BC Restriction Codes Limit What You Can Drive and How

A restriction code on your British Columbia driver's license is a letter or number printed on the back of your card that tells you what you cannot do behind the wheel. It is not a penalty — it is a condition of your license. The code might say you can only drive an automatic transmission, or only during daylight hours, or only with corrective lenses. If you drive outside the limits of your restriction, you are driving contrary to your license conditions, which is a violation even if you are otherwise driving safely.

BC ICBC (Insurance Corporation of British Columbia) assigns restriction codes based on your medical history, your age, your test results, or the type of license you hold. Some restrictions are permanent; others expire on a date printed on your license. You need to know what your codes mean before you get behind the wheel, because you are responsible for following them.

Key Takeaways

  • Restriction codes appear as letters on the back of your BC driver's license and describe conditions you must follow while driving.
  • Common codes include A (automatic transmission only), B (daylight driving only), and D (corrective lenses required), each with different legal consequences if violated.
  • Medical conditions, age, or test performance can trigger restrictions, and some are temporary while others remain for the life of your license.
  • You can request a reassessment or removal of a restriction through ICBC if your circumstances change or if you believe the restriction was assigned in error.

The Most Common BC Restriction Codes and What They Mean

The letter codes you will see most often are A, B, D, and E. Code A means you can only drive a vehicle with an automatic transmission — you cannot operate a manual (stick shift) vehicle. This restriction is usually placed on drivers who passed their road test in an automatic vehicle or who have a physical condition that makes manual transmission unsafe. Code B means daylight driving only — you cannot drive between sunset and sunrise. This is typically assigned to older drivers or those with vision problems that affect night driving. Code D means you must wear corrective lenses (glasses or contact lenses) whenever you drive. Code E means you must wear an external mirror on the left side of the vehicle.

Other codes you may encounter include Code F (left foot accelerator required), Code G (hand controls required), Code H (no passengers under 19 years old), and Code L (learner — you must display L-plates and follow learner rules). Code M means you cannot drive a Class 4 or Class 5 vehicle with air brakes. Each code addresses a specific safety concern or licensing stage.

Some codes are temporary and tied to a specific date on your license. For example, an L (learner) code expires when you pass your Class 5 road test. Others, like Code A or Code D, may be permanent unless you request a reassessment and meet the conditions for removal.

Why ICBC Places Restrictions on Your License

ICBC assigns restrictions for three main reasons: your performance on the road test, a medical condition you reported, or your age and experience level. If you took your Class 5 road test in an automatic vehicle, you will receive Code A because you have not demonstrated the ability to drive a manual transmission safely. If you reported a medical condition during your process — such as poor night vision, limited mobility, or a hearing impairment — ICBC may place a restriction that keeps you within safe driving parameters.

Age-related restrictions are common for new drivers and older drivers. A learner (Code L) is placed on all Class 7 (learner) licenses and remains until you pass your Class 5 road test. Drivers over 80 may be required to take a medical examination, and restrictions such as Code B (daylight only) or Code D (corrective lenses) may result from that assessment. If you have a medical condition that affects your ability to drive safely, ICBC can place a restriction to protect you and other road users.

You are not required to accept a restriction if you disagree with it. You can request a reassessment, take an additional road test, or provide medical documentation to support your case for removal. However, you must follow the restriction as printed on your current license until ICBC officially removes it.

How to Check Your Restriction Codes

Your restriction codes are printed on the back of your BC driver's license, below your photo and personal information. Look for a section labeled "Restrictions" — the codes will appear as single letters, sometimes with an expiry date next to them. If you have no restrictions, this section will be blank or will say "None."

You can also view your restriction codes online through the ICBC website by logging into your account with your driver's license number and date of birth. The online version will show you the same codes as your physical card and will tell you whether any restrictions have an expiry date. If you are unsure what a code means, the ICBC website includes a full list of all restriction codes and their definitions.

If your license is damaged or the restriction codes are unclear, you can order a replacement license through ICBC. The replacement will cost a fee and will take several business days to arrive by mail.

Removing or Changing a Restriction Code

You can request that ICBC reassess or remove a restriction if your circumstances have changed. For example, if you received Code A (automatic only) because you took your test in an automatic, you can take an additional Class 5 road test in a manual vehicle to have the restriction removed. If you received Code B (daylight only) because of a vision concern, you can provide an updated medical report from an eye doctor showing that your vision has improved.

To request a reassessment, contact ICBC directly by phone, mail, or in person at a Driver Licensing office. You will need to explain why you believe the restriction should be removed and provide any supporting documentation — such as a medical report, a new road test result, or proof that the condition triggering the restriction no longer applies. ICBC will review your request and notify you of the decision.

Some restrictions cannot be removed. For example, if you are legally required to wear corrective lenses to meet the vision standard for driving, Code D will remain on your license for as long as you hold a driver's license. Similarly, if you have a permanent physical disability that requires hand controls (Code G), that restriction will not be removed unless your medical condition changes significantly.

What Happens If You Drive Outside Your Restrictions

Driving contrary to your license restrictions is a violation under the BC Motor Vehicle Act. If you are stopped by police and found to be driving outside your restrictions — for example, driving at night with a Code B restriction, or driving a manual transmission vehicle with a Code A restriction — you can be ticketed, fined, and have points added to your driving record. The fine amount varies depending on the specific restriction violated, but violations typically result in a fine of $109 to $196 and two penalty points.

A violation for driving outside your restrictions can also affect your insurance rates and may be considered by ICBC when you renew your license or explore for a different class of license. If you accumulate multiple violations, ICBC may suspend your license or require you to take a remedial driving course before you can continue driving.

If you believe a restriction on your license is unsafe or unworkable — for example, if a daylight-only restriction prevents you from getting to work — you should request a reassessment rather than straightforward ignoring the restriction. ICBC may be able to modify the restriction or work with you to find a solution.

Restriction Codes for New and Learner Drivers

All learner drivers in BC receive a Code L on their Class 7 license. This code means you must follow learner rules: you must display L-plates on your vehicle, you must be supervised by a licensed driver who is at least 25 years old, and you cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m. The Code L restriction remains on your license until you pass your Class 5 road test, at which point it is removed and you become a fully licensed Class 5 driver.

New Class 5 drivers (those who have held their license for fewer than two years) may also receive a Code H restriction, which prohibits them from carrying passengers under 19 years old. This restriction is designed to reduce the risk of distraction and peer pressure for new drivers. Code H typically expires two years after you first receive your Class 5 license, though the exact expiry date will be printed on your license.

If you take your Class 5 road test in an automatic vehicle, you will also receive a Code A restriction. This restriction remains on your license unless you take another road test in a manual transmission vehicle and pass.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive a manual transmission vehicle if I have a Code A restriction?

No. Code A means automatic transmission only. Driving a manual vehicle with this restriction is a violation. To remove Code A, you must take a Class 5 road test in a manual transmission vehicle and pass. Once you pass, ICBC will issue you a new license without the Code A restriction.

What if I forgot I had a Code B restriction and drove at night?

If you are stopped by police, you can be ticketed for driving contrary to your license conditions. The fine is typically $109 to $196 and two penalty points. Forgetting about the restriction is not a legal defense. You are responsible for knowing and following all restrictions on your license.

Do restriction codes expire, or are they permanent?

Some restrictions are temporary and have an expiry date printed on your license; others are permanent. Code L (learner) expires when you pass your Class 5 test. Code H (no passengers under 19) typically expires two years after you receive your Class 5 license. Codes like A, B, and D may be permanent unless you request a reassessment and meet the conditions for removal.

How do I know if my medical condition will result in a restriction?

When you explore for a driver's license or renew your license, you must declare any medical conditions that could affect your driving. ICBC will review your declaration and may require a medical examination. Based on the results, ICBC will decide whether to place a restriction. You will be notified of any restrictions before your license is issued.

Can I request a reassessment of my restriction code?

Yes. Contact ICBC by phone, mail, or in person at a Driver Licensing office and explain why you believe the restriction should be removed or changed. Provide supporting documentation, such as a medical report or a new road test result. ICBC will review your request and notify you of the decision.