What restriction codes are and why they appear on your license
A restriction code is a letter or number printed on your driver license that limits what you are allowed to drive or how you must drive. It is not a violation or a mark against you — it is a condition of your license. The code tells police, employers, and insurance companies what rules explore to your driving.
Restriction codes exist because some drivers need conditions to drive safely. You might have a restriction because you wear corrective lenses, need hand controls on a vehicle, or have a medical condition that requires monitoring. Other restrictions come from court orders after a conviction or suspension.
Each state uses its own code system. A code that means "automatic transmission only" in one state might be a different letter in another. When you move states, your new license will use that state's codes, not your old ones.
Key Takeaways
- Restriction codes are printed on your license and tell you what vehicles you can drive or what conditions explore to your driving.
- Common restrictions include corrective lenses, hand controls, automatic transmission only, and daylight driving only.
- Violating a restriction — for example, driving without your glasses when the code requires them — is a separate offense and can result in a ticket.
- You can request removal of some restrictions by passing a vision test, medical exam, or other evaluation specific to that restriction.
- Restriction codes vary by state, so you will see different codes on a license from a different state.
Common restriction codes and what they mean
The most frequent restrictions across states are vision-related. A corrective lenses restriction means you must wear glasses or contacts whenever you drive. Some states also add a restriction if you need a bioptic lens (a special magnifying lens for low vision). You must have your corrective lenses in the vehicle at all times, even if you are not wearing them.
Medical and mobility restrictions are the next group. Hand control restrictions mean the vehicle must have hand controls for the accelerator and brake. Prosthetic device restrictions mean you must wear a prosthetic limb while driving. Some states add restrictions for hearing aids or for drivers with certain seizure disorders — these often require annual medical certification.
Vehicle-type restrictions limit what you can drive. Automatic transmission only means you cannot drive a manual (stick shift) vehicle. Some states restrict drivers to vehicles without air brakes or to vehicles under a certain weight. Daylight driving only is common for older drivers or those with certain vision conditions — it means you cannot drive between sunset and sunrise.
Ignition interlock restrictions require you to use a breath-alcohol device before the engine will start. This is a court-ordered restriction after a DUI or DWI conviction. The device is installed in your vehicle, and you blow into it before driving and at random intervals while driving.
How restriction codes affect your insurance and employment
Insurance companies see your restriction codes when you buy a policy or renew. A corrective lenses restriction usually does not change your rate — it is expected and normal. Hand control or prosthetic device restrictions also do not typically affect pricing because they are accommodations, not risk factors.
An ignition interlock restriction will affect your rate and your ability to get standard coverage. Some insurers will not cover a driver with an active interlock, or they will charge a higher premium. You may need to use a high-risk or SR22 insurer. The restriction stays on your license for the length of the court order, which varies by state and offense but is often one to three years.
Employers who hire drivers — delivery companies, rideshare platforms, taxi services, bus operators — will see your restrictions. A daylight-only restriction might disqualify you from a night delivery job. An ignition interlock restriction will disqualify you from most commercial driving roles. Corrective lenses and mobility accommodations usually do not affect hiring, though the employer may ask about them during onboarding.
How to request removal of a restriction
The process to remove a restriction depends on the type and your state. For vision restrictions, you typically need to pass a vision test at the DMV or with an eye doctor. Bring your test results to the DMV, and if you pass, they will issue a new license without the restriction.
For medical restrictions — hearing aids, seizure monitoring, or prosthetic devices — you usually need a letter from your doctor stating that the condition no longer requires the restriction or that you have been seizure-free for a set period (often one to two years). Submit the letter to your state's medical review unit or DMV. They may ask for additional testing or a follow-up exam.
Ignition interlock restrictions cannot be removed early. They stay until the court order expires. Once the order ends, you can request removal at the DMV. Bring proof that the order has been satisfied — usually a letter from the monitoring company or the court.
Daylight-only restrictions can sometimes be removed by passing a specialized vision test or by having your doctor certify that your condition has improved. The rules vary widely by state. Contact your DMV to ask what test or documentation they require.
What happens if you violate a restriction
Driving in violation of a restriction is a separate offense from the reason the restriction exists. If your license says "corrective lenses required" and you drive without them, you can be ticketed for violating that restriction. The ticket is usually a misdemeanor and can result in a fine, points on your record, or license suspension.
Violating an ignition interlock restriction — driving a vehicle without the device installed, or tampering with it — is a criminal offense in most states. It can result in jail time, a larger fine, and an extended interlock requirement.
If you are stopped and the officer sees a restriction you are violating, they will cite you for the violation. If you are in an accident and the other party's insurance discovers you were driving in violation of a restriction, your insurance may deny your claim. This can leave you liable for all damages.
How restrictions appear on your physical license and online record
On your physical license card, restrictions are printed in a small section, usually near the bottom or on the back. Each restriction is shown as a code — typically one or two letters or numbers — followed by a brief description. For example, "B — Corrective lenses" or "H — Hand controls."
Your online driving record (which you can view through your state's DMV website) will also list all active restrictions. This is the record that employers, insurance companies, and courts see when they request your driving history. If you have an ignition interlock restriction, it will appear here and will be visible to anyone who pulls your record.
When you renew your license, the DMV will review your restrictions. If a restriction has expired (such as an ignition interlock order), it will be removed. If a restriction is still active, it will be printed on your new license. If you have requested removal and been approved, the new license will not include that code.
Restrictions versus endorsements: the difference
Restrictions limit what you can do. An endorsement adds permission to do something. For example, a motorcycle endorsement allows you to ride a motorcycle. A commercial driver license (CDL) endorsement allows you to drive a truck. Endorsements and restrictions are separate — you can have both on the same license.
A restriction is always a limitation. An endorsement is always an addition. If you see a code on your license, check your state's DMV handbook to confirm whether it is a restriction or endorsement. The handbook lists all codes and their meanings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive if I forget my glasses and have a corrective lenses restriction?
No. Driving without your corrective lenses when the restriction requires them is a violation and can result in a ticket. You must have your glasses or contacts in the vehicle and wear them while driving. If you forget them, you should not drive.
Will an ignition interlock restriction show up when I explore for a job?
Yes, if the employer runs a driving record check. Most employers who hire drivers will see the restriction. Some employers may not hire you, while others may allow it depending on the job. Rideshare and delivery platforms typically will not approve drivers with active interlocks.
How long does an ignition interlock restriction stay on my license?
It stays for the length of the court order, which varies by state and the offense. Most orders last one to three years. Once the order expires, you can request removal at the DMV. You will need proof from the monitoring company or court that the order has been completed.
Can I move to another state if I have a restriction?
Yes, but your new state will issue a new license with its own restriction codes. Some restrictions — like corrective lenses or hand controls — will transfer as accommodations. Court-ordered restrictions like ignition interlock may not transfer, depending on the state. Contact your new state's DMV before moving to understand what will explore.
What if I disagree with a restriction on my license?
You can request a hearing with your state's DMV. Bring documentation — such as a recent vision test, medical exam, or court order — that supports your request. The DMV will review your case and decide whether to remove, modify, or keep the restriction. The process and timeline vary by state.