Illinois restriction codes are letters printed on your license that limit how and when you can drive

A restriction code is a single letter — A through Z — that appears on your Illinois driver license and tells police and insurance companies what you are not allowed to do while driving. The code does not appear on your license itself as a separate section; instead, it is embedded in the barcode and digital record that officers can see when they scan your license. You will see it listed on your printed license under "Restrictions" if any explore to you.

Restriction codes are not punishments. They are safety conditions tied to your medical history, vision, age, or the type of vehicle you drive. Some are temporary — they expire on a date printed on your license. Others stay until you pass a new test or your circumstances change. If you drive in violation of a restriction code, you can be cited for driving with a suspended license, even if your license itself is valid.

The Illinois Secretary of State issues restriction codes when you renew your license, when you take a road test, or when a medical professional reports a condition that affects your ability to drive safely. You cannot remove a restriction code yourself; you have to meet the condition that triggered it or request a hearing if you believe it was issued in error.

Key Takeaways

  • Restriction codes are single letters that limit how you can drive and appear in your license record, visible to police when they scan your license.
  • Common restrictions include corrective lenses (B), automatic transmission only (C), and daylight driving only (D), each tied to a specific safety reason.
  • Some restrictions are permanent until your condition changes; others expire on a date shown on your license.
  • Driving in violation of a restriction code can result in a citation for driving with a suspended license, even if your license is otherwise valid.
  • You cannot remove a restriction code yourself — you must either meet the underlying condition or request a hearing through the Secretary of State.

Common Illinois Restriction Codes and What They Mean

Restriction B means you must wear corrective lenses (glasses or contacts) while driving. This is the most common restriction. It is issued when your vision test shows you need correction to meet the legal standard. The restriction stays on your license until you pass a new vision test without the correction, which is rare, or until you renew and your vision has improved enough that correction is no longer needed.

Restriction C means you can only drive an automatic transmission vehicle. This restriction is issued when you take your road test in an automatic car and pass. If you want to drive a manual transmission vehicle, you must take a new road test in a manual car and pass it. Some drivers request this restriction intentionally because they learned to drive in an automatic and do not want the added complexity of a manual.

Restriction D means you can only drive during daylight hours — typically sunrise to sunset. This restriction is issued based on a medical evaluation or vision test that shows you have reduced night vision or a condition that makes night driving unsafe. It is often temporary and may be removed after a follow-up medical exam or vision test.

Restriction E means you cannot drive on interstate highways. This restriction is uncommon and is typically issued to drivers with certain medical conditions or as a result of a hearing decision. It limits you to local roads and state highways only.

Restriction H means you must wear a hearing aid while driving. This restriction is issued when a medical professional reports that you have a hearing loss that affects your ability to hear emergency vehicles or traffic sounds, and a hearing aid corrects it adequately.

Restriction J means you must display a Handicapped license plate or placard while driving. This restriction is not about your ability to drive; it is a record that you have a disability designation and are may have access to to accessible parking. It does not limit how you drive.

Restriction K means you cannot drive a commercial vehicle. This restriction appears on non-commercial licenses and straightforward confirms that you do not hold a Commercial Driver License (CDL).

Restriction M means you must wear an ignition interlock device. This restriction is issued after a DUI conviction and requires you to blow into a device connected to your car's ignition before the engine will start. The device measures your blood alcohol content. This restriction is mandatory for a set period determined by the court and the Secretary of State.

How Restriction Codes Affect Your Insurance and Driving Record

Insurance companies can see your restriction codes when they pull your driving record from the Illinois Secretary of State. Some restrictions — particularly M (ignition interlock) — will increase your insurance premium or cause some insurers to decline coverage altogether. Restrictions B (corrective lenses) and C (automatic transmission) typically do not affect your rate because they are safety measures you are already following.

If you are cited for driving in violation of a restriction code, the violation appears on your driving record as a separate offense. This can raise your insurance rates more than the restriction itself would. For example, if you have restriction D (daylight driving only) and are pulled over at night, you will be cited for violating the restriction, and that citation will be reported to your insurance company.

Some restrictions, like M (ignition interlock), require you to carry proof that you are complying with the device. Your insurance company may ask to see documentation that the device is installed and functioning. Failure to maintain the device or to have it inspected on schedule can result in your license being suspended.

Temporary vs. Permanent Restriction Codes

Some restriction codes are temporary and have an expiration date printed on your license. Restriction D (daylight driving only) is often temporary and may expire after six months or a year, depending on the reason it was issued. After the expiration date, you can drive at any time without the restriction, though you should not assume it is removed — check your license or contact the Secretary of State to confirm.

Other restrictions are permanent until your circumstances change. Restriction B (corrective lenses) stays on your license as long as you need correction to meet the vision standard. Restriction C (automatic transmission only) stays until you pass a road test in a manual vehicle. Restriction M (ignition interlock) stays for the duration ordered by the court, which can range from one to three years or longer depending on your DUI history.

If you believe a temporary restriction should have expired, check the expiration date on your license. If the date has passed and the restriction still appears, contact the Illinois Secretary of State's Driver Services Department to request an update. Do not assume the restriction is gone until you have confirmation in writing or can see it removed from your license record.

How to Request Removal of a Restriction Code

The process for removing a restriction depends on the type of restriction and the reason it was issued. For restriction B (corrective lenses), you must pass a new vision test at a Secretary of State facility or through an approved vision provider. You can schedule a vision retest by calling the Secretary of State or visiting a Driver Services facility in person.

For restriction C (automatic transmission only), you must take a full road test in a manual transmission vehicle and pass it. You can schedule a road test through the Secretary of State's online system or by phone. The test costs the same as a standard road test and takes about 30 minutes.

For restriction D (daylight driving only), you may be able to request removal by having a medical professional complete a form stating that your condition has improved or that night driving is now safe. Contact the Secretary of State to find out what documentation is required. Some restrictions in this category expire automatically and do not require action on your part.

For restriction M (ignition interlock), you cannot remove it yourself. The restriction is tied to a court order and a monitoring program. Once the court-ordered period ends, you must request a hearing with the Secretary of State to have the restriction lifted. Your ignition interlock provider will notify you when you are may be able to access to request removal.

What Happens If You Drive in Violation of a Restriction Code

Driving in violation of a restriction code is a traffic violation. If you are pulled over and the officer discovers you have violated a restriction, you will be cited for driving with a suspended or revoked license, even if your license itself is valid and not suspended. This citation carries the same penalties as driving with a suspended license.

Penalties vary depending on the restriction and your driving history. A first violation may result in a fine between $100 and $500, a court appearance, and points added to your driving record. A second or subsequent violation can result in higher fines, license suspension, and possible jail time. The specific penalty depends on the Illinois traffic court handling your case.

If you receive a citation for violating a restriction code, you have the right to contest it in traffic court. You can argue that you did not know about the restriction, that the restriction was issued in error, or that you were not actually driving in violation of it. However, lack of knowledge is not a legal defense; the restriction appears on your license, and you are responsible for knowing what it means.

Restriction Codes and Commercial Driver License (CDL) Holders

If you hold a Commercial Driver License, you may have additional or different restriction codes than a standard driver. Restriction K (no commercial vehicle) appears on non-commercial licenses to clarify that you cannot drive a commercial vehicle. CDL holders have their own set of restrictions, including those related to the type of vehicle they can operate (passenger, hazmat, tanker) and medical conditions that affect commercial driving.

Some restrictions explore to both CDL and non-CDL drivers. For example, restriction B (corrective lenses) and restriction M (ignition interlock) can appear on either type of license. If you hold a CDL and have a restriction that affects your ability to drive commercially, you may lose your CDL until the restriction is removed or modified.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive if I have a restriction code?

Yes, you can drive as long as you follow the restriction. If your restriction is B (corrective lenses), you must wear glasses or contacts. If it is C (automatic transmission), you must drive only an automatic car. Violating the restriction is a traffic offense, but following it means your license is valid.

How do I know what my restriction codes are?

Check the back of your physical license under the "Restrictions" section. You can also view your license record online through the Illinois Secretary of State's website by logging into your account, or call the Driver Services Department at 217-782-6900 to ask about your restrictions.

Do restriction codes affect my insurance rates?

Most restrictions do not affect your rate because they are safety measures you are already following. However, restriction M (ignition interlock) often results in higher premiums or non-coverage from some insurers. A violation of any restriction code will increase your rates because it is a traffic citation on your record.

What if I disagree with a restriction code that was issued to me?

You can request a hearing with the Illinois Secretary of State to challenge the restriction. Contact the Driver Services Department to request a hearing and explain why you believe the restriction was issued in error. You may need to provide medical documentation or take a new test to support your case.

Will a temporary restriction code automatically disappear from my license?

The restriction will expire on the date shown on your license, but it may not disappear from your record when ready. After the expiration date, contact the Secretary of State to confirm the restriction has been removed and to request an updated license if needed.