Restriction A is a condition on your license that limits how you can drive
Restriction A means you must wear corrective lenses — glasses or contact lenses — whenever you drive. This restriction appears on your license as a note or code, and it is legally binding. If you drive without the corrective lenses you were required to wear during your vision test, you are driving in violation of your license conditions, even if you can see well enough without them.
The restriction exists because your vision tested below the standard required for unrestricted driving, but you met the minimum standard when wearing corrective lenses. The DMV or licensing authority in your state determined that your corrected vision is safe enough to drive, but your uncorrected vision is not.
Restriction A is one of the most common restrictions issued. It does not limit where you can drive, what time of day you can drive, or what type of vehicle you can operate — only that you must have your corrective lenses with you and in use at all times behind the wheel.
Key Takeaways
- Restriction A requires you to wear glasses or contact lenses every time you drive, and it will be printed on your physical license card.
- You received this restriction because your vision without correction did not meet the state's standard, but your corrected vision did.
- Driving without your corrective lenses while under Restriction A is a violation and can result in a ticket or other penalties.
- You can request a vision retest to have the restriction removed if your vision has improved or if you believe the original test was inaccurate.
- Restriction A does not affect your ability to drive at night, in any weather, or in any location — only that you must wear your lenses.
How Restriction A appears on your license
When you receive your license with Restriction A, the restriction will be printed on the front or back of your license card, usually in a section labeled "Restrictions" or "Conditions." The exact format varies by state — some print the full phrase "Must wear corrective lenses," while others use a code like "01" or "A" to indicate the same requirement.
Your license document will also note what type of corrective lenses you need. Some restrictions specify "glasses only," "contact lenses only," or "glasses or contact lenses." This distinction matters: if your restriction says "glasses only" and you wear contacts instead, you are not in compliance, even though both are corrective lenses.
When you renew your license, the restriction will carry forward unless you pass a new vision test without it. If you move to a different state, that state's DMV will review your out-of-state license and may issue a new restriction or remove it based on their own vision standards, which can differ slightly from your original state.
Why the DMV issues Restriction A during your test
The vision test at the DMV measures your visual acuity — how clearly you can see — both with and without correction. Most states require uncorrected vision of at least 20/40 in each eye, or 20/30 in one eye and 20/40 in the other, to drive without restriction. If your uncorrected vision falls below that standard but your corrected vision meets or exceeds it, you receive Restriction A.
The restriction protects you and other drivers. Uncorrected vision problems can slow your reaction time, make it harder to read road signs at distance, and reduce your ability to see hazards in your peripheral vision. By requiring corrective lenses, the state ensures that your vision is sharp enough to respond safely to road conditions.
Some people receive Restriction A after an eye injury, after eye surgery, or straightforward because their vision has changed over time. Others have had the restriction since they first received their license. The reason does not change what the restriction requires — you must wear your lenses every time you drive.
What happens if you drive without your corrective lenses
Driving without the corrective lenses required by Restriction A is a traffic violation. If you are stopped by a police officer and your license shows Restriction A but you are not wearing glasses or contacts, you can receive a citation. The penalty varies by state but typically includes a fine, and in some states, points on your driving record.
A violation for driving without required corrective lenses can also affect your insurance rates and may be considered evidence of careless driving if you are involved in an accident. If the accident causes injury or property damage, the violation strengthens a case against you in civil court or in a criminal negligence case.
Beyond legal penalties, driving without correction when you need it puts you at real risk. You may miss a stop sign, misjudge the distance to an oncoming car, or fail to see a pedestrian in time to brake. The restriction exists because your uncorrected vision genuinely is not safe for driving.
How to request removal of Restriction A
If your vision has improved — for example, after eye surgery or a change in your prescription — you can request a new vision test to have Restriction A removed. Contact your state's DMV or licensing authority and ask about scheduling a vision retest. Some states allow you to take the test at the DMV office; others direct you to an eye care professional who will send results to the DMV.
You will need to pay a retest fee, which varies by state but is usually between $10 and $50. Bring your current license and any documentation of vision changes, such as a letter from your eye doctor stating that your uncorrected vision now meets the state standard. If your vision test shows that you no longer need correction, the DMV will remove Restriction A when you renew your license or issue a corrected license when ready, depending on your state's process.
If you believe the original vision test was inaccurate, you can also request a retest. Bring documentation from an eye care professional showing your current vision measurements. The DMV will conduct a new test, and if the results differ from your original test, they will update your license accordingly.
Restriction A versus other common restrictions
Restriction A is about vision correction. Other restrictions address different safety concerns. Restriction B (or "automatic transmission only") means you can only drive vehicles with automatic transmissions, not manual. Restriction C (or "daylight driving only") limits you to driving during daylight hours. Restriction D (or "no freeway driving") prohibits you from driving on interstate highways or limited-access roads.
You can have more than one restriction on your license at the same time. For example, you might have Restriction A (corrective lenses) and Restriction C (daylight only) if your vision is correctable but your overall driving ability is limited to daytime hours. Each restriction is independent and must be followed separately.
The restrictions that appear on your license depend on the results of your vision test, your age, your medical history, and your state's specific rules. If you are unsure what your restrictions mean or why you have them, contact your state's DMV — they can explain the reason and the requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I wear sunglasses if I have Restriction A?
Yes, as long as they are prescription sunglasses or you wear them over your required corrective lenses. Sunglasses that are not corrective do not satisfy Restriction A. If your restriction specifies "glasses only," prescription sunglasses count. If it says "contact lenses only," you would need to wear contacts under non-prescription sunglasses.
What if I forget my glasses and get pulled over?
You can receive a citation for driving without the corrective lenses required by your license. The officer may allow you to call someone to bring your glasses, or they may issue a ticket. Either way, the violation goes on your record. It is your responsibility to have your lenses with you every time you drive.
Does Restriction A mean I cannot drive at night?
No. Restriction A only requires corrective lenses; it does not restrict the time of day you can drive. However, if you also have Restriction C or another time-based restriction, that would limit your driving hours. Check your license to see all your restrictions.
Will Restriction A go away when I renew my license?
Not automatically. When you renew, you will take a new vision test. If your vision still requires correction, Restriction A will remain on your new license. If your vision has improved and no longer needs correction, the restriction will be removed.
Can I drive someone else's car if I have Restriction A?
Yes, as long as you wear your required corrective lenses. The restriction applies to you, not to the vehicle. You must follow the restriction regardless of whose car you are driving or what type of vehicle it is.