A restricted license limits where, when, or how you can drive

A restricted driver's license is a license that comes with conditions on how you can use it. You can drive, but only under specific rules set by your state's DMV. The restrictions might limit the hours you drive, the roads you use, whether you need an ignition interlock device, or require you to wear corrective lenses. You still have a valid license — you are not prohibited from driving — but you must follow the conditions or face suspension or citation.

Restrictions are not the same as a suspension or revocation. A suspension temporarily takes your license away; a revocation ends it. A restriction lets you keep your license and drive, as long as you obey the limits attached to it. The most common reason for a restriction is a DUI or DWI conviction, but restrictions also explore to young drivers, people with medical conditions, and drivers with vision problems.

Your license card itself will show the restrictions in a code or note. When a police officer pulls you over, they can see when ready what you are allowed to do. Violating a restriction — for example, driving outside the permitted hours or without the required device — is a separate offense and can result in fines, points on your record, or license suspension.

Key Takeaways

  • A restricted license allows you to drive only under specific conditions set by your state, such as limited hours, specific roads, or required devices like ignition interlocks.
  • The most common restrictions come from DUI or DWI convictions, but young drivers, people with medical conditions, and drivers with vision problems may also receive restrictions.
  • Your license card displays the restrictions in code or text, and police can see them during a traffic stop.
  • Violating a restriction is a separate offense that can result in fines, points, or license suspension.
  • Restrictions are temporary in most cases and can be removed once you meet the conditions set by your state.

Common types of restrictions and what they mean

States use different codes and language for restrictions, but the categories are consistent. A time-of-day restriction means you can only drive during certain hours — often daylight hours only, or no driving between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m. This is common for teenage drivers and some DUI convictions. A corrective lenses restriction requires you to wear glasses or contacts whenever you drive; driving without them violates the restriction.

An ignition interlock device (IID) restriction requires you to install a breath-testing device in your vehicle. You must blow into it before the engine starts, and it will not allow the car to start if it detects alcohol. Some states require an IID for all DUI convictions; others use it only for repeat offenses or high blood alcohol levels. The device also records rolling retests while you drive.

A vehicle restriction limits you to driving only vehicles equipped with certain safety features, such as automatic transmission or hand controls. A geographic restriction limits where you can drive — for example, only within your county or only on certain roads. Some states impose passenger restrictions on young drivers, meaning you cannot carry passengers under a certain age without a licensed adult present.

A commercial vehicle restriction means you cannot drive trucks or vehicles used for business purposes. A medical review restriction requires you to pass a medical exam or vision test at renewal to keep your license. Your state's DMV will specify exactly what each code on your license means.

Why you receive a restricted license

The most common reason is a DUI or DWI conviction. Most states require an ignition interlock device for at least six months to three years, depending on whether it is a first or repeat offense. Some states also impose a period of hard suspension — a time when you cannot drive at all — before the restricted license begins.

Young drivers often receive restrictions as part of a graduated licensing system. A learner's permit comes with restrictions (supervised driving only, no night driving). After a waiting period and a road test, you move to an intermediate license with fewer restrictions (limited night driving, passenger limits). After another waiting period, you receive an unrestricted license. The age at which each stage begins and ends varies by state.

A medical condition can trigger a restriction. If your doctor reports that you have a condition affecting your ability to drive safely — such as seizures, severe vision loss, or cognitive decline — the DMV may require corrective lenses, daytime-only driving, or periodic medical review. You may be asked to submit a medical report or pass a vision or driving test.

A vision problem discovered during a license renewal or eye exam can result in a corrective lenses restriction. Some states also restrict drivers with certain types of vision loss to daytime driving only. A traffic violation history can sometimes lead to restrictions; for example, multiple speeding tickets might result in a speed-limit restriction or a requirement to take a defensive driving course.

How to get a restricted license after a DUI or DWI

The process depends on your state and whether you are seeking a restricted license during a hard suspension period or after it ends. In many states, you cannot drive at all for a set period after a DUI conviction — typically 30 days to six months. During this time, you cannot get a restricted license.

Once the hard suspension period ends, you can request a restricted license, usually called an occupational license or work permit in some states. You will need to file a petition or process with the DMV or the court that handled your case. The process typically requires proof that you need to drive for work, school, medical appointments, or other essential purposes. A letter from your employer or school can help.

You will also need to show proof of SR-22 insurance (or SR-50 in some states), which is a certificate of financial responsibility. This is not a type of insurance; it is a form your insurance company files with the DMV to prove you carry the minimum required coverage. You must maintain SR-22 for the period set by your state, usually three to five years.

Most states require you to install an ignition interlock device before you can drive under a restricted license. You will need to find a certified installer in your state, have the device installed, and provide proof of installation to the DMV. The cost varies but typically ranges from $100 to $300 for installation, plus a monthly monitoring fee of $50 to $100. You pay for this yourself; it is not covered by the state.

Removing a restriction from your license

The process for removing a restriction depends on the type of restriction and your state's rules. For a time-of-day or passenger restriction on a young driver's license, restrictions usually lift automatically once you reach a certain age or have held your license for a set period without violations. You do not need to do anything; the restriction straightforward expires.

For a corrective lenses restriction, you can have it removed by passing a vision test at the DMV. Schedule an eye exam with an optometrist or ophthalmologist, bring the results to the DMV, and request removal of the restriction. There is usually no fee for this.

For an ignition interlock restriction after a DUI, you must complete the required monitoring period set by your state — typically six months to three years. Once that period ends, you can request removal. You will need to provide proof that the device was installed and monitored for the full period. Some states require you to pass a final breath test or submit a report from the device installer. After removal, you can have the device uninstalled.

For a medical restriction, you will need to provide updated medical documentation showing that the condition no longer affects your ability to drive safely. This might mean a letter from your doctor, a new vision test, or a medical exam. The DMV will review the documentation and decide whether to remove the restriction. If they deny your request, you can usually appeal or resubmit after a set period.

What happens if you violate a restriction

Violating a restriction is treated as a separate traffic offense. If you are stopped while driving outside the permitted hours, without required corrective lenses, or without an ignition interlock device, you can be cited. The penalty varies by state but typically includes a fine, points added to your driving record, and possible license suspension.

A violation can also delay the removal of your restriction. If you are working toward removing an ignition interlock restriction and you are caught driving without it, your state may extend the required monitoring period or deny your request to remove the restriction. This can add months or years to the time you must comply.

Repeated violations or violations of multiple restrictions can result in license suspension or revocation. A suspension is temporary; a revocation is permanent and requires you to reapply for a license after a waiting period. Protecting your restricted license by following the conditions is important to your ability to drive legally.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive with a restricted license if I violate one of the restrictions?

No. If you drive outside the permitted conditions — for example, driving at night when your license is restricted to daytime only — you are breaking the law. You can be cited, fined, and have points added to your record. The violation is separate from the restriction itself.

How long does a restricted license last?

It depends on the reason for the restriction. Time-of-day and passenger restrictions for young drivers usually lift automatically after a set period or age. DUI-related restrictions typically last as long as your ignition interlock requirement, which ranges from six months to three years. Medical restrictions remain in place until your doctor or the DMV determines the condition no longer affects your driving.

Do I have to pay to remove a restriction?

Not for most restrictions. Removing a corrective lenses restriction requires a vision test, which you may need to pay for at an eye doctor's office, but the DMV removal itself is free. Removing an ignition interlock restriction is free, but you must pay to have the device uninstalled. Some states charge a small fee to file paperwork for restriction removal.

Can I get a restricted license while my license is suspended?

Not during a hard suspension period. After a DUI, most states impose a period when you cannot drive at all. Once that period ends, you can request a restricted license. The hard suspension period varies by state and offense — typically 30 days to six months for a first offense.

What is the difference between a restricted license and a suspended license?

A restricted license allows you to drive under specific conditions. A suspended license means you cannot drive at all during the suspension period. After a suspension ends, you may be able to get a restricted license before your full driving privileges are restored.