Restriction A is a corrective lenses requirement
Restriction A on your Ohio driver license means you must wear corrective lenses — glasses or contact lenses — whenever you drive. The restriction appears on your license as a small "A" code, and it is legally binding. If you drive without the required lenses, you are driving in violation of your license conditions, even if your vision is otherwise adequate.
Ohio's Bureau of Motor Vehicles adds Restriction A during your vision screening at the license bureau. The examiner uses a vision test to determine whether you can read the eye chart clearly enough to drive safely. If you cannot meet the standard vision requirement without correction, the examiner will note that you need lenses and mark your license accordingly.
This restriction stays on your license until you request a vision retest and pass without correction, or until your license expires and you renew it. You do not have to wait for your license to expire — you can visit any license bureau and ask for a vision retest at any time.
Key Takeaways
- Restriction A requires you to wear glasses or contact lenses every time you drive, and driving without them is a violation of your license conditions.
- The restriction is added during your vision screening at the license bureau if you cannot meet Ohio's vision standard without correction.
- You can request a vision retest at any license bureau to remove the restriction before your license expires.
- If you fail to wear your corrective lenses while driving, you can be cited for violating your license restrictions.
How the vision test determines Restriction A
During your written test appointment at a license bureau, you will sit at a vision screening machine or read an eye chart. The examiner will ask you to read letters or numbers at a specific distance. Ohio requires you to have at least 20/40 vision in each eye, or 20/30 in one eye and 20/40 in the other, to drive without correction.
If you cannot read the chart clearly without glasses or contacts, the examiner will ask whether you are wearing correction. If you are, they will note that you need lenses to meet the standard. If you are not wearing correction and cannot pass, you will be asked to come back with your glasses or contacts, or the examiner may refer you to an eye care professional for a vision evaluation.
Once the examiner confirms you meet the vision standard with correction, they will print Restriction A on your license. This happens automatically — you do not choose it, and there is no separate step to request it.
What you must do when driving with Restriction A
You must wear your corrective lenses at all times while operating a vehicle. This includes short trips, driving in daylight, driving in familiar areas, and any other circumstance. The restriction does not have exceptions for low-speed roads, residential areas, or brief journeys.
Keep your glasses or contacts in your vehicle or on your person whenever you drive. If you wear contact lenses, bring a backup pair or glasses in case a lens becomes uncomfortable or falls out. If you are stopped by law enforcement and do not have your correction with you, you can be cited for violating your license restrictions.
If your vision changes or you get a new prescription, you do not need to update your license when ready. However, if your new prescription is significantly different, it is a good idea to have a vision retest to confirm you still meet Ohio's standard with your updated lenses.
How to remove Restriction A from your license
You can request a vision retest at any Ohio license bureau. Visit in person, bring your current license, and ask the staff to schedule you for a vision screening. There is no fee for the retest. The examiner will use the same vision test as the original screening.
If you pass the vision test without correction, the restriction will be removed. The examiner will issue you a new license without Restriction A, usually on the same day. If you do not pass without correction, you will keep Restriction A and can try again later.
You can also have the restriction removed when you renew your license. During renewal, you will go through the vision screening again. If you pass without correction at that time, your new license will not include Restriction A.
What happens if you drive without your corrective lenses
Driving without the corrective lenses required by Restriction A is a violation of your license conditions. If you are stopped by a police officer and are not wearing your glasses or contacts, you can receive a citation. The violation is separate from any traffic offense — it is a direct breach of your license restrictions.
The consequences depend on whether this is your first violation or a repeat offense. A first violation may result in a fine. Repeat violations can lead to higher fines, points on your driving record, or suspension of your license. The specific penalty is determined by the court handling your case.
Beyond legal consequences, driving without correction when you need it puts you and others at risk. Your vision is critical to safe driving — you need to see road signs, pedestrians, and hazards clearly to react in time.
Restriction A versus other vision-related restrictions
Ohio uses several codes to mark vision-related restrictions on licenses. Restriction A specifically means corrective lenses are required. Other restrictions may explore if you have limited peripheral vision, need a special mirror, or have other vision conditions that require accommodation.
If you have multiple restrictions, each one will appear on your license. For example, you might have Restriction A (corrective lenses) and another restriction for a wide-angle mirror. You must follow all restrictions listed on your license.
If you are unsure what a restriction on your license means, ask the staff at a license bureau. They can explain each code and what it requires you to do while driving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive with contact lenses instead of glasses if I have Restriction A?
Yes. Restriction A requires corrective lenses, which includes either glasses or contact lenses. You can wear whichever works best for you, as long as you are wearing some form of correction every time you drive. If you switch between glasses and contacts, make sure both are current and correct for your prescription.
Do I have to tell a police officer about Restriction A if I am stopped?
You do not have to volunteer the information, but your license will show the restriction. If an officer asks whether you are wearing the required correction, you must answer honestly. If you are not wearing your lenses and the officer notices the restriction on your license, you can be cited.
What if I lost my glasses and cannot drive to get new ones?
You should not drive without your corrective lenses if Restriction A is on your license. If you need to get new glasses, ask someone else to drive you, use a ride service, or wait until you have your correction. Driving without it is a violation, even in an emergency.
Will Restriction A affect my car insurance rates?
Restriction A itself does not typically affect your insurance rates — it is a standard vision correction requirement. However, if you receive a citation for driving without your required correction, that violation could be reported to your insurance company and may affect your rates.
Can I get my license without a vision test to avoid Restriction A?
No. All Ohio driver license applicants must pass a vision screening. If you need correction to meet the vision standard, Restriction A will be added to your license. There is no way to avoid the vision test or the restriction if you require corrective lenses to drive safely.