What a Restriction Is and Why Florida Issues Them
A restriction on your Florida 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 means you must follow that rule or risk suspension, fines, or criminal charges. Restrictions do not prevent you from holding a license — they modify the license you have.
Florida issues restrictions for several reasons: correcting vision or hearing problems, requiring an ignition interlock device after a DUI conviction, limiting you to daylight driving only, or mandating an automatic transmission vehicle. Some restrictions are temporary and expire on a set date. Others remain until you take specific action to remove them, such as passing a vision test or completing a DUI education program.
The state does not remove a restriction automatically. You must request removal through the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) once you meet the conditions, and you may need to provide proof — a doctor's letter, a certificate of completion, or test results.
Key Takeaways
- Restrictions appear as letter codes on your license and require you to follow specific driving rules or face suspension and fines.
- Common restrictions include corrective lenses, ignition interlock devices, daylight-only driving, and automatic transmission requirements.
- Some restrictions expire automatically on a date printed on your license; others require you to request removal by submitting proof to DHSMV.
- Driving in violation of a restriction is a separate offense and can result in criminal charges, not just a license suspension.
- You can check your restrictions by viewing your license, calling DHSMV, or logging into your online DHSMV account.
Common Restriction Codes on Florida Licenses
Florida uses letter codes to identify restrictions. The most common ones are:
| Code | Restriction | What It Means |
|---|---|---|
| B | Corrective lenses | You must wear eyeglasses or contact lenses whenever you drive. |
| C | Mechanical devices | You must use hand controls or other adaptive equipment to operate the vehicle. |
| D | Daylight only | You can drive only between sunrise and sunset. |
| E | Automatic transmission | You can drive only vehicles with automatic transmissions. |
| F | Outside mirror | Your vehicle must have an outside mirror on the left side. |
| K | Ignition interlock device | Your vehicle must have an IID installed; you blow into it before starting the car. |
| L | Hearing impaired | You must have a hearing aid or other device, or you must display a special plate. |
Other codes exist for specific medical conditions, commercial driving limits, or court-ordered restrictions. If you see a code on your license and do not understand it, contact DHSMV or ask the examiner who issued your license.
How Restrictions Are Added to Your License
Restrictions are added in three main ways: during a vision or medical exam at the DMV, as a result of a DUI or traffic conviction, or by court order.
If you fail a vision screening during a license renewal or initial exam, the examiner will add a corrective lenses restriction (code B). If you have a medical condition that affects your ability to drive safely — such as hearing loss or limited mobility — you may be required to take a special driving exam, and restrictions will be added based on the results. You can also request a medical exam voluntarily if you want to remove an existing restriction.
DUI convictions automatically trigger an ignition interlock device restriction (code K) for a set period determined by the court. The length depends on whether it is your first offense, whether you refused a breath test, and your blood alcohol level. Traffic convictions for reckless driving or other serious violations can also result in restrictions.
A judge can also impose restrictions as part of a sentence or probation. These restrictions remain until the court or DHSMV removes them, which usually requires proof that the underlying condition no longer exists.
Removing a Restriction from Your License
The process for removing a restriction depends on the type of restriction and why it was added.
For vision or hearing restrictions: You must pass a new vision or hearing exam at a DHSMV office. Schedule an appointment, bring your current license, and take the exam. If you pass, the restriction is removed on the spot or within a few days. If you fail, the restriction remains and you may be required to take the exam again after a waiting period.
For medical restrictions (daylight only, automatic transmission, mechanical devices): You must request a medical exam through DHSMV. Bring a letter from your doctor stating that your condition has improved or resolved, or that you have adapted to it successfully. DHSMV will schedule you for a driving exam with a specially trained examiner. If you pass, the restriction is removed. If you fail, it remains.
For ignition interlock restrictions: The restriction remains for the full period set by the court — typically six months to three years depending on your conviction. You cannot remove it early. Once the period ends, you must request removal by submitting proof to DHSMV that the device was installed and monitored as ordered. DHSMV will then remove the restriction from your record.
For court-ordered restrictions: You must obtain a written order from the court stating that the restriction has been lifted. Bring this order to a DHSMV office, and the restriction will be removed from your license.
What Happens If You Drive in Violation of a Restriction
Driving in violation of a restriction is a separate criminal or civil offense, not straightforward a license suspension. The consequences depend on the restriction and the circumstances.
Driving without corrective lenses when required, or driving outside daylight hours when restricted to daylight only, is typically a civil infraction with a fine of $30 to $500. Driving with a suspended license due to a restriction violation can result in criminal charges, jail time, and a longer suspension.
Driving without an ignition interlock device when one is required is a criminal offense in Florida. A first violation is a misdemeanor with up to 60 days in jail and a $500 fine. A second or subsequent violation within five years is a felony with up to five years in prison and a $5,000 fine.
If you are stopped and an officer discovers you are driving in violation of a restriction, your license will be suspended when ready. You will also face court charges, and a conviction will add points to your driving record, which can increase your insurance rates and lead to further suspension if you accumulate too many points.
Checking Your Restrictions and Understanding Your License
You can view your restrictions in three ways: by looking at your physical license, by calling DHSMV, or by logging into your online account.
On your license card, restrictions appear as letter codes, usually on the back. The code itself is small and straightforward to miss, so read your license carefully after you receive it. If you do not see any codes, you have no restrictions.
To check by phone, call DHSMV at 1-844-5-DLINFO (1-844-535-4636). Have your license number and date of birth ready. A representative can tell you what restrictions are on your record and explain what each one means.
You can also create a free account on the DHSMV website (flhsmv.gov) and log in to view your license record, including all restrictions, their effective dates, and any expiration dates. This is the fastest way to check if you have a restriction and when it expires.
Restrictions That Expire Automatically vs. Those That Require Action
Some restrictions have an expiration date printed on your license or in your DHSMV record. These expire automatically — you do not need to do anything. However, DHSMV does not always notify you when a restriction expires, so check your record periodically to confirm it has been removed.
Other restrictions do not expire automatically and remain on your license indefinitely until you request removal. Corrective lenses restrictions, for example, stay on your record until you pass a new vision exam. Ignition interlock restrictions expire on a court-ordered date, but you must still submit proof of compliance to DHSMV to have the code removed from your license.
If you believe a restriction should have expired, contact DHSMV to verify. Bring any documentation you have — a letter from your doctor, proof of completing a required program, or a court order. DHSMV will review your case and remove the restriction if you meet the conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive with a restriction on my license?
Yes, you can drive with a restriction as long as you follow the rule it imposes. If your restriction is corrective lenses, you must wear glasses or contacts. If it is daylight only, you can drive between sunrise and sunset. Violating the restriction is a separate offense and can result in fines, criminal charges, or suspension.
How long does it take to remove a restriction?
If the restriction expires on a set date, it is removed automatically on that date, though DHSMV may take a few days to update your record. If you must request removal — such as by passing a vision exam — the process usually takes one to two weeks from the time you pass the exam or submit your documentation. Court-ordered restrictions require a written order from the judge before DHSMV will remove them.
Will a restriction affect my car insurance rates?
Most restrictions do not directly affect your insurance rates. However, if the restriction resulted from a DUI conviction or serious traffic violation, that conviction will affect your rates. An ignition interlock device restriction signals a DUI history, which insurers use to calculate premiums.
Can I get a restriction removed before the expiration date?
It depends on the restriction. Vision and medical restrictions can sometimes be removed early if you pass a new exam or provide updated medical documentation. DUI-related ignition interlock restrictions cannot be removed early — you must serve the full court-ordered period. Court-ordered restrictions require a new court order to lift them.
What if I move out of Florida — do my restrictions follow me?
If you move to another state and get a license there, your Florida restrictions do not automatically transfer. However, if your restriction resulted from a DUI conviction or court order, that record follows you nationally through the National Driver Register. Some states will impose their own restrictions based on your history. If you plan to move, contact DHSMV and the new state's DMV to understand how your record will be treated.