How Colorado Driver License Restrictions Work
A restriction on your Colorado driver license is a condition that limits how or when you can drive. It appears on your license as a letter code (A through Z) and means you must follow that rule every time you get behind the wheel. Restrictions are different from endorsements — they don't give you permission to do something, they limit what you're allowed to do.
Colorado issues restrictions for several reasons: medical conditions that affect your ability to drive safely, violations of traffic laws, or requirements tied to your age or license type. Some restrictions are temporary and expire on a set date; others stay on your record until you take action to remove them. You can drive with a restriction, but violating it — for example, driving without the required corrective lenses when your license says you must wear them — is a separate traffic violation.
The Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) assigns restrictions automatically in some cases (like vision problems discovered at renewal) and issues them by court order in others (like after a DUI conviction). You'll see the restriction code and its meaning printed on the front or back of your physical license card.
Key Takeaways
- Colorado restrictions are letter codes (A–Z) that limit when, where, or how you can drive, and violating a restriction is a separate traffic offense.
- Common restrictions include corrective lenses (code A), automatic transmission only (code B), and daylight driving only (code D).
- Some restrictions are temporary and expire automatically; others require you to request removal through the DMV or by meeting specific conditions.
- You must carry your license and follow all restrictions every time you drive, or you risk a citation and points on your driving record.
- Medical restrictions can sometimes be removed by passing a new vision or driving test; court-ordered restrictions usually require proof of completion of a program or a judge's order.
Common Colorado Driver License Restriction Codes
Colorado uses a standardized set of restriction codes. The most frequent ones are:
| Code | Restriction | What It Means |
|---|---|---|
| A | Corrective lenses | You must wear glasses or contact lenses every time you drive. |
| B | Automatic transmission | You may only drive vehicles with automatic transmission. |
| D | Daylight driving only | You cannot drive between sunset and sunrise. |
| E | No freeway driving | You cannot drive on interstate highways or limited-access roads. |
| F | Outside mirror | Your vehicle must have an outside mirror on the driver's side. |
| J | Ignition interlock device | Your vehicle must have an approved breath-testing device installed. |
| K | No passengers under 21 | You cannot transport passengers under age 21 (typically for young drivers). |
Other codes exist for specific situations, such as restrictions on towing, restrictions on driving commercial vehicles, or restrictions tied to medical conditions. If you see a code on your license that you don't recognize, the DMV website lists all codes, or you can call your local DMV office for clarification.
Medical Restrictions and Vision Requirements
The most common restrictions in Colorado are medical or vision-related. If you fail the vision screening during a license renewal or initial process, the DMV will issue a corrective lenses restriction (code A). This means you must wear your glasses or contacts every time you drive — not just on the highway or in bad weather.
Vision restrictions can be removed by passing a new vision test at the DMV. You'll need to bring your current glasses or contacts and proof of a recent eye exam (usually within the past year). The DMV will re-test your vision; if you pass, you can request that the restriction be removed at that visit. There is no fee to remove a restriction once you've met the requirement.
Other medical restrictions — such as limits on driving hours or prohibition of night driving — may be issued if you report a medical condition (seizure disorder, sleep apnea, or severe arthritis, for example) or if the DMV learns of one through a medical report. These restrictions can sometimes be removed by providing a letter from your doctor stating that the condition no longer affects your ability to drive safely. You'll need to submit that letter to the DMV and may be asked to take a driving test or vision test to confirm.
Court-Ordered Restrictions and DUI-Related Limits
If you are convicted of driving under the influence (DUI) or certain traffic violations in Colorado, the court will impose restrictions on your license as part of your sentence. The most common court-ordered restriction is the ignition interlock device requirement (code J), which means you must have a certified breath-testing device installed in your vehicle.
An ignition interlock device prevents your vehicle from starting if it detects alcohol on your breath. You are responsible for the cost of installation and monthly monitoring, which typically ranges from $60 to $150 per month depending on the provider. You must use the device for the entire period ordered by the court — usually 6 months to 2 years for a first DUI — and you must pass all rolling retests while driving.
Other court-ordered restrictions may include a prohibition on driving with any measurable amount of alcohol in your system (code M), a requirement to carry proof of insurance at all times, or a suspension of your license for a set period. To remove a court-ordered restriction, you must complete whatever the court ordered (the interlock period, a DUI education program, community service, etc.) and then request removal from the DMV. Some restrictions are lifted automatically once the court-ordered period ends; others require you to file paperwork or appear in court.
Young Driver Restrictions in Colorado
Colorado's Graduated Driver License (GDL) system imposes restrictions on drivers under age 18. These restrictions are automatic and are designed to reduce crash risk as new drivers gain experience. The main GDL restrictions are:
- Permit stage (age 15–16): You can only drive with a licensed adult age 21 or older in the front seat. You cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m.
- Intermediate license stage (age 16–17): You cannot transport passengers under age 21 (code K) unless a licensed adult age 21 or older is in the vehicle. You cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m. unless it's for school, work, or a medical emergency.
- Full license (age 18+): All GDL restrictions are lifted.
These restrictions are removed automatically when you reach the age threshold or complete the GDL requirements (usually 12 months of violation-free driving at the intermediate stage). You do not need to request removal; the DMV will update your license at your next renewal or you can request an updated card from any DMV office.
How to Request Removal of a Restriction
The process for removing a restriction depends on the type of restriction and the reason it was issued. For medical or vision restrictions, you typically need to pass a test or provide documentation from a healthcare provider. For court-ordered restrictions, you must complete the court-ordered requirement and then notify the DMV.
To request removal, contact your local Colorado DMV office by phone or visit in person. Bring your current driver license and any supporting documents (a letter from your eye doctor, proof of interlock completion, a court order, etc.). Some removals can be processed on the spot; others may take a few business days. There is no fee to remove a restriction once you've met the requirement, but you may need to pay for a new license card if the restriction is removed and you want an updated card issued when ready.
If you are unsure whether you meet the requirements to remove a restriction, call the DMV before you visit. They can tell you exactly what documents you need and whether you'll need to take a test. This saves you a trip if you're missing something.
Consequences of Violating a Restriction
Driving in violation of a restriction on your Colorado license is a traffic offense. For example, if your license has a corrective lenses restriction and you are stopped while not wearing glasses, you can be cited for driving with a restriction violation. This is separate from any other traffic violation you might receive.
A restriction violation typically results in a fine (usually $65 to $130), points added to your driving record (usually 4 points), and a written warning on your record. Multiple violations can lead to license suspension. Additionally, if you cause an accident while violating a restriction, your insurance may deny your claim, and you could face civil liability.
If you receive a citation for violating a restriction, you have the right to contest it in traffic court. You can argue that you were not actually violating the restriction (for example, that you were wearing your glasses) or that the restriction itself was issued in error. If you believe the restriction should not be on your license, you can also request a hearing with the DMV to challenge it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive with a restriction on my license?
Yes, you can drive with a restriction as long as you follow it. A restriction limits how or when you drive, but it does not prevent you from driving. Violating the restriction is a separate traffic offense.
How long does a restriction stay on my Colorado license?
It depends on the type. GDL restrictions expire automatically when you reach the required age or complete the required driving period. Medical restrictions can be removed once you pass a test or provide medical documentation. Court-ordered restrictions stay until you complete the court order and request removal from the DMV. Some restrictions are permanent unless you take action to remove them.
What if I wear contacts instead of glasses for a corrective lenses restriction?
Contacts count as corrective lenses. You must wear them every time you drive if your license has a corrective lenses restriction. The restriction does not specify glasses or contacts — it just requires that you correct your vision.
Can I get a restriction removed before my license expires?
Yes. You do not have to wait for renewal. Once you meet the requirement (pass a vision test, complete a court order, etc.), you can visit any DMV office and request removal. The DMV will update your record, and you can request a new license card with the restriction removed.
What happens if I get a citation for violating a restriction?
You will receive a fine, points on your driving record, and a written warning. You can contest the citation in traffic court if you believe you were not violating the restriction or if the restriction was issued in error. Multiple violations can lead to license suspension.