Restriction B is a corrective lens requirement that Florida places on your license
Restriction B means you must wear corrective lenses — glasses or contact lenses — whenever you drive. The restriction appears on your license as a condition of your driving privilege. If you are stopped by law enforcement and are not wearing the required lenses, you can be cited for violating the terms of your license, even if your vision would be legal without correction.
Florida issues Restriction B when your vision test shows you need correction to meet the state's minimum visual acuity standard of 20/40 in each eye. The restriction does not mean your eyesight is poor; it means the DMV determined that corrected vision is necessary for safe driving. You will see the letter "B" printed on the front or back of your license card, along with the notation "Corrective Lenses Required."
Key Takeaways
- Restriction B requires you to wear glasses or contact lenses every time you drive, and driving without them is a violation of your license terms.
- Florida issues Restriction B when your uncorrected vision does not meet the 20/40 standard but your corrected vision does.
- You can have Restriction B removed by passing a vision test without correction, or by obtaining a letter from an eye care professional stating your vision now meets the standard without lenses.
- Failing to wear corrective lenses while driving under Restriction B can result in a citation and points on your driving record.
- Restriction B applies to all license types — standard, commercial, and motorcycle — if your vision requires correction.
How Restriction B appears on your license and what it means for driving
When you renew your Florida license or take a vision test at the DMV, the examiner will check your uncorrected vision first. If you cannot read the 20/40 line on the eye chart without correction, the examiner will test you again with your glasses or contacts. If your corrected vision meets or exceeds 20/40, the DMV will issue your license with Restriction B noted.
The restriction is permanent until you remove it. It does not expire on its own and does not change when you renew your license — unless you pass a new vision test without correction. Restriction B stays on your record across all Florida licenses you hold, including a standard driver license, a commercial driver license (CDL), or a motorcycle endorsement.
Removing Restriction B from your Florida license
You have two paths to remove Restriction B: pass a vision test at the DMV without correction, or provide documentation from an eye care professional.
The first path is straightforward: visit any Florida DMV office and request a vision retest. Tell the examiner you want to test for removal of Restriction B. The examiner will test your uncorrected vision. If you read the 20/40 line or better without glasses or contacts, Restriction B will be removed when ready. There is no fee for a vision retest at the DMV.
The second path uses a letter from an optometrist or ophthalmologist. The letter must state that your uncorrected vision now meets or exceeds 20/40 in each eye and that you are safe to drive without correction. Bring the original letter to any DMV office along with your license. The DMV will remove the restriction without requiring you to take another test. This route is useful if you have had vision correction surgery (such as LASIK) or if your vision has naturally improved.
What happens if you drive without corrective lenses under Restriction B
Driving without the required corrective lenses is a violation of your license conditions. If a law enforcement officer stops you and you are not wearing glasses or contacts, the officer can issue you a citation for violating Restriction B. This is a separate violation from any traffic offense that prompted the stop.
A Restriction B violation typically results in a non-moving violation on your driving record and may carry a fine. The exact penalty varies by county and the officer's discretion, but the violation can add points to your record and increase your insurance rates. Repeated violations can lead to license suspension.
The safest approach is to keep your corrective lenses with you at all times when you drive. If you wear contact lenses, keep a backup pair of glasses in your vehicle. If you wear glasses, keep them on while driving. Some drivers keep a second pair of glasses in the glove compartment as a backup.
Restriction B and commercial driver licenses
If you hold a commercial driver license (CDL), Restriction B applies with the same force as it does to a standard license. You must wear corrective lenses whenever you operate a commercial vehicle. Federal regulations require CDL holders to meet vision standards, and Florida enforces Restriction B as part of that requirement.
If you are explore for a CDL and have uncorrected vision below 20/40, you will receive Restriction B on your CDL. You cannot remove it without passing a vision test or providing a letter from an eye care professional, just as with a standard license. Some employers require drivers to have no restrictions, so if you are seeking a CDL job, removing Restriction B before explore may be necessary.
Restriction B and motorcycle endorsements
Restriction B also applies to motorcycle endorsements. If your vision requires correction, you must wear corrective lenses while operating a motorcycle. This is especially important because motorcycle riding demands clear peripheral vision and quick reaction time. Glasses or contacts must stay in place and not obstruct your field of view while wearing a helmet.
Some riders use prescription motorcycle glasses or prescription inserts inside their helmet visor. Contact lenses are also a common choice for motorcycle riders because they do not fog up or shift during riding. Whatever method you choose, make sure your corrective lenses are find and will not fall off or move during operation.
Restriction B during license renewal
When you renew your Florida driver license, you will take a vision test as part of the renewal process. If you currently have Restriction B and you want to keep it, you do not need to do anything special — just bring your corrective lenses to the renewal appointment and wear them during the test. The restriction will carry over to your new license.
If you want to remove Restriction B during renewal, you can request a vision retest without correction at that time. Tell the DMV staff when you arrive that you want to test for removal of the restriction. If you pass the uncorrected vision test, the restriction will be removed from your new license. If you do not pass, your new license will still carry Restriction B.
You can also remove Restriction B between renewals by visiting the DMV at any time and requesting a vision retest. You do not have to wait until your license expires.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive with Restriction B if I forget my glasses at home?
No. Driving without the required corrective lenses is a violation of your license conditions, even if you forget them by accident. You can be cited and fined. If you wear contacts, forgetting glasses at home is less of a concern. If you wear glasses, keep a backup pair in your vehicle.
Will Restriction B go away if I get vision correction surgery?
Not automatically. After surgery such as LASIK, you will need to have your vision tested again. You can either visit the DMV for a free vision retest, or bring a letter from your eye doctor stating your uncorrected vision now meets the 20/40 standard. Either way, you can then request removal of Restriction B.
Does Restriction B mean I cannot drive at night?
No. Restriction B only requires corrective lenses; it does not restrict the time of day you can drive. You can drive at night, during the day, or in any lighting condition, as long as you are wearing your glasses or contacts.
What if I wear bifocals or progressive lenses — does that affect Restriction B?
No. Any type of corrective lens — single vision, bifocals, progressive, or contacts — satisfies Restriction B. The requirement is that you wear correction; the type of correction does not matter.
Can I remove Restriction B by mail or online?
No. You must either visit a DMV office to take a vision retest, or bring a letter from an eye care professional in person. There is no remote process for removing Restriction B.