Restriction A is a corrective lenses requirement
Restriction A on a Texas driver's license means you must wear corrective lenses — glasses or contact lenses — every time you drive. The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) adds this restriction when your vision test shows you need correction to meet the state's minimum vision standard of 20/40 in each eye.
If you have Restriction A and drive without your corrective lenses, you are breaking the law. A police officer can cite you for violating your license restriction, which is a separate offense from any traffic violation. This can result in a fine, points on your driving record, or both.
Restriction A is one of the most common restrictions on Texas licenses. It does not limit where you can drive, what hours you can drive, or what vehicles you can operate — only that you must wear your correction while doing so.
Key Takeaways
- Restriction A requires you to wear glasses or contact lenses every time you operate a vehicle.
- DPS places this restriction based on your vision test results at the time of your license exam or renewal.
- Driving without your corrective lenses while under Restriction A is a violation that can result in a fine and points on your record.
- You can remove Restriction A by passing a vision test without correction or by retesting with correction that improves your vision to 20/40 or better in each eye.
- Restriction A appears on the front of your license card and on your Texas driving record.
How DPS determines whether you need Restriction A
During your license exam at a Texas DPS office, you take a vision screening. The examiner tests each eye separately and records your uncorrected vision. If your uncorrected vision is worse than 20/40 in either eye, the examiner then tests you with your current glasses or contacts.
If your corrected vision meets or exceeds 20/40 in each eye, DPS adds Restriction A to your license. This tells law enforcement and you that correction is required for safe driving. The restriction is based on what you tested at that moment — not on a prescription from an eye doctor.
You do not need a doctor's note or prescription to receive Restriction A. The vision test at DPS is the only measure used. If you wear bifocals, progressive lenses, or any other type of correction, you must wear whatever you tested with.
What happens if you are pulled over without your corrective lenses
If a police officer stops you and sees Restriction A on your license, the officer may ask whether you are wearing your corrective lenses. If you are not, the officer can issue a citation for violating your license restriction. This is a separate charge from any traffic violation that may have prompted the stop.
A Restriction A violation is typically a misdemeanor in Texas. Penalties vary by jurisdiction but commonly include a fine of $100 to $500 and points added to your driving record. Some officers may issue a warning on a first offense, but you have no legal protection if you are cited.
If you are involved in an accident while driving without your corrective lenses, your insurance company may deny your claim or reduce your coverage. The violation also becomes part of your permanent driving record and can affect your insurance rates.
Removing Restriction A from your license
You can remove Restriction A by visiting a Texas DPS office and taking another vision test. You have two options: test without correction, or test with correction that improves your vision enough to meet the standard.
If you test without correction and your uncorrected vision is 20/40 or better in each eye, Restriction A is removed when ready. If your uncorrected vision does not meet the standard, you can test with your corrective lenses. If your corrected vision is 20/40 or better in each eye, Restriction A remains on your license — you cannot remove it.
There is no fee to retake the vision test at DPS. You do not need an appointment; most DPS offices accept walk-ins for vision retests. The retest takes about 5 to 10 minutes. Once you pass, DPS updates your record and issues a new license card without the restriction, usually within 1 to 2 weeks.
Other common Texas driver's license restrictions
Texas uses a letter system for restrictions. Restriction B requires you to wear a hearing aid if you are deaf or hard of hearing. Restriction C limits you to automatic transmission vehicles only. Restriction D requires an outside left mirror. Restriction E limits you to daylight driving only.
You can have more than one restriction on your license. For example, you might have both Restriction A (corrective lenses) and Restriction C (automatic transmission). Each restriction is independent and must be followed separately.
Some restrictions, like Restriction A, can be removed by retesting. Others, like Restriction C, are permanent unless your physical condition changes and you can demonstrate you no longer need the restriction.
Keeping your corrective lenses with you while driving
If you have Restriction A, keep your glasses or contacts in your vehicle at all times. Even if you think you can see well enough without them, you are legally required to wear them. A police officer does not need to observe you driving unsafely to cite you — the restriction violation itself is the offense.
If you wear contact lenses, keep a backup pair of glasses in your car. Contact lenses can tear, fall out, or become uncomfortable during a long drive. Having a backup ensures you can always comply with your restriction.
If your prescription changes, visit an eye doctor and get new glasses or contacts. Your old correction may no longer be accurate, and wearing outdated correction could affect your safety and your ability to pass a vision retest if you want to remove Restriction A.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a license without Restriction A if I wear corrective lenses?
No. If your uncorrected vision does not meet the 20/40 standard and your corrected vision does, DPS must place Restriction A on your license. The restriction is mandatory, not optional. You cannot request to remove it or waive it.
Do I have to wear the exact same glasses I wore during my vision test?
No. You must wear corrective lenses, but they do not have to be the exact pair you wore at DPS. Glasses or contacts with the same prescription are acceptable. If your prescription changes, you should update your correction, but you are not required to retake the vision test unless you want to try to remove Restriction A.
What if I lost my glasses and I have Restriction A?
You should not drive until you have replacement glasses or contacts. Driving without your correction while under Restriction A is a violation. If you are stopped, you can be cited. If you are in an emergency and must drive, contact local law enforcement or ask someone else to drive.
Does Restriction A affect my insurance rates?
Restriction A itself does not automatically raise your rates. However, if you are cited for violating the restriction, that citation becomes part of your driving record and can increase your premiums. Insurance companies review your record, not just your license restrictions.
Can I remove Restriction A by getting new glasses with a stronger prescription?
Only if your new prescription improves your corrected vision to better than 20/40 in each eye. However, if your current corrected vision already meets 20/40, a stronger prescription will not help you remove the restriction. The only way to remove Restriction A is to pass a vision test without correction or to demonstrate that your uncorrected vision has improved.