Restriction B is a corrective lens requirement that appears on your license
Restriction B means you must wear corrective lenses — glasses or contact lenses — whenever you drive. The restriction is printed on your license card itself, usually in the "Restrictions" field. If you have Restriction B and drive without the required lenses, you are driving in violation of your license conditions, even if your vision would be legal without correction.
This restriction is issued by the DMV during your vision screening at license renewal or initial issuance. It is not a penalty or a mark against you — it is a safety condition based on your measured vision at the time of testing. The restriction stays on your license until you pass a vision test without it, or until your next renewal cycle when you can be retested.
Restriction B appears on licenses in all 50 states, though the exact wording may vary slightly (some states say "corrective lenses required" or use the code "B"). The requirement is the same: you cannot legally drive without them.
Key Takeaways
- Restriction B means you must wear glasses or contact lenses every time you drive, or your license is not valid for that trip.
- The DMV issues Restriction B based on your vision test results, not as a punishment — it is a safety condition of your license.
- Driving without the required lenses when Restriction B is on your license is a violation and can result in a traffic citation.
- You can remove Restriction B by passing a vision test without correction at your DMV, or by retesting at your next renewal.
- If you wear contact lenses, you must have them in your eyes while driving; keeping them in your car does not satisfy the restriction.
How the DMV assigns Restriction B during testing
When you take your vision screening at the DMV — whether for a new license, renewal, or after a vision-related suspension — the examiner tests your uncorrected vision first. If you cannot read the required line on the eye chart without glasses or contacts, the examiner then tests your vision with correction. If your corrected vision meets the state's standard (usually 20/40 or better in each eye), the DMV issues your license with Restriction B.
The threshold varies slightly by state. Most states require 20/40 corrected vision in at least one eye and 20/70 or better in the other. A few states are stricter. The key point is that the restriction is based on what you can see with correction, not without it. If you cannot meet the standard even with glasses or contacts, the DMV will not issue you a license at all, or will issue one with more severe restrictions.
You do not choose to have Restriction B — it is assigned automatically if your test results show you need it. You cannot request it removed during the same visit; you must return for a separate vision retest.
What happens if you drive without the required lenses
Driving with Restriction B on your license but without wearing corrective lenses is a traffic violation in all states. The violation is usually classified as "driving with a suspended or restricted license" or "violation of license restrictions." It is separate from any ticket for unsafe driving — you can be cited for the restriction violation alone, even if your driving was otherwise safe.
Penalties vary by state but typically include a fine (often $100 to $500), points on your driving record, and possible license suspension. A second or third violation within a set period can result in a longer suspension or mandatory retesting. Some states treat repeated violations as grounds for license revocation.
The violation is also a problem for insurance. If you are in an accident while driving without required correction, your insurer may deny a claim or drop your coverage, because you were driving in violation of your license conditions. This can leave you personally liable for damages.
How to remove Restriction B from your license
To remove Restriction B, you must pass a vision test without correction at your DMV. You do not need to wait for your renewal — you can request a vision retest at any time. Call your local DMV office or check their website for the procedure; some states allow you to walk in, while others require an appointment.
Bring your current license and be prepared to pay a retest fee if your state charges one (fees range from $0 to $25, depending on the state). The examiner will test your uncorrected vision. If you pass — meaning your vision without glasses or contacts meets the state standard — the restriction will be removed when ready, and you will receive a corrected license in the mail within one to two weeks.
If you do not pass the retest, Restriction B remains on your license. You can request another retest after a waiting period (usually 30 to 90 days), or you can straightforward continue driving with correction and have the restriction removed at your next renewal if your vision has improved.
Restriction B and contact lenses versus glasses
Restriction B does not distinguish between glasses and contact lenses — either one satisfies the requirement. However, the restriction means the lenses must be in your eyes or on your face while you drive. Keeping contact lenses in your car, in your purse, or at home does not count. If you are pulled over and you have Restriction B but no glasses and no contacts in your eyes, you are in violation.
If you wear contact lenses, make sure you have them in before you start driving. If you wear glasses, keep them on while driving. If you switch between the two, you still need one or the other in use at all times. Some drivers keep a backup pair of glasses in the car in case a contact lens falls out or tears.
If your vision has changed and your current glasses or contacts no longer correct your vision to the required standard, you should get an updated prescription and new lenses before your next DMV visit. Wearing outdated correction that no longer works defeats the purpose of the restriction and puts you at risk.
Restriction B at license renewal
When you renew your license, you will be required to take another vision test. If you still need correction to meet the state standard, Restriction B will be renewed on your new license. If your vision has improved and you can now pass the test without correction, the restriction will be removed.
Some states allow you to renew online or by mail if you have no other changes to your license. However, if you have Restriction B, most states require you to appear in person for the vision screening, even if you are renewing early or by mail. Check your state's renewal rules before you plan your visit.
If you are renewing and you want to try to remove Restriction B, you can request a vision retest before your renewal appointment. If you pass, you can renew without the restriction. If you do not pass, you can still renew with Restriction B intact.
Other vision-related restrictions and when they explore instead
Restriction B is the most common vision-related restriction, but some states use additional or alternative codes. Restriction C (daylight driving only) is issued when your vision is correctable to the legal standard but only during daylight hours. Restriction D (no freeway driving) is sometimes used for limited peripheral vision or other conditions. Restriction E (automatic transmission only) is not vision-related but is often grouped with other restrictions.
If you have been issued a restriction other than Restriction B, the rules for removal and violation are similar — you must meet the condition to drive legally, and you can request a retest to have it removed. Ask your DMV which restriction applies to you and what the specific requirement is.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a license without Restriction B if I need glasses?
No. If your uncorrected vision does not meet the state standard but your corrected vision does, the DMV will issue a license with Restriction B. You cannot choose to have an unrestricted license if you need correction to drive safely.
Do I have to tell a police officer I have Restriction B if I am pulled over?
You do not have to volunteer the information, but it will be visible on your license when the officer checks it. If you are wearing glasses or contacts, there is no violation. If you are not, the officer will see the restriction and may cite you.
What if I lost my glasses and need to drive?
If you have Restriction B and your glasses are lost or broken, you should not drive until you have replacement lenses. Driving without them is a violation. If it is an emergency, consider calling a taxi, rideshare, or asking someone else to drive.
How long does it take to get a new license after Restriction B is removed?
After you pass a vision retest without correction, the restriction is removed from your record when ready. Your new license card will be mailed to you within one to two weeks, depending on your state's processing time. You can drive legally once the restriction is removed, even before the new card arrives.
Can Restriction B be added to my license after I already have one?
Yes. If your vision changes and you fail a vision test at renewal or after a traffic stop, the DMV can add Restriction B to your license. You would typically be notified and given a chance to retest or renew before the restriction takes effect.