Restriction B is a corrective lens requirement

Restriction B means you must wear corrective lenses — glasses or contact lenses — every time you drive. The restriction appears on your license as a code or notation, and law enforcement can cite you if you drive without them, even if you have perfect vision in one eye or only need them for distance.

This restriction is issued during your vision test at the DMV. If you fail the uncorrected vision portion but pass with glasses or contacts, the examiner will note Restriction B on your license. The restriction stays in place until you request removal, which requires passing a new vision test without correction or demonstrating that your vision has improved enough to meet your state's standards.

Restriction B is one of the most common restrictions issued. It does not limit where you can drive, what vehicle you can operate, or the hours you can drive — only that you must have your corrective lenses with you and in use.

Key Takeaways

  • Restriction B requires you to wear glasses or contact lenses while driving, and you can be cited if you drive without them.
  • The restriction is added during your vision screening at the DMV if you do not meet the uncorrected vision standard but do meet it with correction.
  • You can request removal by visiting your DMV and passing a new vision test, either uncorrected or with improved corrected vision depending on your state's rules.
  • Restriction B does not prevent you from driving any vehicle type or at any time — it only requires corrective lenses to be worn.

How the vision test determines Restriction B

During your license exam or renewal, the DMV vision screener tests your uncorrected vision first. Most states require a minimum of 20/40 uncorrected vision in at least one eye to drive without restriction. If you fall below that threshold, the screener will test you again with your glasses or contacts.

If your corrected vision meets the standard — typically 20/40 or better — the examiner will issue your license with Restriction B noted. This means your license is valid, but the restriction is a condition of that validity. You are not failing the test; you are passing it with a condition.

Some states also test peripheral vision and color vision as part of the screening. Restriction B applies only to corrective lens requirements and does not address color blindness or other vision conditions, which may result in different restrictions or separate notations.

Removing Restriction B from your license

To remove Restriction B, you must visit your state DMV and request a vision retest. Bring your current license and be prepared to pay a retest fee, which varies by state — typically between $10 and $30. You do not need to renew your entire license; you are only requesting a vision evaluation.

During the retest, you have two paths to removal. The first is to pass the uncorrected vision test, meaning your natural vision now meets your state's standard without glasses or contacts. The second, available in some states, is to demonstrate that your corrected vision has improved enough that you no longer need the restriction — though this is less common and depends on your state's specific rules.

If you pass the retest, the examiner will issue you a new license without Restriction B, or in some states, will provide a corrected license document on the spot. If you do not pass, Restriction B remains, and you can request another retest after a waiting period, which varies by state from 30 days to one year.

What happens if you drive without your corrective lenses

Driving without your corrective lenses while Restriction B is on your license is a traffic violation. The offense is typically classified as a minor infraction, similar to a seatbelt violation, and carries a fine ranging from $50 to $250 depending on your state. Some states also allow points to be added to your driving record.

The violation is separate from any safety issue — you can be cited even if you were driving safely or were not involved in an accident. Law enforcement can see Restriction B on your license during a traffic stop and can verify whether you are wearing corrective lenses.

Repeated violations may result in higher fines, license suspension, or mandatory vision retesting. If you frequently forget your lenses, consider keeping a backup pair in your vehicle or switching to contact lenses for driving.

Restriction B and vehicle type or class

Restriction B does not limit the type of vehicle you can drive. You can operate a standard passenger car, truck, motorcycle, or any other vehicle for which your license class is valid. The restriction is purely about vision correction, not vehicle capability.

If you hold a commercial driver's license (CDL), Restriction B may be handled differently depending on your state. Some states allow CDL holders to have Restriction B, while others require uncorrected vision to meet a higher standard for commercial driving. Check your state's CDL vision requirements if you hold or plan to obtain a commercial license.

Restriction B across different states

Most states use Restriction B or a similar code for corrective lens requirements, but the exact notation and vision standards vary. Some states use "B" while others use "01," "CL," or a written note. The vision threshold also differs — some states require 20/40 corrected, others 20/50, and a few have different standards for different license classes.

If you move to a new state, your old license with Restriction B remains valid until it expires, but you will need to take a new vision test when you explore for a license in your new state. The new state's DMV will determine whether Restriction B applies based on their own vision standards, not your previous state's restriction.

If you travel to another state temporarily, your home state's license with Restriction B is recognized, and you must follow the restriction in that state as well. Restriction B is a condition of your driving privilege, not a state-specific rule.

Common mistakes with Restriction B

The most common mistake is forgetting to bring corrective lenses while driving. Many drivers assume that because they can see reasonably well without them, the restriction does not explore, or that it is only a suggestion. It is neither — it is a legal requirement tied to your license.

Another mistake is not requesting a retest after your vision improves. If you have had LASIK, PRK, or other corrective surgery, or if your prescription has changed significantly, you may now pass the uncorrected vision test. You will not know unless you request a retest; the restriction does not automatically update.

A third mistake is assuming Restriction B prevents you from driving certain vehicles or at certain times. It does not. You can drive a truck, a motorcycle, or any other vehicle your license class permits, and you can drive at night — as long as you are wearing your corrective lenses.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive at night with Restriction B?

Yes. Restriction B does not limit the time of day you can drive. You can drive at night, in fog, or in any condition, as long as you are wearing your corrective lenses. If you find night driving difficult even with correction, that is a separate safety concern and not related to the restriction itself.

What if I wear contact lenses instead of glasses?

Contact lenses satisfy Restriction B. You must wear them while driving, just as you would glasses. If you switch between glasses and contacts, you must wear one or the other every time you drive. Driving without either is a violation.

Do I need to tell the DMV if I get LASIK or other eye surgery?

You do not have to notify the DMV, but you should request a vision retest if your uncorrected vision improves. If you now pass the uncorrected vision test, you can have Restriction B removed. The DMV will not know about your surgery unless you tell them or request a retest.

Can Restriction B be added to an existing license, or only when I first get one?

Restriction B can be added at any time — during your initial license issuance, at renewal, or if you fail a vision retest during a traffic stop in some states. If your vision changes and you renew your license, the DMV will test your vision again and may add Restriction B if you no longer meet the uncorrected standard.

What if I lost my glasses and need to drive?

If you have Restriction B and lose your corrective lenses, you should not drive until you replace them. Driving without them is a violation. If you need to drive urgently, visit an urgent care optometrist or pharmacy that offers same-day glasses or contact lenses, or ask someone else to drive.