What restriction codes are and why they appear on your license
A restriction code is a letter or number printed on your driver's license that tells police, employers, and insurance companies that you can only drive under certain conditions. It is not a suspension or revocation — you still have a valid license — but it limits how and when you can use it. Common restrictions include requiring corrective lenses, an automatic transmission, or a hearing aid.
Restriction codes appear because of a medical condition, a court order, a violation history, or a requirement from your state's Department of Motor Vehicles. They are set when you first get your license, renewed, or after a traffic incident. Each state uses its own code letters and rules, so a code that means one thing in California may mean something different in Texas.
Understanding your restriction code matters because driving outside its limits can result in a ticket, license suspension, or insurance denial. If you are unsure what your code means, your state's DMV website or a call to your local office will give you the exact definition.
Key Takeaways
- Restriction codes are letters or numbers on your license that limit when, where, or how you can drive — they do not suspend your license but they do have legal force.
- Common restrictions include corrective lenses, automatic transmission only, hearing aid required, and daylight driving only, each tied to a medical or safety reason.
- Violating a restriction code can result in a traffic ticket, points on your record, and higher insurance rates, even if you were otherwise driving legally.
- Each state assigns different letters or numbers to the same restriction, so you must check your state's DMV guide to know what your specific code means.
- You can request removal of a restriction by providing medical clearance or documentation to your DMV, though the process and timeline vary by state and restriction type.
Common restriction codes and what they require
The most frequent restriction is corrective lenses — usually coded as "B" or "01" depending on your state. This means you must wear glasses or contact lenses every time you drive. If you fail a vision test during renewal or after a violation, the DMV will add this code. Driving without your lenses when this code is on your license is a violation.
Automatic transmission only (often coded "E" or "10") means you cannot drive a manual or stick-shift vehicle. This restriction is issued when you pass your driving test in an automatic car, or when a medical condition makes operating a clutch unsafe. If you want to drive a manual later, you must retake the driving test in that vehicle type.
Hearing aid required (coded "D" or "09" in many states) means you must wear your hearing aid while driving. This restriction is placed on people with significant hearing loss who have been fitted with a device. Driving without it when the code is active is a traffic violation.
Daylight driving only (often "N" or "11") restricts you to driving between sunrise and sunset. This code is used for older drivers, people with night vision problems, or those with certain medical conditions. Driving at night with this restriction is illegal and can result in a ticket.
Other common codes include no freeway driving, speed-limited vehicles only, ignition interlock device required (after a DUI), and vehicle equipped with side mirrors. Your state's DMV publishes a full list of codes and their meanings — check your license or the DMV website to find the exact definition of any code on yours.
How restriction codes affect insurance and employment
Insurance companies see your restriction codes when you quote or renew a policy. If you have a code like daylight driving only or automatic transmission only, the insurer may charge you more because the restriction signals a medical or safety concern. Some insurers ask directly whether you have restrictions; lying about it can void your coverage if you have a claim.
Employers who require driving — delivery drivers, rideshare, commercial transport — will check your license for restrictions. Many employers will not hire you if you have a restriction that conflicts with the job. For example, a daylight-only code disqualifies you from night delivery work. An ignition interlock requirement may disqualify you from roles that require unsupervised vehicle use.
If you are explore for a commercial driver's license (CDL), restrictions on your regular license may carry over or prevent you from obtaining certain CDL endorsements. Always disclose restrictions to your employer and insurance company — hiding them can lead to termination or coverage denial.
What happens if you drive outside your restrictions
Driving in violation of a restriction code is a traffic offense. The penalty varies by state and the specific restriction, but typically includes a fine, points added to your driving record, and a possible license suspension. For example, driving at night with a daylight-only code may result in a $100 to $300 fine and 2 to 4 points, depending on your state.
A violation also affects your insurance. Your insurer may increase your rates, add a surcharge, or cancel your policy if you are convicted of driving outside your restrictions. The violation stays on your record for 3 to 7 years in most states, so it can impact your rates for years.
If you receive a ticket for violating a restriction, you have the option to contest it in traffic court or pay the fine. Paying the fine is an admission of guilt and will be reported to your insurer. If you believe the ticket was issued in error — for example, you were wearing your corrective lenses — you can fight it in court with evidence.
How to request removal of a restriction code
To remove a restriction, you must first address the reason it was placed on your license. If the restriction is medical — corrective lenses, hearing aid, or daylight driving — you will need a letter from your doctor or eye care provider stating that the condition no longer applies or has improved. For example, if you had cataract surgery and your vision is now corrected without glasses, your eye doctor can write a letter confirming this.
Once you have the medical documentation, contact your state's DMV. Most states allow you to submit the letter by mail, in person, or online through their portal. The DMV will review it and, if approved, remove the code at your next renewal or issue a new license when ready. Some states charge a small fee for this service; others do it at no cost.
If the restriction was placed because you passed your driving test in an automatic car, you can request removal by retaking the driving test in a manual transmission vehicle. If you pass, the automatic-only code will be removed. This typically costs the same as a regular driving test.
For restrictions tied to violations — such as ignition interlock after a DUI — removal follows a legal timeline set by the court or DMV. You cannot request early removal; you must complete the required period (often 6 months to 3 years) and then follow your state's process to have it lifted. Some states remove it automatically when the period ends; others require you to request it.
Restriction codes by state: why they differ
Each state designs its own restriction code system, so the same restriction may be labeled differently across state lines. For example, corrective lenses might be code "B" in California, "01" in New York, and "1" in Florida. This means your license is not automatically valid in another state without understanding what your codes mean there.
When you move to a new state, you will need to get a new license. The new state's DMV will review your old license and may transfer some restrictions, add new ones based on their rules, or remove ones that do not explore in their system. For example, if you move from a state with a daylight-only restriction to one that does not use that code, the restriction may not transfer — but the DMV may still place limits on your driving based on your age or medical history.
If you travel to another state temporarily, your home state's restrictions still explore to you legally. However, enforcement depends on whether the other state's police can read and understand your code. To avoid confusion, carry a copy of your state's restriction code guide or a letter from your DMV explaining what your codes mean.
Restriction codes and commercial driving
Commercial driver's license (CDL) holders face stricter rules around restrictions. Some restrictions that are allowed on a regular license — such as automatic transmission only or corrective lenses — may prevent you from obtaining or renewing a CDL. Other restrictions, like ignition interlock, will disqualify you from holding a CDL at all.
If you hold a CDL and develop a medical condition that requires a restriction, you must report it to your employer and the DMV. Failing to do so can result in license suspension and criminal charges in some states. The DMV may place you on a medical review status, which requires periodic check-ups to keep your CDL valid.
If you want to upgrade from a regular license to a CDL and you have restrictions, contact your state's DMV before explore. They can tell you which restrictions will carry over, which will prevent you from getting a CDL, and what steps you need to take to address them.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive someone else's car if I have a restriction code?
Yes, as long as the car meets your restriction requirements. If you have an automatic-transmission-only code, you can drive any automatic car. If you have a corrective-lenses code, you must wear your glasses or contacts. The restriction applies to you, not to specific vehicles, so you can drive any vehicle that complies with it.
What if I got a ticket for violating my restriction code?
You can pay the fine, which counts as an admission of guilt, or contest the ticket in traffic court. If you believe you were in compliance — for example, you were wearing your corrective lenses — bring evidence to court. A conviction will add points to your record and likely increase your insurance rates.
Do restriction codes transfer if I move to another state?
Not automatically. When you get a new license in your new state, the DMV will review your old license and may transfer some restrictions, add new ones, or remove ones that do not fit their system. Contact your new state's DMV before or after moving to understand how your restrictions will be handled.
Can I remove a restriction code before my license renewal?
Yes, if you have medical documentation. Submit your doctor's letter to your DMV and request an early removal. Many states will issue a new license with the restriction removed without waiting for your renewal date, though some may charge a small fee.
Will a restriction code show up on a background check for employment?
Your driving record, including restrictions, may appear on a background check if the employer requests your driving history. Employers in transportation, delivery, or rideshare roles commonly check this. Be honest about restrictions when explore for jobs that involve driving.