. Always check your endorsements before renting a car or driving someone else's vehicle to make sure you are legally allowed to drive it.
How to find out what endorsements are on your licence
The fastest way to check your endorsements is to look at your physical licence card. The endorsement codes appear in a section usually labeled "Restrictions" or "Endorsements" — the exact location varies by state, but it is always printed on the card itself. If you cannot read the codes or do not have your card with you, you can request your driving record from your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).
Most states allow you to order your record online through the DMV website, by mail, or in person at a local DMV office. Some states charge a small fee (usually $5 to $15) for a copy of your record. You will receive a document that lists all your endorsements, convictions, and their expiration dates. This is the same record that insurance companies and employers see, so it is worth checking once a year to make sure there are no errors.
Removing or changing an endorsement
Restriction codes can be changed, but the process depends on the type of restriction. If you have a "B" restriction (automatic only) and want to drive a manual car, you must pass a manual transmission driving test. Once you pass, you can request that the restriction be removed from your licence. If you have a "C" restriction (corrective lenses) and your eyesight has improved, you can have an eye test and request removal if the test shows you no longer need glasses.
Conviction codes cannot be removed early — they expire automatically after their set period (usually four or ten years). However, if you believe a conviction was recorded in error, you can contact your state's DMV to dispute it. You will need to provide evidence, such as court documents showing the conviction was overturned or the charge was dismissed. The DMV will investigate and correct your record if the error is confirmed.
What happens if you drive in violation of a restriction
Driving in violation of a restriction is a separate offence. If you have a "B" restriction and are caught driving a manual car, you can be fined and receive points on your licence. If you have a "C" restriction (corrective lenses) and are stopped without your glasses, you face a fine. If you have a court-ordered restriction like "R" (restricted driving) and are caught driving outside the permitted times or routes, you can be charged with driving with a suspended licence, which carries serious penalties including fines and possible jail time.
If you are in an accident while driving in violation of a restriction, your insurance company may refuse to pay out, leaving you personally liable for all damages. This is why it is important to check your endorsements before every trip and make sure you are following all restrictions on your licence.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a speeding conviction stay on my licence?
Most speeding convictions stay on your licence for four years from the date of conviction. After four years, the code is automatically removed. However, if you receive multiple speeding convictions within a short period, you may face a driving ban or other penalties.
Can I drive an automatic car if I have a "B" restriction?
Yes. The "B" restriction means you can only drive an automatic — you cannot drive a manual transmission vehicle. If you want to drive both types, you must pass a manual transmission driving test and request that the restriction be removed from your licence.
Will a conviction code affect my ability to rent a car?
Yes. Car rental companies check your driving record, and many will refuse to rent to you if you have recent serious convictions like driving under the influence. Even minor convictions may result in higher rental fees or a requirement to purchase additional insurance.
What if my endorsement is wrong?
Contact your state's DMV and request a review of your record. Provide any supporting documents, such as court paperwork showing a conviction was overturned or dismissed. The DMV will investigate and correct your record if an error is found.
Do endorsements show up on a background check for employment?
Only if the employer specifically requests your driving record. Some jobs, particularly those involving driving or working with vulnerable people, require a clean driving record. Always disclose any endorsements if an employer asks about your driving history.