What a Restriction on Your Texas License Is
A restriction on your Texas driver's license is a condition that limits how or when you can drive. It appears as a letter code on the front or back of your license and tells law enforcement and you what you are permitted to do behind the wheel. Restrictions are not suspensions or revocations — you still hold a valid license, but it comes with specific rules you must follow.
The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) assigns restrictions based on your age, medical condition, vision, driving record, or court order. Common restrictions include requirements to wear corrective lenses, drive only during daylight hours, use an ignition interlock device, or drive only for work or school. Violating a restriction can result in a traffic citation, fines, and potential license suspension.
Restrictions differ from endorsements, which are additions that allow you to do something (like drive a motorcycle or commercial vehicle). A restriction prevents you from doing something or requires you to meet a condition while driving.
Key Takeaways
- Restrictions appear as letter codes on your Texas license and limit how, when, or where you can drive.
- Common restrictions include corrective lenses, daylight-only driving, ignition interlock devices, and work-or-school-only limits.
- You can request removal of a restriction by visiting a DPS office with proof that the reason for the restriction no longer applies.
- Driving in violation of a restriction is a traffic offense that can result in fines and license suspension.
- Some restrictions are temporary and expire automatically; others remain until you take action to remove them.
Common Restriction Codes on Texas Licenses
Texas uses letter codes to mark restrictions. The most frequently assigned ones are:
| Restriction Code | What It Means | Who Gets It |
|---|---|---|
| B | Corrective lenses required | Drivers who failed vision screening or have a vision prescription |
| D | Daylight driving only | Drivers with vision or medical conditions limiting night driving |
| E | Automatic transmission only | Drivers with physical limitations who cannot operate a manual transmission |
| F | Outside mirror required | Drivers with limited peripheral vision |
| H | Ignition interlock device required | Drivers convicted of DWI or intoxication-related offenses |
| J | Occupational license only | Drivers whose license was suspended but who received a work-restricted permit |
| K | Intrastate driving only | Drivers who do not meet federal REAL ID standards or have other limitations |
Other restrictions exist for specific medical conditions, commercial driving limits, or court-ordered requirements. Your license document will list the exact restriction code and, in most cases, what it requires of you.
Why Restrictions Are Placed on Your License
DPS assigns restrictions to protect you and other road users. A restriction acknowledges that you can drive safely under certain conditions, but not all conditions. For example, a driver with corrective lens restriction B can drive legally — but only while wearing glasses or contacts. A driver with daylight-only restriction D can operate a vehicle during daylight hours but should not drive at night.
Restrictions come from several sources. During a license renewal or new process, DPS may place a restriction based on your vision test results or medical history. A court may order a restriction as part of a DWI sentence (such as the ignition interlock requirement). Your doctor may report a condition to DPS that results in a restriction. If you fail a road test, DPS may restrict your license to automatic transmission only until you pass a test in a manual vehicle.
Some restrictions are temporary — they expire on a set date or after you meet a condition (such as completing an ignition interlock program). Others remain until you request removal and provide proof that the reason for the restriction no longer applies.
How to Remove a Restriction from Your License
The process for removing a restriction depends on the type of restriction and why it was placed. For most restrictions, you must visit a DPS office in person with documentation proving the restriction is no longer necessary.
For vision-related restrictions (B, D, F): Schedule a vision test at a DPS office. If you pass, the restriction can be removed when ready or at your next renewal. Bring your current license and be prepared to pay a retest fee (typically $10 to $25, though this varies by location).
For medical restrictions: Obtain a letter from your doctor stating that your condition has improved or resolved and that you are safe to drive without the restriction. Bring this letter, your license, and a completed DL-44 form (process for Texas Driver License) to a DPS office. DPS may require a medical examination or road test before removing the restriction.
For ignition interlock restrictions (H): You must complete the interlock program as ordered by the court. Once the program is finished, the vendor provides a completion certificate. Bring this certificate to a DPS office, along with your license and proof of program completion. The restriction is removed after DPS verifies the information with the vendor.
For occupational license restrictions (J): These restrictions are tied to a suspended license. You cannot remove this restriction until your suspension period ends or a court modifies the suspension. Contact the court that issued the suspension or the DPS Enforcement Division for details on your specific case.
What Happens If You Drive in Violation of a Restriction
Driving in violation of a license restriction is a traffic offense. Law enforcement can cite you for violating the restriction itself, separate from any other traffic violation. For example, if you have a corrective lens restriction and drive without glasses, you can be cited for violating restriction B, even if you were driving safely and obeying all traffic laws.
Penalties for violating a restriction include a fine (typically $100 to $200), points added to your driving record, and potential license suspension. A second or third violation within a certain period can result in a longer suspension or additional penalties. If the violation contributed to an accident or injury, penalties are more severe.
Some restrictions carry higher stakes. Violating an ignition interlock restriction (driving a vehicle without the device when one is required) is treated as a more serious offense and can result in license suspension and criminal charges in some cases.
Restrictions During License Renewal
When you renew your Texas driver's license, DPS reviews your record and any existing restrictions. Some restrictions automatically carry over to your new license. Others may be removed if the reason for them no longer applies, or if you provide updated medical or vision documentation.
If you want a restriction removed before renewal, do not wait until your renewal date. Visit a DPS office early with the required documentation. This gives you time to gather paperwork and avoid delays if additional testing or verification is needed.
If you renew online or by mail, you cannot remove a restriction through that process. You must visit a DPS office in person. Online and mail renewals are available only if you have no restrictions, no medical conditions reported to DPS, and no other complications on your record.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive without my glasses if I have restriction B?
No. Restriction B means corrective lenses are required every time you drive. Driving without them is a violation, even if you think you can see well enough. Always wear your glasses or contacts when driving if you have this restriction.
How long does an ignition interlock restriction stay on my license?
The length depends on your court sentence and the specific DWI conviction. Interlock requirements typically last 6 months to 2 years. Once you complete the program, the vendor sends proof to DPS, and the restriction is removed. You cannot remove it early without court approval.
What if I disagree with a restriction DPS placed on my license?
You can request a hearing with DPS. Contact the DPS Driver License Division in writing or visit a local DPS office to file a formal objection. You will have the opportunity to present evidence (such as a doctor's letter or vision test results) to support your request for removal or modification of the restriction.
Do restrictions show up on my driving record when I explore for insurance?
Restrictions themselves do not appear on your driving record that insurance companies see. However, the reason for the restriction (such as a DWI conviction) may appear on your record and affect your insurance rates. Ask your insurance company directly if a specific restriction impacts your policy.
Can I get a temporary license without a restriction while I wait for removal?
No. You must drive under the restriction until it is officially removed by DPS. There is no temporary waiver or exception. If you cannot meet the restriction's requirements, you should not drive until the restriction is removed.