Restriction B stops you from driving without corrective lenses

Restriction B on your Florida driver's license means you must wear eyeglasses or contact lenses every time you drive. If you have this restriction and drive without your corrective lenses, you are breaking the law — even if you think you can see well enough. The restriction appears on your license as a condition of your driving privilege, and law enforcement can cite you for violating it.

This restriction is placed on your license during the vision screening at the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). If you fail the vision test without correction but pass it with glasses or contacts, the examiner will add Restriction B to your license. You cannot remove it yourself; you have to return to the DMV and pass the vision test without correction to have it lifted.

Key Takeaways

  • Restriction B requires you to wear corrective lenses (glasses or contacts) whenever you operate a vehicle, and driving without them is a violation.
  • The restriction is added during your vision screening at the DMV if you fail the test without correction but pass with glasses or contacts.
  • You can have Restriction B removed by returning to the DMV and passing the vision test without corrective lenses.
  • If your vision changes and you no longer need correction, you should get a new eye exam and visit the DMV to update your license.
  • Ignoring this restriction can result in a traffic citation and points on your driving record, even if you were not in an accident.

How Restriction B gets added to your license

During your vision screening at the DMV, the examiner tests your sight both with and without correction. If you cannot read the eye chart clearly without glasses or contacts but can read it with them, Restriction B is automatically added to your license. This happens whether you are getting your first license, renewing, or upgrading from a learner's permit.

The restriction is not a judgment about your overall vision — it is a legal requirement based on what you demonstrated during that specific test. If you wear contacts and forget them on the day of your test, you will likely fail without correction and receive the restriction. If you wear glasses and take them off during the test, the same thing happens.

What you must do if you have Restriction B

You must have your corrective lenses with you and in use every time you drive. This includes short trips, parking lot driving, and any situation where you are behind the wheel. The restriction does not distinguish between highway driving and local streets — it applies everywhere.

If you are stopped by law enforcement and you are driving without your glasses or contacts, you can be cited for violating the restriction. This citation carries points on your driving record and can affect your insurance rates. It is treated as a separate violation from any other traffic offense you might have committed.

Removing Restriction B from your license

To remove Restriction B, you must return to the DMV and pass the vision test without corrective lenses. You do not need to renew your entire license — you can request a vision retest as a separate transaction. Bring your current license and be prepared to pay a small fee, which varies by location but is typically under $10.

If your vision has improved naturally or you have had corrective surgery (such as LASIK), you may now pass the test without glasses or contacts. Schedule your retest during a time when you are well-rested and your eyes are not strained. If you fail the retest, the restriction remains on your license.

Restriction B and your insurance

Your insurance company can see Restriction B on your license record. Some insurers do not adjust rates based on this restriction alone, but others may factor it into their assessment of your driving profile. If you are cited for driving without your corrective lenses, that citation will appear on your driving record and can increase your premiums.

When you get a quote for auto insurance, be honest about the restriction. Failing to disclose it or misrepresenting your vision status could give an insurer grounds to deny a claim if you are in an accident.

Restriction B versus other vision-related restrictions

Florida uses several vision-related restrictions on driver's licenses. Restriction B specifically means corrective lenses are required. Other restrictions may limit when or where you can drive, or may require special equipment. Restriction B is one of the most common restrictions issued and is straightforward to manage — you straightforward wear your glasses or contacts.

If you have questions about what your specific restriction means, check your license itself; the restriction code and its meaning are printed on the back. You can also contact your local DMV office or visit the Florida DHSMV website for clarification.

What happens if you ignore Restriction B

Driving without your corrective lenses when Restriction B is on your license is a traffic violation. You can be stopped and cited by law enforcement, and the citation will go on your driving record. Points are added to your record, which can lead to higher insurance rates and, if you accumulate too many points, suspension of your license.

If you are involved in an accident while driving without your corrective lenses and Restriction B is on your license, your insurance company may use this fact to deny or reduce a claim. You could also face additional legal liability if the accident was caused by your inability to see clearly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive with contacts instead of glasses if I have Restriction B?

Yes. Restriction B requires corrective lenses, which includes either glasses or contact lenses. You can wear whichever works best for you, as long as you are wearing one of them while driving. If you switch from glasses to contacts or vice versa, you do not need to update your license.

What if I lose my glasses while I am out and need to drive home?

You should not drive. If you have Restriction B and your corrective lenses are not available, you are violating the restriction. Call a friend, family member, or taxi service instead. The risk of a citation and the safety hazard are not worth the short drive home.

Do I have to tell my insurance company about Restriction B?

You should disclose it when you get a quote or renew your policy, as it is part of your driving record. Most insurers can see it anyway. Failing to mention it is not usually a reason to cancel coverage, but it is better to be upfront. If you are cited for violating the restriction, that citation will definitely show up on your record.

How long does it take to get Restriction B removed?

The retest itself takes only a few minutes at the DMV. You can often walk in and request a vision retest without an appointment, though wait times vary by location. Once you pass the test, the restriction is removed when ready, and you receive an updated license in the mail within one to two weeks.

Can I get a hardship license if I cannot afford glasses?

No. A hardship license is issued for different reasons, such as a suspended license due to unpaid tickets or points. If you have Restriction B, the solution is to obtain corrective lenses. If cost is a barrier, look into community health centers, vision discount programs, or charitable organizations that help with eyeglasses.