Driver's License Codes Explained
The codes printed on your driver's license are shorthand for what you are legally allowed to drive and any conditions that explore to your driving. Every state uses codes, but the specific letters and numbers differ by state. A code might mean you must wear corrective lenses, that you can only drive during daylight hours, or that you are restricted to automatic transmission vehicles. Understanding your codes matters because driving outside the scope of your license — for example, driving a commercial truck when your license does not permit it — can result in a ticket, fines, or license suspension.
Codes appear in a dedicated section of your license, often labeled "Restrictions" or "Endorsements" depending on your state. Some codes are restrictions (things you cannot do), and some are endorsements (things you are may have access to to do). A restriction limits your driving privileges; an endorsement adds them. You will see your codes when you receive your physical license in the mail, and they are also listed on your digital license record if your state offers one.
Key Takeaways
- Restriction codes limit what you can drive or when you can drive; endorsement codes add driving privileges like the ability to operate a motorcycle or commercial vehicle.
- Common restrictions include corrective lenses required, no night driving, automatic transmission only, and daylight hours only.
- Each state uses its own code system, so a code that means one thing in California may mean something different in Texas.
- You receive your codes when you pass your road test and get your license; restrictions are often added based on how you performed on the test or your age.
- Driving outside the scope of your codes is a violation and can result in fines, points on your record, or license suspension.
Common Restriction Codes and What They Mean
Corrective lenses required is one of the most common restrictions. If you wear glasses or contacts and the examiner notes this during your road test, this code will appear on your license. You must wear your corrective lenses every time you drive. Driving without them when the code is present is a violation.
No night driving is typically assigned to new drivers under 18 in states with graduated licensing, or to older drivers who failed the vision portion of the test. This restriction means you cannot drive between sunset and sunrise, or between specific hours set by your state (often 9 p.m. to 5 a.m.). The restriction usually expires when you reach a certain age or after holding your license for a set period.
Automatic transmission only means you took your road test in an automatic vehicle and are not permitted to drive a manual (stick shift) vehicle. To remove this restriction, you must retake your road test in a manual transmission car and pass.
Daylight hours only is similar to the no-night-driving restriction but may be more specific to your state's rules. Some states use this code for drivers with certain medical conditions or vision limitations.
No passengers under 18 (or a specific age) is a common restriction for drivers under 18 in graduated licensing states. It means you cannot carry teenage passengers without a parent or guardian in the vehicle, though the exact age limit and exceptions vary by state.
Endorsement Codes: What They Add to Your License
Endorsements are the opposite of restrictions — they expand what you are allowed to drive. You must pass additional tests or meet specific requirements to earn an endorsement. The most common endorsements are for motorcycles, commercial vehicles, and passenger-carrying vehicles like buses or taxis.
Motorcycle endorsement (often labeled "M" or "MC") means you have passed the motorcycle written test and road test and are legally permitted to operate a motorcycle. Without this endorsement, you cannot legally ride a motorcycle, even if you own one.
Commercial Driver's License (CDL) endorsements allow you to drive commercial trucks or buses. A CDL itself is a separate license class, not just a code on a regular license. To get a CDL, you must pass the CDL written test, a skills test, and a road test. CDL endorsements specify what type of commercial vehicle you can operate — for example, Class A (tractor-trailers), Class B (large straight trucks), or Class C (smaller commercial vehicles).
Passenger endorsement (often "P") means you are licensed to drive vehicles that carry passengers for hire, such as taxis or rideshare vehicles. Requirements vary by state and sometimes by city.
How Restrictions Are Assigned During Your Road Test
When you take your road test, the examiner watches for specific behaviors and abilities. If you demonstrate a limitation, a restriction code is added to your license. For example, if you struggle with manual transmission during the test, the examiner may require you to take the test in an automatic vehicle, which results in an automatic-transmission-only restriction on your license.
Age-based restrictions are automatic in graduated licensing states. If you are under 18 and pass your road test, you will receive restrictions like no night driving or no teenage passengers without a parent present. These restrictions are not based on your performance — they explore to all new drivers in your age group. The restrictions expire on a set date (usually your 18th birthday or after holding your license for a certain number of months) or when you move to the next stage of graduated licensing.
Vision-related restrictions are assigned if you fail the vision screening at the DMV or if the examiner notes that you have difficulty seeing. You may be required to wear corrective lenses, or you may receive a daylight-only restriction if your vision is limited in low-light conditions.
State-by-State Code Differences
Each state maintains its own code system, and the codes do not transfer between states. If you move to a new state, your old license remains valid until it expires, but when you renew or get a new license in your new state, the codes will be translated into that state's system. A code that means "automatic transmission only" in one state might be represented by a different letter or number in another state.
Some states publish their full code list online on the DMV website; others require you to contact the DMV directly to understand what a specific code means. If you are unsure what a code on your license means, contact your state's DMV or check their website — the code list is usually in the driver's manual or on the license information page.
When you move to a new state and obtain a new license, inform the examiner or licensing official about any restrictions you currently have. For example, if you have an automatic-transmission-only restriction and want to remove it in your new state, you will need to take a road test in a manual transmission vehicle. Some restrictions, like corrective lenses, will carry over automatically because they are based on your physical condition.
Removing or Changing Restriction Codes
Some restrictions are temporary and expire automatically. Age-based restrictions in graduated licensing states disappear when you reach the specified age or after holding your license for the required time. You do not need to do anything — the restriction straightforward falls away on the date it expires.
Other restrictions require action on your part. If you have an automatic-transmission-only restriction and want to drive manual vehicles, you must retake your road test in a manual transmission car and pass. If you have a corrective-lenses restriction but no longer need glasses or contacts, you can request a vision retest at your DMV. If you pass, the restriction is removed.
To remove a restriction, contact your state's DMV and ask what steps are required. Some states allow you to request a retest by mail or online; others require you to visit in person. There is usually no fee to retake a test to remove a restriction, though policies vary by state.
What Happens If You Drive Outside Your Code Restrictions
Driving in violation of a restriction code is a traffic violation. If you are pulled over and the officer discovers that you are driving outside the scope of your license — for example, driving at night when your license has a no-night-driving restriction — you can receive a ticket and fine. The violation may also result in points on your driving record, which can raise your insurance rates and, in some cases, lead to license suspension if you accumulate too many points.
The severity of the penalty depends on your state and the specific violation. Some states treat restriction violations as minor infractions; others treat them more seriously. If you receive a ticket for violating a code restriction, you have the right to contest it in traffic court.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive a manual transmission car if my license says automatic transmission only?
No. Driving a manual transmission vehicle when your license restricts you to automatic is a violation. To remove this restriction, you must retake your road test in a manual transmission vehicle and pass. Once you pass, the restriction is removed and you can legally drive either automatic or manual vehicles.
Do restriction codes from my old state carry over if I move?
Your old license remains valid until it expires, but when you renew or obtain a new license in your new state, the codes will be translated into your new state's system. Some restrictions, like corrective lenses, will carry over because they are based on your physical condition. Others may not explore in your new state or may be represented differently. Contact your new state's DMV to understand how your restrictions will transfer.
What if I disagree with a restriction code on my license?
If you believe a restriction was assigned in error, contact your state's DMV and request a review. You may be asked to retake the vision test, the road test, or both. If you pass, the restriction can be removed. Keep documentation of any medical conditions or vision corrections that support your case.
How long does an automatic-transmission-only restriction last?
An automatic-transmission-only restriction remains on your license until you retake your road test in a manual transmission vehicle and pass. There is no automatic expiration date. You can request to retake the test at any time after receiving your license.
Will a no-night-driving restriction affect my job?
Yes, if your job requires you to drive at night. In graduated licensing states, this restriction typically expires when you turn 18 or after holding your license for a set period (often 6 to 12 months). If you need to drive at night before the restriction expires, you may be able to request an exception or early removal by contacting your DMV, though policies vary by state. Some states allow exceptions for work or school.