The court code is a two-digit number printed on your Virginia driver's license that indicates a restriction or condition imposed by a court order
Virginia uses court codes to flag licenses that have been restricted, suspended, or placed under special conditions by a judge or court. The code appears in the "Restrictions" section of your license and tells law enforcement and licensing officials that your driving privileges are subject to a court-ordered limitation. This is different from a DMV-imposed restriction — it means a Virginia court has directly ordered the change.
The most common reason for a court code is a conviction for driving under the influence (DUI) or related traffic offense. However, court codes can also result from child support arrears, failure to pay court fines, or other court-ordered conditions. Understanding what your specific code means is important because it tells you what you can and cannot do while driving.
Key Takeaways
- Court codes are two-digit numbers placed on your Virginia license by a judge, not by the DMV, and they indicate a court-ordered restriction on your driving.
- The most common court codes relate to DUI convictions, but codes can also result from unpaid child support, unpaid court fines, or other court orders.
- You can find your court code in the "Restrictions" box on the front of your physical license or in your online DMV record.
- Removing a court code requires you to satisfy the court's original order — paying fines, completing a program, or meeting other conditions — then requesting the court to notify the DMV.
Common Virginia Court Codes and What They Mean
Virginia does not publish a single master list of all court codes, but the most frequently issued codes relate to alcohol or drug offenses. Code 12, for example, is commonly used for DUI-related restrictions. Code 30 may indicate a suspension due to child support arrears. Code 31 often reflects a suspension related to unpaid court costs or fines. The exact meaning of a code depends on the court order that created it.
Because court codes are issued by individual judges and courts across Virginia, the same code can technically mean different things in different jurisdictions, though common codes tend to follow statewide patterns. If you are unsure what your code means, the safest approach is to contact the court that issued the order or call the Virginia DMV at 804-367-0538 to ask for clarification.
Some court codes come with specific driving restrictions — for example, you may be allowed to drive only to work, school, or medical appointments. Others may require you to use an ignition interlock device. Still others may be a full suspension, meaning you cannot drive at all until the code is removed.
How to Find Your Court Code
Your court code appears on the front of your physical Virginia driver's license in the "Restrictions" section. It will be a two-digit number, sometimes followed by additional text describing the restriction. You can also view your court code online through the Virginia DMV website by logging into your account with your license number and date of birth.
If you have a digital or mobile version of your license through the Virginia DMV app, the restrictions section will show the same code. If you cannot locate your code or the code is unclear, you can request a copy of your driving record from the DMV, which will list all restrictions and codes currently on your license.
Why a Court Code Was Added to Your License
A court code is added to your license when a Virginia court issues an order that affects your driving privileges. The court notifies the DMV of the order, and the DMV updates your license record. You do not request a court code — it is imposed as part of a court judgment or order.
The most common reason is a DUI or DWI conviction. Virginia courts may also impose codes for reckless driving, habitual traffic offender status, or failure to appear in court. Non-traffic reasons include unpaid child support, unpaid court fines, or failure to maintain required insurance. In some cases, a court code may be temporary — lasting only until you complete a required program or pay a debt — while in others it may be permanent until you meet specific conditions.
Steps to Remove a Court Code From Your License
Removing a court code requires you to satisfy the underlying court order. If the code was issued because of unpaid fines, you must pay those fines. If it was issued because of a DUI conviction, you may need to complete a substance abuse program, pay court costs, and serve any suspension period. If it was issued for child support arrears, you must bring your account current.
Once you have met the court's requirements, you must request that the court notify the DMV that the condition has been satisfied. This is typically done by filing a motion or request with the court that issued the original order. The court will then send an updated order to the DMV. The DMV will process the update and remove the code from your license at your next renewal or upon request.
In some cases, you may need to request a new license after the code is removed rather than waiting for renewal. Contact the court that issued the code to confirm what steps you need to take and whether the DMV will automatically update your record or whether you need to request the update yourself.
Court Codes vs. DMV Restrictions
Virginia distinguishes between court codes (imposed by a judge) and standard DMV restrictions (imposed by the licensing authority). A court code always comes from a court order. A DMV restriction, by contrast, is imposed by the Department of Motor Vehicles based on your age, medical condition, or other licensing factors — for example, "corrective lenses required" or "automatic transmission only."
Both appear in the restrictions section of your license, but only a court code indicates that a court has ordered a limitation on your driving. If you have both a court code and a DMV restriction, you must follow both. Violating either can result in additional penalties.
What Happens If You Drive With a Court Code Restriction
Driving in violation of a court code restriction is a serious offense in Virginia. If your license shows a code that prohibits certain types of driving — such as driving only to work — and you are stopped while driving for another purpose, you can be charged with driving with a suspended or revoked license. This charge carries criminal penalties, including fines and potential jail time.
If your code indicates a full suspension and you drive at all, you face the same charges. Even if you are not stopped, driving with a suspended license due to a court code can result in additional court orders, extended suspension periods, and a criminal record. If you are unsure whether your court code allows you to drive in a particular situation, contact the court or the DMV before driving.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a court code stay on my Virginia license?
The duration depends on the underlying court order. Some codes are temporary and expire once you complete a required program or serve a suspension period. Others remain until you satisfy the court's conditions. You must contact the court that issued the code to learn when it will be removed or what you need to do to have it removed.
Can I drive out of state if I have a court code on my Virginia license?
No. A Virginia court code applies to your driving privileges everywhere, not just in Virginia. If you are stopped in another state and your license shows a court code, law enforcement can see it and may charge you with driving with a suspended or restricted license. The restriction follows your license nationally.
What if I disagree with the court code on my license?
If you believe the code was added in error or that the underlying court order was unjust, you must address the issue through the court system, not the DMV. You can file a motion with the court that issued the order to request reconsideration or appeal. The DMV enforces court orders but does not have the authority to remove them.
Do I have to tell my insurance company about a court code?
Yes. A court code typically reflects a serious traffic or legal violation, and your insurance company needs to know about it. Failing to disclose a court code to your insurer can result in your policy being cancelled or claims being denied. Report the code to your insurance agent as soon as it appears on your license.
Can a court code affect my ability to renew my license?
Yes. If a court code is active on your license, the DMV may not renew it until the underlying court order is satisfied. You may be required to show proof that you have met the court's conditions before renewal is processed. Contact the DMV or the court to confirm what is required before your renewal date.