What Restriction Codes Are and Why They Appear on Your License
A restriction code is a letter or number printed on your Florida driver's license that tells law enforcement and licensing officials what you are not allowed to do while driving. The code does not change your license type — it modifies what you can legally operate or under what conditions you can drive. For example, you might have a valid Class D license but with a restriction that limits you to daylight driving only, or requires you to wear corrective lenses.
Restriction codes are assigned by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) based on your medical history, vision test results, driving record, or the type of vehicle you are licensed to operate. Some restrictions are temporary — they expire on a set date or when a condition changes. Others remain on your license until you formally request removal and meet the requirements to have them lifted.
Understanding what your restriction code means is essential because driving in violation of a restriction is a separate traffic violation, even if you are otherwise a licensed driver. It can result in a citation, fines, and points on your driving record.
Key Takeaways
- Restriction codes appear as letters or numbers on your Florida license and limit how, when, or what you can drive.
- Common restrictions include corrective lenses (B), daylight driving only (D), and automatic transmission only (E).
- You can request removal of a restriction by visiting a DHSMV office with proof that the condition no longer applies — such as a vision correction certificate or medical clearance.
- Driving in violation of a restriction is a separate traffic offense and can add points to your record even if your license itself is valid.
- Some restrictions are temporary and expire automatically; others require you to take action to have them removed.
Common Florida Restriction Codes and What They Mean
Florida uses a standardized set of restriction codes. The most frequently issued ones are:
| Code | Restriction | What It Means |
|---|---|---|
| B | Corrective Lenses | You must wear eyeglasses or contact lenses whenever you drive. This is issued after a vision test shows you need correction to meet the legal standard. |
| D | Daylight Driving Only | You can drive only between sunrise and sunset. This is typically issued to older drivers or those with vision or medical conditions that affect night driving. |
| E | Automatic Transmission Only | You must drive only vehicles with automatic transmission. This is issued when a driver has a physical limitation that prevents safe operation of a manual transmission. |
| F | Outside Mirror Required | Your vehicle must have an outside mirror on the passenger side. This is rare and issued for specific physical limitations. |
| G | Seat Belt Required | You must wear a seat belt at all times while driving. This is standard for all drivers, but the code flags that it is a legal requirement for you specifically. |
| H | Hand Controls Required | Your vehicle must be equipped with hand controls for acceleration and braking. This is issued to drivers with lower-body mobility limitations. |
| K | Intrastate Only | You can drive only within Florida. This is issued in limited circumstances, such as certain medical or legal situations. |
| L | Left Foot Accelerator Required | Your vehicle must have a left-foot accelerator pedal. This is issued to drivers with right-side mobility limitations. |
| M | Motorcycle Helmet Required | You must wear a helmet when operating a motorcycle. This applies to motorcycle endorsement holders. |
| N | No Passengers Under 18 | You cannot carry passengers under age 18 except for when ready family members. This is issued to drivers with certain violations or convictions. |
Other codes exist for specific situations, such as restrictions on towing, restrictions on interstate travel, or restrictions related to commercial driving. If you see a code on your license that is not listed here, contact your local DHSMV office for clarification.
How Restrictions Are Assigned to Your License
Restrictions are added to your license during the renewal or initial issuance process, or they can be imposed after a traffic violation or medical report. The DHSMV assigns restrictions based on several triggers:
Vision test results: If you fail the vision screening at the DHSMV office or your vision falls below the legal standard (20/40 corrected or 20/70 uncorrected in the better eye), you will receive a corrective lenses restriction (B). If your peripheral vision or night vision is compromised, you may receive a daylight driving only restriction (D).
Medical reports: If a physician, optometrist, or other healthcare provider reports a medical condition that affects your ability to drive safely — such as a seizure disorder, severe arthritis, or a neurological condition — the DHSMV may impose restrictions or request additional testing. You may also self-report a condition and request restrictions voluntarily.
Physical limitations: If you have a mobility limitation, the DHSMV will assign restrictions that match your vehicle's adaptive equipment. For example, if you have hand controls installed, you will receive an H restriction.
Driving record or court order: Certain traffic violations or criminal convictions can result in restrictions. For example, a conviction for driving with a suspended license or a serious traffic offense may result in an intrastate-only restriction (K) or other limitations.
How to Request Removal of a Restriction
If your restriction was based on a temporary condition — such as a vision problem that you have since corrected with surgery, or a physical limitation that has improved — you can request removal by visiting a DHSMV office in person. You cannot request removal by mail or online.
For vision-related restrictions (B or D): Bring a letter from your eye care provider (optometrist or ophthalmologist) stating that your vision now meets Florida's legal standard. The letter must include your current visual acuity in both eyes, with and without correction. You will take a vision test at the DHSMV office to confirm. There is no fee for this test.
For physical limitation restrictions (E, H, L, or F): Bring a letter from your physician stating that your condition has improved and you no longer require the adaptive equipment or modification. You may be asked to demonstrate your ability to operate a standard vehicle safely. Some offices may require a driving evaluation by a certified driving rehabilitation specialist.
For medical restrictions (D or other health-related codes): Bring a letter from your physician or the healthcare provider who reported the condition, stating that the condition no longer affects your ability to drive safely. The DHSMV may request additional medical documentation or a re-evaluation.
Once you submit the required documentation, the DHSMV will review it. If approved, the restriction will be removed at no cost. If denied, you will receive a written explanation and information on how to appeal or reapply.
Temporary Restrictions That Expire Automatically
Some restrictions are time-limited and will expire on their own without action on your part. These are typically issued to younger drivers or drivers with recent violations.
Graduated Driver License (GDL) restrictions: If you are under 18 and hold a learner's permit or a restricted license, you may have restrictions on nighttime driving, passenger limits, or phone use. These restrictions automatically expire when you reach the age specified on your license or when you complete the GDL program requirements.
Probationary restrictions: If you received a restriction as part of a court order or as a condition of license reinstatement, the restriction will expire on the date listed on your license. You do not need to do anything; the restriction will be removed automatically when that date passes.
Check your license to see the expiration date of any restriction. If a restriction has expired but still appears on your license, contact the DHSMV to request an updated license.
What Happens If You Drive in Violation of a Restriction
Driving in violation of a restriction is a separate traffic violation under Florida law. Law enforcement can cite you even if your license is otherwise valid and not suspended or revoked.
The penalties depend on the restriction and the circumstances:
- Driving without corrective lenses (violating restriction B) is typically a non-moving violation with a fine of $30 to $60.
- Driving at night in violation of a daylight-only restriction (D) is a moving violation and can result in a fine of $100 to $500 and points on your driving record.
- Driving a manual transmission vehicle in violation of an automatic-only restriction (E) is a non-moving violation with a fine of $30 to $60.
- Violating restrictions related to adaptive equipment (H, L, F) or medical conditions can result in fines ranging from $30 to $500 and may be treated as a moving violation.
A citation for violating a restriction can also trigger a review of your license status. If the DHSMV determines that you are unsafe to drive, they may suspend or revoke your license entirely, not just the restriction.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive out of state if I have an intrastate-only restriction?
No. An intrastate-only restriction (K) means you can drive only within Florida. Driving across the state line is a violation of that restriction. If you need to travel out of state, you must contact the DHSMV office that issued the restriction and request removal or modification. You will need to provide documentation supporting your request.
Do I need to tell my insurance company about a restriction on my license?
Yes. You should inform your insurance company about any restrictions on your license, especially if they affect how you drive (such as daylight-only or automatic transmission only). Failing to disclose a restriction could affect your coverage or result in a claim denial if you are involved in an accident.
What if I disagree with a restriction the DHSMV assigned?
You have the right to request a hearing before the DHSMV. File a written request within 10 days of receiving notice of the restriction. You can present medical evidence, informed testimony, or other documentation to challenge the restriction. Contact your local DHSMV office for the hearing request form and procedures.
If I get a new license, will the restrictions carry over?
Yes. Restrictions remain on your license record and will appear on any new license you receive, whether through renewal, replacement, or upgrade. The only way to remove a restriction is to request removal and meet the requirements, or to wait for it to expire if it is time-limited.
Can I have multiple restrictions on my license at the same time?
Yes. You can have more than one restriction if multiple conditions or circumstances warrant them. For example, you might have a corrective lenses restriction (B) and a daylight-only restriction (D) if your vision and night-driving ability are both compromised. You must comply with all restrictions on your license.