A restriction limits what you can do with your license, but you can still drive

A restriction on your driver's license is a condition that limits when, where, or how you can drive. You keep your license and the right to operate a vehicle, but you must follow the restriction or risk a ticket, a fine, or license suspension. The most common restrictions are corrective lenses (you must wear glasses or contacts), an automatic transmission only (no manual shift), or a daylight-only restriction (no driving after dark).

Restrictions appear on the front or back of your physical license card and in your state's driving record. When a police officer pulls you over, they can see your restrictions when ready. If you are driving in violation of a restriction — for example, driving at night when your license says daylight only — that is a separate offense from whatever else might have happened.

Restrictions are different from endorsements, which add driving privileges (like the right to operate a motorcycle or commercial vehicle). They are also different from suspensions or revocations, which take away your license entirely.

Key Takeaways

  • A restriction limits how you can drive but does not take away your license; you can still operate a vehicle within the restriction's terms.
  • Common restrictions include corrective lenses, automatic transmission only, daylight driving only, and no highway driving.
  • Your state's DMV or licensing authority places restrictions based on your vision, medical condition, age, or driving record.
  • Violating a restriction is a separate traffic offense and can result in a fine, points on your record, or license suspension.
  • You can request removal of a restriction by meeting the condition that caused it — for example, passing a vision test to remove a corrective-lenses restriction.

Why your license has a restriction

Restrictions are placed on your license to keep you and others safe. A DMV examiner or licensing official adds a restriction when they find that you have a condition or limitation that affects your ability to drive safely in all situations, but does not prevent you from driving altogether.

Vision problems are the most frequent reason. If you fail the vision screening at the DMV but can pass it while wearing glasses or contacts, you will receive a corrective-lenses restriction. You must wear those lenses every time you drive, even for a short trip to the store.

Medical conditions can also trigger restrictions. If you have a condition that affects your mobility — such as a missing limb or limited range of motion — the DMV may restrict you to vehicles with hand controls or automatic transmission. Some states restrict drivers with certain seizure disorders to daylight driving only, because fatigue and darkness can increase seizure risk.

Age-based restrictions are common for new drivers. Many states restrict 16- or 17-year-old drivers from driving between midnight and 5 a.m., or from carrying passengers under a certain age, as part of a graduated licensing system. These restrictions usually expire on a set date or when the driver turns a certain age.

Common types of restrictions

The restrictions you see most often are:

  • Corrective lenses. You must wear glasses or contact lenses while driving. This is the most common restriction.
  • Automatic transmission only. You can drive only vehicles with automatic transmission, not manual shift. This restriction is used for drivers with limited hand or arm mobility.
  • Daylight driving only. You cannot drive between sunset and sunrise, or between specific hours such as 10 p.m. and 5 a.m. This may be placed on older drivers, drivers with certain medical conditions, or new teen drivers.
  • No highway driving. You can drive on local roads and state routes but not on interstate highways. This is sometimes placed on older drivers or those with limited experience.
  • Hearing aid required. You must wear a hearing aid while driving if you have significant hearing loss.
  • Passenger restrictions. You cannot carry passengers, or can carry only family members or passengers over a certain age. This is common for teen drivers in graduated licensing programs.
  • Hand controls required. Your vehicle must have hand controls for acceleration and braking.

Your state's DMV website lists all restrictions used in your state and what each one means. Some states use letter codes (like "B" for corrective lenses) and others use full descriptions.

How to remove a restriction from your license

To remove a restriction, you must show that the condition causing it no longer applies. The process depends on the type of restriction.

For a corrective-lenses restriction, you take a vision test at your local DMV office. If you pass without glasses or contacts, the restriction is removed. You do not need to renew your entire license — the DMV updates your record and issues a new card without the restriction.

For medical restrictions, you may need a letter from your doctor stating that your condition has improved or resolved. For example, if you have a daylight-only restriction due to a medical condition, your doctor can write a letter saying you are now safe to drive at night. You bring this letter to the DMV, and they may remove the restriction without requiring a new test.

Age-based restrictions expire automatically. If your license has a midnight-to-5-a.m. driving restriction because you are 17, that restriction disappears on your 18th birthday or on the date your license was issued plus one year, depending on your state's rules. You do not have to do anything — the DMV removes it automatically.

If you believe a restriction was placed in error, contact your local DMV office and ask to speak with a supervisor. Bring any documentation that supports your case, such as a recent vision test from an eye doctor or a letter from your physician.

What happens if you drive in violation of a restriction

Driving in violation of a restriction is a traffic offense. A police officer who stops you and discovers you are breaking a restriction can issue you a ticket, just as they would for speeding or running a red light.

The penalty varies by state and by the type of restriction. Violating a corrective-lenses restriction — driving without your glasses when your license requires them — typically results in a fine of $50 to $200 and may add points to your driving record. Violating a more serious restriction, such as driving at night when you are restricted to daylight only, can result in a higher fine, points, or a brief license suspension.

A violation can also affect your insurance rates and may be used against you if you are involved in an accident. If you cause a crash while violating a restriction, your insurance company may deny your claim or cancel your policy.

Restrictions versus suspensions and revocations

It is important to understand the difference between a restriction and a suspension or revocation, because they have very different consequences.

A restriction lets you keep your license and drive, but only under certain conditions. You can still legally operate a vehicle as long as you follow the restriction.

A suspension temporarily takes away your license. You cannot drive at all during the suspension period, which might last 30 days, 6 months, or a year depending on the reason. Once the suspension ends, your license is restored automatically (though you may have to pay a reinstatement fee).

A revocation permanently cancels your license. You cannot drive, and you must go through the entire licensing process again — written test, road test, and all — to get a new license. Revocations are used for serious offenses like multiple DUI convictions or habitual traffic violations.

Restrictions on a learner's permit or provisional license

Teen drivers in graduated licensing programs often have multiple restrictions on their learner's permit or provisional license. These might include a requirement to have a licensed adult in the car, a ban on driving between certain hours, a limit on the number of passengers, and a ban on cell phone use.

These restrictions are temporary and are designed to give new drivers time to gain experience in lower-risk situations. As you move through the stages of your state's graduated licensing program — from learner's permit to provisional license to full license — restrictions are removed. By the time you reach a full, unrestricted license, most or all of these temporary restrictions will be gone.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get my license if I know I will need a restriction?

Yes. If you have a condition like poor vision or limited mobility, you can still get a license — the DMV will add a restriction that lets you drive safely within your limitations. You take the written and road tests like any other driver, and if you pass, you get your license with the restriction noted.

Do I have to tell my insurance company about a restriction on my license?

Yes. Your insurance company can see your restrictions through your driving record. If you do not disclose a restriction and you are in an accident, the company may deny your claim. Always list all restrictions when you get a quote or renew your policy.

What if I lose my glasses and I have a corrective-lenses restriction?

You should not drive without your corrective lenses if your license requires them, even if you think you can see well enough. If you are stopped, you can be ticketed. If you are in an accident, it could affect your insurance claim. Keep a backup pair of glasses in your car or get a replacement pair as soon as possible.

Can a restriction be added to my license after I already have it?

Yes. If you fail a vision test during a license renewal, or if you are convicted of certain traffic offenses, a restriction can be added to your existing license. The DMV will notify you and issue a new card with the restriction.

How long does it take to remove a restriction?

It depends on the type of restriction. A corrective-lenses restriction can be removed the same day if you pass a vision test at the DMV. A medical restriction may take longer if you need a doctor's letter. Age-based restrictions expire automatically on a set date with no action needed on your part.