Restriction B is a corrective lens requirement

Restriction B on your Ohio driver's license means you must wear corrective lenses — glasses or contact lenses — every time you drive. The restriction appears on your license as a condition of your driving privilege, and driving without the required lenses is a violation of your license terms, even if you can see reasonably well without them.

Ohio's Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) places this restriction on your license after you fail the vision screening at the time of issuance or renewal. The restriction is not optional; it is a legal requirement tied to your specific license. If a police officer stops you and you are not wearing the corrective lenses your license requires, you can be cited for driving under restriction.

The restriction stays on your license for the full validity period — typically four or eight years, depending on your age and license type — unless you pass a new vision test and request its removal.

Key Takeaways

  • Restriction B requires you to wear glasses or contact lenses whenever you operate a vehicle, and this requirement is legally binding.
  • The BMV places the restriction after your vision test shows you need correction to meet Ohio's minimum vision standard of 20/40 in each eye.
  • You can remove the restriction by passing a new vision test at any BMV office and paying a small fee to update your license.
  • Driving without the required corrective lenses is a traffic violation and can result in a citation, even if you believe you can see adequately.

How the vision test determines Restriction B

When you renew your license or explore for a new one, the BMV staff member administers a vision screening using a machine called a visual acuity tester. You read lines of letters that get progressively smaller. Ohio law requires you to see at least 20/40 in each eye, with or without correction, to hold an unrestricted license.

If you cannot meet 20/40 without correction but can meet it with glasses or contacts, the BMV places Restriction B on your license. This means your vision is correctable to the legal standard, but only if you are wearing the correction. The restriction protects you and other drivers by ensuring you have adequate vision while driving.

If you wear bifocals or progressive lenses, tell the vision screener before the test. Some people see differently at different distances, and the screener needs to know what you normally wear while driving.

Removing Restriction B from your license

To remove Restriction B, you must pass a new vision test at an Ohio BMV office. You do not need to renew your entire license — you can request a vision retest at any time during your license's validity period. Bring your current license and be prepared to pay a fee, which varies by county but is typically between $5 and $15.

Schedule an appointment at your local BMV office or visit during walk-in hours. When you arrive, tell the staff member you want to take a vision test to remove a restriction. You will take the same visual acuity test you took when the restriction was placed. If you pass — meaning you can see 20/40 or better in each eye without correction — the BMV will issue you a new license without Restriction B, usually on the same day.

If you still cannot meet the standard without correction, the restriction remains. You can retest after 30 days if you believe your vision has improved or if you have had corrective surgery.

What happens if you drive without the required lenses

Driving with Restriction B on your license but without wearing your corrective lenses is a traffic violation in Ohio. A police officer can cite you for "driving under restriction" or "violation of license restriction." This is separate from any citation for unsafe driving — you can be cited straightforward for not wearing the lenses your license requires, regardless of whether your driving was otherwise safe.

A violation of license restriction is typically a minor misdemeanor, which carries a fine of up to $100 and can result in points on your driving record. Accumulating too many points in a short period can lead to license suspension. Additionally, if you are involved in a crash while driving without your required correction, your insurance company may deny your claim or use the violation against you.

The safest and simplest approach is to wear your corrective lenses every time you drive, even for short trips. Keep a backup pair in your vehicle in case your primary glasses break or you lose a contact lens.

Restriction B versus other Ohio license restrictions

Ohio uses several letter-based restrictions, each addressing a different driving limitation. Restriction B is specifically about vision correction. Other common restrictions include Restriction C (automatic transmission only), Restriction D (outside mirrors required), and Restriction E (no interstate driving). You can have multiple restrictions on a single license if you have multiple limitations.

Each restriction has its own removal process. Some, like Restriction C, may be permanent if you have a physical condition that requires an automatic transmission. Restriction B, by contrast, can often be removed if your vision improves or if you have corrective surgery. Check your license to see all restrictions that explore to you.

Vision correction options and Restriction B

Glasses and contact lenses both satisfy Restriction B. The BMV does not distinguish between them — either form of correction is acceptable as long as you are wearing it while driving. Some people prefer glasses for driving because they do not require the same level of maintenance as contacts, and they cannot fall out while you are operating a vehicle.

If you are considering corrective eye surgery such as LASIK or PRK, be aware that these procedures can sometimes change your vision enough to allow you to pass the vision test without correction. If you have surgery and your vision improves to 20/40 or better without correction, you can request a retest to remove Restriction B. However, do not drive without your lenses before you have passed the retest — your license still requires the correction until the BMV officially removes the restriction.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive with just one eye if I have Restriction B?

No. Restriction B requires you to wear the corrective lenses prescribed for your vision. If you have a condition affecting one eye, your eye care provider and the BMV vision screener will assess whether you meet the 20/40 standard with your correction in place. You must meet that standard in each eye separately.

Do I have to tell a police officer about my Restriction B?

You do not need to volunteer the information, but your license will show the restriction. If you are stopped, the officer will see it when they run your license. If you are not wearing your lenses, the officer may cite you for the violation. Being honest about the restriction and explaining that you are wearing your correction can help.

What if I lost my glasses and need to drive?

Do not drive without your required correction. Driving with Restriction B but without your lenses is a violation. If you have lost your glasses, contact your eye care provider for an emergency replacement or temporary pair, or use contact lenses if you have them. If you cannot obtain correction quickly, arrange alternative transportation.

Does Restriction B affect my insurance rates?

The restriction itself does not automatically raise your rates, but a citation for driving under restriction will appear on your driving record and may increase your premiums. Maintaining your correction and following the restriction prevents citations and keeps your record clean.

Can I get a hardship license if I have Restriction B?

A hardship license is issued when your full license is suspended. Restriction B does not suspend your license — it straightforward requires correction. You can drive normally with your lenses on. A hardship license is a separate process used in suspension cases and is not related to Restriction B.