What California Driver License Restriction Codes Mean and How They Affect Your Driving

What Restriction Codes Are and Why They Appear on Your License

A restriction code on your California driver license is a letter or number that limits how and when you can drive. The Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) adds these codes to your license based on your age, medical condition, vision correction needs, or the type of vehicle you can operate. Restriction codes are not punishments — they are safety requirements that match your driving privileges to your actual abilities.

When you renew your license, take a written test, or pass a behind-the-wheel exam, the DMV examiner notes any restrictions needed. These appear on the front or back of your physical license card and in the DMV's electronic record. If you drive in violation of a restriction — for example, driving without the required corrective lenses when code B is on your license — you can be cited and fined, even if you were driving safely otherwise.

California uses a two-letter code system. The first letter identifies the restriction type, and the second letter (if present) provides additional detail. Understanding what your codes mean helps you know exactly what you are and are not permitted to do behind the wheel.

Key Takeaways

Restriction codes are two-letter designations that limit when, where, or how you can drive based on age, vision, medical condition, or vehicle type.
Common codes include B (corrective lenses required), D (daylight driving only), and E (automatic transmission only), each with specific legal requirements.
Violating a restriction code can result in a traffic citation and fine, even if your driving was otherwise safe.
You can request removal of certain restrictions by passing a vision test, medical examination, or skills test at a DMV office.
Restriction codes appear on both your physical license card and your DMV driving record, and law enforcement can see them during a traffic stop.

The Most Common California Restriction Codes

Code B means you must wear corrective lenses (glasses or contact lenses) whenever you drive. This is the most frequently issued restriction. If you fail the vision screening at the DMV, you will receive this code. You must have your corrective lenses with you every time you operate a vehicle. Driving without them when code B is on your license is a violation.

Code D restricts you to daylight driving only — typically from sunrise to sunset. The DMV issues this code when your vision or medical condition makes night driving unsafe. You cannot drive between sunset and sunrise, even on well-lit highways. This restriction is common for older drivers or those with certain eye conditions.

Code E requires you to drive an automatic transmission vehicle only. You cannot operate a manual (stick shift) transmission car. This code is issued when you pass your driving test in an automatic vehicle or when a medical condition makes manual transmission unsafe for you.

Code F means you must use an outside left mirror. This restriction is rare and applies to drivers with specific vision or physical limitations that make the standard mirror setup unsafe.

Code I restricts you to vehicles with an ignition interlock device (IID). This code appears on licenses after a DUI conviction. The IID prevents the vehicle from starting if alcohol is detected on your breath. You must have this device installed in any vehicle you drive.

Code M means you cannot drive a motorcycle. This code appears on licenses when you have not passed the motorcycle skills test or when a medical condition makes motorcycle operation unsafe.

Less Common Restriction Codes and Their Meanings

Code A restricts you to driving only on surface streets — no freeways or highways. The DMV issues this when you pass your test on surface streets only or when a medical or age-related condition makes freeway driving unsafe.

Code C means you must wear a hearing aid if you have one. This code appears on licenses when you have a hearing impairment. You must have your hearing aid with you and in use while driving.

Code G restricts you to vehicles with a left foot accelerator or other adaptive equipment. This code is issued when you have a physical disability that requires modified vehicle controls.

Code H means you must use a wheelchair lift or other mobility device. This restriction applies to drivers with mobility limitations who require specialized vehicle equipment.

Code J restricts you to vehicles with an automatic transmission and power steering. This code is issued when both modifications are medically necessary.

Code K means you cannot drive a commercial vehicle. This code appears on non-commercial licenses and prevents you from operating trucks or vehicles requiring a commercial driver license (CDL).

Code L restricts you to vehicles with a left foot brake. This code is issued when a physical condition makes standard brake operation unsafe.

Code O means you must wear an outside right mirror. Like code F, this is a vision-related restriction for drivers with specific sight limitations.

Code V restricts you to vehicles with a mechanical hand control for acceleration and braking. This code is issued to drivers with lower-body paralysis or severe leg injuries.

How Restriction Codes Are Assigned During License Tests

When you take your written test or behind-the-wheel exam, the DMV examiner evaluates your vision, physical abilities, and driving skills. If the examiner observes that you need a restriction to drive safely, they will note it on your test results. You will see the restriction code on your new license when it arrives in the mail.

For vision-related codes, the DMV conducts a vision screening at every license renewal. If you fail the screening without corrective lenses but pass with them, you will receive code B. If you pass the screening but the examiner notes that daylight-only driving is safer for you, you will receive code D.

For medical or physical restrictions, you may be asked to provide a report from your doctor or to demonstrate your driving ability in a behind-the-wheel test. The DMV uses this information to determine which codes are necessary. You will receive written notice of any restrictions before your license is issued.

Requesting Removal of a Restriction Code

Some restriction codes can be removed if you demonstrate that the reason for the restriction no longer applies. The process depends on the type of code.

For code B (corrective lenses), you can request removal by passing a vision test without corrective lenses at a DMV office. Schedule a vision test appointment and bring your current license. If you pass, the examiner will remove the code on the spot or issue you a new license without it.

For code D (daylight driving only), you must pass a vision test and may need a medical evaluation. Contact your local DMV office to schedule an appointment. Bring documentation from your eye doctor or physician stating that your condition has improved and night driving is now safe.

For code E (automatic transmission only), you can request removal by passing a behind-the-wheel test in a manual transmission vehicle. Schedule a driving test appointment and bring a manual transmission car. If you pass, the code will be removed.

For medical or physical restrictions (codes C, G, H, J, L, V), you will need a medical evaluation from your doctor. Contact the DMV to request a medical examination form. Have your doctor complete it and return it to the DMV. If your condition has improved, the restriction may be removed.

For code I (ignition interlock device), removal depends on your DUI sentence and the terms set by the court. You cannot request removal through the DMV alone — you must petition the court or follow the timeline specified in your sentencing order.

What Happens If You Violate a Restriction Code

Driving in violation of a restriction code is a traffic violation. If you are stopped by law enforcement and the officer sees that you violated a code on your license, you can be cited. For example, driving without corrective lenses when code B is on your license, or driving at night when code D restricts you to daylight only, are both violations.

The penalty for violating a restriction code varies but typically includes a fine of $100 to $250 and a point on your driving record. A point on your record can increase your insurance rates and may affect your ability to renew your license. Repeated violations can lead to license suspension.

If you are unsure whether you are complying with your restriction codes, contact your local DMV office or review your license and driving record online through the DMV website. Knowing your codes and following them protects you legally and keeps you and others safe on the road.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive without my glasses if I have code B on my license?

No. Code B means corrective lenses are required every time you drive. Driving without them is a violation, even if you think you can see well enough. You must have your glasses or contact lenses with you and in use whenever you operate a vehicle.

What does it mean if my license has multiple restriction codes?

Multiple codes mean you have more than one restriction. For example, you might have code B (corrective lenses) and code D (daylight driving only). You must follow all codes on your license. Each restriction applies independently.

How long does a restriction code stay on my license?

Most restriction codes remain on your license until you request removal and meet the requirements to have them removed. Some codes, like code I (ignition interlock), are tied to a court order and will be removed automatically when the court-ordered period ends. Check your license or DMV record to see the expiration date, if any.

Do I have to tell my insurance company about my restriction codes?

Yes. You should inform your insurance company about any restriction codes on your license. Some codes may affect your rates or coverage. Failing to disclose restrictions could affect a claim if you are in an accident.

Can I appeal a restriction code if I disagree with it?

Yes. If you believe a restriction code was assigned in error, you can request a hearing with the DMV. Contact your local DMV office to file a request for a hearing. You will have the opportunity to present evidence or take a test to challenge the restriction.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.