What Florida Driver License Restriction Codes Mean and How They Affect Your Driving

What Restriction Codes Are and Why They Appear on Your License

A restriction code is a letter or number printed on your Florida driver license that limits how or where you can drive. It is not a violation or a mark against you — it is a condition of your license. The code tells law enforcement, employers, and insurance companies what you are permitted to do behind the wheel.

Restriction codes appear because of your age, medical condition, vision correction needs, or the type of vehicle you can operate. Some are temporary; others stay on your license until you meet specific requirements. Florida's Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) assigns these codes when you pass your test, renew your license, or report a change in your circumstances.

If you drive in violation of your restriction — for example, driving without the corrective lenses your license requires — you can be cited and fined, even if you were otherwise driving safely. Understanding your codes before you get behind the wheel prevents costly mistakes.

Key Takeaways

Restriction codes are letters or numbers on your Florida license that limit when, where, or how you can drive.
Common codes include vision correction requirements, vehicle type limits, and age-based restrictions for new drivers.
Violating a restriction code can result in a traffic citation and fine, separate from any other traffic violation.
You can request removal of some restrictions by meeting the underlying requirement — for example, passing a vision test to remove a glasses requirement.
Your license document itself lists your codes in a specific section; check it before you drive to know what applies to you.

The Most Common Florida Restriction Codes

Florida uses a standardized set of codes. The most frequent ones are:

Code B means you must wear corrective lenses (glasses or contacts) while driving. This is the single most common restriction. If your vision test shows you need correction, DHSMV will add this code. You must have your glasses or contacts in the vehicle and on your eyes every time you drive.

Code D restricts you to driving a vehicle with an automatic transmission only. This code appears when you pass your driving test in an automatic vehicle rather than a manual transmission car. If you want to remove it, you must pass a new driving test in a manual transmission vehicle.

Code E means you cannot drive a motorcycle. This code is standard on regular driver licenses; it does not mean you are prohibited — it means you do not hold a motorcycle endorsement. To ride a motorcycle, you need a separate endorsement (Class M).

Code F restricts you to vehicles with power steering. This code is assigned when your medical evaluation shows you lack the strength or mobility to operate manual steering safely.

Code J is an age-based restriction for drivers under 18. It limits you to driving between 6 a.m. and 11 p.m., except for school, work, medical, or emergency purposes. This code is part of Florida's Graduated Driver License (GDL) system and is removed automatically when you turn 18 or after you hold your license for one year, whichever comes first.

Age-Based and Graduated License Restrictions

Florida's Graduated Driver License system uses restriction codes to manage new drivers' road exposure. If you are under 18 and hold a learner permit or a restricted license, you will see multiple codes on your document.

Code J (the nighttime restriction) is the most visible. You cannot drive between 11 p.m. and 6 a.m. unless you are driving to or from work, school, a medical appointment, or an emergency. A parent, guardian, or licensed adult 21 or older must be in the front seat with you at all times while you hold a learner permit.

Once you pass your driving test and receive your restricted license (still under 18), Code J remains in place. You can drive alone during the permitted hours, but the nighttime restriction stays. When you turn 18 or have held your restricted license for one year, whichever is earlier, the restriction is removed automatically at your next renewal or when you request it at a DHSMV office.

Medical and Vision-Related Restrictions

If you report a medical condition or fail a vision screening during renewal, DHSMV may add restrictions to your license. These are not permanent — they reflect your current status.

Code B (corrective lenses) is the most common medical restriction. You must wear the exact prescription your eye doctor prescribed. Wearing someone else's glasses or driving without correction is a violation, even if you think you can see well enough.

Code F (power steering required) is assigned after a medical evaluation shows you cannot safely operate a vehicle without power steering. This typically follows a physical disability assessment or a physician's report submitted to DHSMV.

Code H means you must wear a hearing aid while driving. This code is rare and is assigned only when an audiologist's report or medical evaluation indicates you need one.

If your medical situation improves — for example, you have eye surgery and no longer need glasses — you can request removal of the restriction. You will need to pass a new vision test or provide a letter from your physician. Contact your local DHSMV office to learn what documentation they require.

Transmission and Vehicle-Type Restrictions

Code D (automatic transmission only) is assigned when you pass your driving test in an automatic vehicle. Florida law allows this: if you demonstrate competence in an automatic, you receive a license restricted to automatics. If you later want to drive a manual transmission vehicle, you must pass a new driving test in a manual car.

To remove Code D, schedule a driving test appointment at a DHSMV office and bring a manual transmission vehicle. You will take the full driving test again, not just a quick check. Once you pass, the code is removed and your license is reissued without the restriction.

Code F (power steering) is different from Code D. It is a medical restriction, not a transmission one. You cannot remove it straightforward by requesting it; you must provide medical documentation that you can now operate manual steering safely.

How to Check Your Restriction Codes

Your restriction codes are printed on the front of your Florida driver license, in a section labeled "Restrictions." The codes appear as single letters. If you have no restrictions, this section will be blank or say "None."

You can also view your codes online through the DHSMV website by logging into your driver license account. This is useful if you have lost your physical license or want to confirm your codes before renewing.

If you believe a restriction code on your license is incorrect, contact your local DHSMV office with your license and any supporting documentation. For example, if you have Code B but no longer wear glasses, bring a recent vision test showing you meet the uncorrected vision standard. DHSMV will review your request and may issue a corrected license.

Removing or Modifying Restriction Codes

Some restriction codes can be removed; others are permanent until you meet a specific condition. The path depends on the code.

Code B (corrective lenses) can be removed if you pass a vision test without correction and meet Florida's uncorrected vision standard. Schedule a vision screening at a DHSMV office or with an approved eye care provider, and request that the results be sent to DHSMV. Once approved, your license will be reissued without the code.

Code D (automatic transmission) can be removed by passing a driving test in a manual transmission vehicle. You must bring your own manual car to the test; DHSMV does not provide one.

Code J (age-based nighttime restriction) is removed automatically. You do not need to do anything. It expires when you turn 18 or after one year of holding your restricted license, whichever comes first. If you want the code removed before the automatic expiration, you can request it at a DHSMV office once you meet the age or time requirement.

Code F (power steering) requires a medical evaluation. You must provide a letter from your physician stating you can safely operate manual steering, or you must pass a medical evaluation through DHSMV. Contact your local office to learn what documentation they accept.

Code H (hearing aid) can be removed if an audiologist provides documentation that you no longer require a hearing aid while driving.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens if I drive without following my restriction codes?

You can be cited for violating your license restriction, which is a separate traffic violation from any other offense. For example, driving without the corrective lenses required by Code B can result in a fine and points on your driving record. The citation does not require you to have been speeding or caused an accident — the violation is the restriction breach itself.

Can I drive someone else's car if I have Code D (automatic only)?

No. Code D applies to you, not to the vehicle. If you have Code D, you can only drive automatic transmission vehicles, regardless of who owns them. Driving a manual transmission vehicle violates your license restriction.

Does Code J (nighttime restriction) explore to all roads or just highways?

Code J applies to all roads — highways, local streets, and residential areas. The restriction is based on time of day, not road type. You cannot drive between 11 p.m. and 6 a.m. anywhere in Florida unless you meet one of the exemptions (work, school, medical, emergency).

How long does it take to get a restriction code removed after I submit documentation?

Processing time varies. Vision test results typically take one to two weeks. Medical documentation may take longer if DHSMV needs to review it with a medical examiner. Contact your local DHSMV office for an estimate based on the type of restriction and documentation you are submitting.

If I move to another state, do my Florida restriction codes transfer?

No. When you obtain a license in a new state, that state will conduct its own vision and medical screening and issue its own restriction codes based on its rules. Some restrictions may carry over (for example, a vision correction requirement), but the codes themselves are state-specific.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.