What Restriction Codes Mean on an Ohio License

Restriction codes are letters printed on your Ohio driver's license that tell police, employers, and insurance companies what you are not allowed to do while driving. They are not the same as endorsements (which let you drive certain vehicles). A restriction limits your driving privileges in a specific way — for example, you might be required to wear corrective lenses, or forbidden from driving without an ignition interlock device.

The Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles assigns restriction codes based on your age, medical history, conviction record, or the type of license you hold. Some restrictions are temporary; others stay until you meet a condition or request removal. Understanding what your codes mean matters because violating a restriction is a separate offense from other traffic violations and can result in fines, license suspension, or insurance rate increases.

Key Takeaways

  • Restriction codes appear as letters on your Ohio license and limit how or when you can drive, separate from what vehicles you can operate.
  • Common restrictions include corrective lenses, ignition interlock devices, daylight-only driving, and no commercial passengers.
  • You can see your restrictions by checking your license or contacting the Ohio BMV directly.
  • Some restrictions are automatic based on age or medical conditions; others result from court orders or DUI convictions.
  • Removing a restriction usually requires meeting a condition (such as completing a program) or requesting a hearing with the BMV.

Common Ohio Restriction Codes and What They Require

Restriction B means you must wear corrective lenses (glasses or contacts) whenever you drive. This is the most common restriction and is usually assigned at your first license exam if you need vision correction. You must have your glasses or contacts with you in the car at all times, even if you are only driving a short distance.

Restriction D means you cannot drive without an ignition interlock device installed in your vehicle. This device requires you to blow into a breathalyzer before the car will start. It is typically ordered by a court after a DUI or OVI (Operating a Vehicle Impaired) conviction in Ohio. You pay for the device installation and monthly monitoring yourself, and the restriction stays in place for a set period — usually six months to three years depending on the conviction.

Restriction E means you can only drive during daylight hours, typically from sunrise to sunset. This restriction is sometimes given to older drivers or those with certain medical conditions that affect night vision. You cannot drive at night even if you have a passenger or are on an emergency errand.

Restriction F means you cannot carry passengers for hire — you cannot work as a taxi, rideshare, or delivery driver. This restriction does not prevent you from driving friends or family without payment.

Restriction J means you cannot drive a commercial vehicle or tractor-trailer. This applies to drivers who do not hold a commercial driver's license (CDL) but may have been restricted from obtaining one due to medical reasons or violations.

How Restrictions Appear on Your License and How to Check Them

On your physical Ohio driver's license, restriction codes appear in a small box on the front or back, usually labeled "Restrictions" or "Rest." The letter codes are printed there along with any additional notes. For example, you might see "B" alone, or "B, D" if you have multiple restrictions.

To see your restrictions, you can look at your license directly, or you can check your driving record through the Ohio BMV website. You will need your driver's license number and date of birth to view your record online. If you are unsure what a code means, you can call the Ohio BMV at 614-752-7500 or visit a local BMV office in person.

Your insurance company will also see your restrictions when they pull your driving record. Some restrictions — particularly ignition interlock (D) — may affect your insurance rates or the types of coverage available to you.

Why You Might Have a Restriction and How Long It Lasts

Restrictions are assigned for different reasons. Vision-related restrictions (B) are usually permanent unless your vision improves enough that you no longer need correction. You can request a vision retest at any BMV office if you believe your eyesight has changed.

Ignition interlock restrictions (D) are time-limited and ordered by a court. The length depends on whether it is your first or repeat DUI offense. A first offense typically requires the device for six months to one year; repeat offenses may require two to three years. Once you complete the required period and the device is removed, you can request that the restriction be lifted from your license.

Age-related restrictions, such as daylight-only driving (E), may be removed once you reach a certain age or pass a medical evaluation. Restrictions tied to medical conditions can sometimes be removed if you provide documentation that the condition has improved or been treated.

Removing or Modifying a Restriction

To remove a restriction, you must first meet the condition that led to it. For ignition interlock, that means completing the court-ordered period and having the device removed by a certified installer. For vision restrictions, it means passing a vision test. For medical restrictions, it usually means providing a doctor's statement.

Once you have met the condition, contact your local BMV office or the Ohio BMV directly to request removal. You may need to provide proof — such as a letter from your doctor, a certificate from the ignition interlock company, or a new vision test result. Some removals are processed quickly; others may require a hearing or review by the BMV medical advisory board.

If you believe a restriction was assigned in error, or if you want to challenge it, you can request a hearing with the Ohio BMV. You will need to submit a written request explaining why the restriction should be removed or modified, along with any supporting documents.

How Restrictions Affect Insurance and Employment

Insurance companies see restriction codes when they pull your driving record. A restriction alone does not automatically disqualify you from coverage, but some restrictions — especially ignition interlock (D) — may result in higher premiums or require you to disclose the restriction when you quote or renew a policy. Failing to disclose a known restriction can give an insurance company grounds to deny a claim.

For employment, restrictions matter most if you are explore for a job that involves driving. Employers can see restrictions on your record during a background check. A daylight-only restriction (E) would disqualify you from a job requiring night driving. An ignition interlock restriction (D) might be acceptable for some positions but not others, depending on the employer's policy and the nature of the work.

If you are a commercial driver or need to drive for work, certain restrictions may prevent you from doing that job until the restriction is removed. It is important to understand your restrictions before accepting a driving position.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens if I drive while violating a restriction?

Driving in violation of a restriction is a separate offense from the underlying violation. For example, driving without corrective lenses when restriction B is on your license can result in a fine, points on your record, and possible license suspension. The penalty depends on which restriction you violated and whether it is a first or repeat offense.

Can I get my restriction removed early?

It depends on the restriction. Vision restrictions can sometimes be removed early if you pass a new vision test. Ignition interlock restrictions are set by court order and cannot be removed early without a judge's approval. Medical restrictions may be removed early if a doctor provides documentation that the condition has improved.

Do restriction codes show up on my driving record that employers see?

Yes. When an employer or insurance company requests your driving record, restriction codes are included. Some employers may not care about certain restrictions, but others — especially those hiring for driving positions — will take them into account during hiring decisions.

If I move to another state, do my Ohio restrictions follow me?

When you get a license in a new state, that state will see your Ohio driving record, including restrictions. However, the new state may not enforce Ohio restrictions the same way. You should contact the new state's DMV to understand how your restrictions will be handled under their laws.

Can I have my restriction removed if I complete a defensive driving course?

A defensive driving course will not remove a restriction, but it may help reduce points on your record or lower insurance rates. To remove a restriction, you must meet the specific condition tied to that restriction — such as passing a vision test for restriction B or completing an ignition interlock period for restriction D.