What restrictions appear on a Texas driver's license and what they mean

A restriction on your Texas driver's license is a condition that limits how or when you can drive. It appears as a letter code on the front or back of your license and means you must follow that rule or risk a traffic violation, even if you're otherwise licensed to drive. Texas uses single-letter codes — A, B, C, D, E, F, and others — each tied to a specific requirement or limitation.

The most common restriction is Restriction B, which means you must wear corrective lenses (glasses or contacts) while driving. If you have Restriction B and drive without them, you can be cited for a violation. Other frequent restrictions include Restriction D (automatic transmission only) and Restriction E (outside mirror required). Some restrictions are temporary — they expire on a set date — while others stay on your license until you meet the condition that removes them.

Restrictions are not the same as endorsements (which allow you to drive certain vehicle types) or suspensions (which take away your right to drive entirely). A restriction lets you drive, but only under specific conditions. Understanding what your restriction means is important because violating it can result in a ticket, points on your record, and higher insurance rates.

Key Takeaways

  • Texas driver's license restrictions are letter codes (A through F and others) that set conditions you must follow while driving, such as wearing glasses or using an automatic transmission only.
  • Restriction B (corrective lenses) is the most common and means you cannot legally drive without glasses or contacts, even for a short trip.
  • Some restrictions are permanent and stay until you meet the underlying condition; others expire on a specific date shown on your license.
  • Violating a restriction is a traffic violation that can result in a ticket, points, and increased insurance costs.
  • You can request removal of a restriction by visiting a Texas Department of Public Safety office and providing proof that the condition no longer applies.

Common Texas driver's license restrictions and what they require

The Texas Department of Public Safety uses a standard set of restriction codes. Restriction A means corrective lenses are required, but only for daylight driving — you cannot drive at night. Restriction B requires corrective lenses at all times. Restriction C means you must wear a hearing aid while driving. Restriction D limits you to automatic transmission vehicles only, typically issued to drivers with limited hand mobility or strength. Restriction E requires an outside mirror on the right side of the vehicle.

Restriction F means you cannot drive a vehicle with air brakes, and Restriction J limits you to vehicles with an automatic transmission and power steering. Some restrictions are medical in nature — they reflect a physical or sensory condition that affects your ability to drive safely. Others are mechanical — they require the vehicle itself to have certain features. A few are behavioral, tied to your driving record or the circumstances of your license.

Texas also issues temporary restrictions for specific situations. For example, if you are under 18 and hold a provisional license, you may have restrictions on when you can drive (no driving between midnight and 5 a.m.) or who can be in the car with you. These restrictions expire when you turn 18 or when your provisional period ends, whichever comes first.

How restrictions are added to your Texas license

Restrictions are added during the license process or renewal process. When you explore for a Texas driver's license, you take a vision test at the Department of Public Safety office. If you fail the vision test without corrective lenses but pass with them, Restriction B is automatically added to your license. You do not have to request it — it is applied based on the test result.

Medical restrictions can be added if you report a condition on your process, if a doctor reports it to the state, or if you fail a physical or mental abilities test during the licensing process. For example, if you report hearing loss on your process, you may be required to wear a hearing aid and Restriction C will be added. If you are under 18, provisional license restrictions are added automatically based on your age and the type of license you hold.

You can also receive restrictions as a condition of license reinstatement after a suspension. For instance, if your license was suspended due to a medical condition, the state may reinstate it with a restriction that requires you to have regular medical check-ups or to use a specific vehicle modification. The Department of Public Safety will notify you in writing of any restrictions added to your license.

Removing a restriction from your Texas driver's license

To remove a restriction, you must visit a Texas Department of Public Safety office in person and show proof that the condition no longer applies. For a vision-related restriction like Restriction B, you take a new vision test. If you pass without corrective lenses, the restriction is removed on the spot. For a hearing restriction, you may need a letter from an audiologist or doctor stating that you now use a hearing aid or that your hearing has improved enough that you no longer need one.

For medical restrictions tied to a specific condition — such as a seizure disorder or mobility issue — you will need documentation from your doctor stating that the condition is controlled or resolved. The Department of Public Safety reviews the medical evidence and decides whether to remove the restriction. This process can take several weeks. Bring your current license, the medical documentation, and a valid form of identification to your appointment.

Temporary restrictions, such as those on a provisional license, are removed automatically when the condition expires (for example, when you turn 18). You do not need to do anything. Your new license, issued on your birthday, will not carry the provisional restrictions. If you are unsure whether a restriction on your license is permanent or temporary, check the expiration date printed on your license or call the Department of Public Safety at 1-888-589-6789.

How restrictions affect your driving record and insurance

A restriction itself does not appear on your driving record or affect your insurance rates. However, violating a restriction does. If you are pulled over and cited for driving without the required corrective lenses, or for driving a manual transmission vehicle when your license restricts you to automatic, that violation goes on your record. It is treated like any other traffic violation — it can result in points, a fine, and a court appearance.

Insurance companies see violations on your driving record and may raise your rates or drop you as a customer. A single violation for breaking a restriction can increase your premium by 10 to 30 percent, depending on your insurer and your driving history. If you accumulate multiple violations, your rates can rise much higher, or your insurer may not renew your policy. Some insurers also ask directly whether you have restrictions on your license and may charge more if you do, because restrictions indicate a medical or physical condition that could affect safety.

The best way to protect your record and your rates is to follow your restrictions strictly. If you have Restriction B, do not drive without your glasses, even for a quick trip to the store. If you have Restriction D, do not borrow a manual transmission vehicle. If you are unsure whether your vehicle meets a restriction, ask the Department of Public Safety before you drive it.

Restrictions on provisional and commercial licenses in Texas

Texas provisional licenses, issued to drivers under 18, carry automatic restrictions that are separate from medical or vision restrictions. A driver with a Class D provisional license cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m., cannot have passengers under 21 in the vehicle (with limited exceptions for family members), and cannot use a cell phone while driving. These restrictions are in place for the first six months of the provisional period and then relax slightly for the remaining six months.

Commercial driver's license (CDL) holders in Texas face a different set of restrictions. A CDL restriction might limit you to intrastate driving only (you cannot cross state lines), or to vehicles without air brakes, or to daylight driving only. CDL restrictions are more tightly regulated by federal law and are often tied to medical certifications. If you hold a CDL and your medical certificate expires or is revoked, your CDL restrictions may change or your license may be downgraded.

If you hold a provisional license or a CDL and want to understand your specific restrictions, visit the Department of Public Safety website or call 1-888-589-6789. You can also view your license details online through the Texas DPS portal if you have a myDPS account.

What to do if you disagree with a restriction on your license

If you believe a restriction was added in error or that you no longer meet the condition for the restriction, you have the right to challenge it. Start by visiting a Department of Public Safety office and asking for a review. Bring any medical documentation, test results, or other evidence that supports your position. For example, if you believe Restriction B was added incorrectly, you can request a new vision test on the spot.

If the Department of Public Safety denies your request to remove a restriction, you can request a hearing before a hearing officer. The hearing officer will review your case and the evidence you provide. You can bring a doctor, family member, or other witness to support your case. If you lose the hearing, you can appeal to the district court in your county. This process takes time and may require legal help, but it is an option if you believe the restriction is unfair or incorrect.

Contact the Department of Public Safety at 1-888-589-6789 to ask about the appeal process for your specific situation. You can also visit a local DPS office and ask to speak with a supervisor about your restriction.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive without following a restriction on my license?

No. A restriction is a legal requirement, not a suggestion. Driving in violation of a restriction is a traffic violation that can result in a ticket, fine, and points on your record. Even if you believe the restriction is unnecessary, you must follow it until it is officially removed by the Department of Public Safety.

Will a restriction on my license show up when I renew?

Yes. Restrictions carry over to your renewed license unless you request removal and the Department of Public Safety approves it. When you renew, the DPS will check your file and print any active restrictions on your new license. If you want a restriction removed, you must request it before or during the renewal process.

How long does it take to remove a restriction?

Vision restrictions like Restriction B can be removed when ready if you pass a new vision test at a DPS office. Medical restrictions take longer — typically two to four weeks — because the DPS must review your doctor's documentation. Temporary restrictions on provisional licenses are removed automatically when the condition expires.

Can I get a restriction removed by mail or online?

No. You must visit a Department of Public Safety office in person. For vision restrictions, you will take a new test. For medical restrictions, you will submit documentation and may be asked to take a physical abilities test. The DPS does not process restriction removals by mail or through their online portal.

Do restrictions affect my ability to get a job that requires driving?

It depends on the job and the restriction. Some employers do not care about restrictions as long as you follow them. Others, especially those hiring for commercial driving or safety-sensitive roles, may not hire you if you have certain restrictions. Always disclose your restrictions to a potential employer before accepting a driving job.