What Restriction B Is
Restriction B on a Texas driver's license means you must wear corrective lenses (glasses or contact lenses) whenever you drive. The restriction appears on your license as a condition code, and driving without the corrective lenses you were required to wear is a violation of your license terms — even if you can see reasonably well without them.
Texas imposes Restriction B during the vision screening portion of your license exam. If you fail the vision test without correction but pass it with glasses or contacts, the Department of Public Safety (DPS) adds this restriction to your license. It is not a mark against your driving record; it is a safety condition based on your measured vision at the time of testing.
The restriction applies to all classes of driver's licenses — Class A (motorcycle), Class B (commercial), and Class C (passenger vehicle). You will see the code "B" printed on the front of your physical license card, usually in the restrictions section.
Key Takeaways
- Restriction B requires you to wear corrective lenses every time you drive, and driving without them violates your license terms.
- The restriction is added if you fail the vision test without correction but pass it with glasses or contacts during your exam.
- You can remove Restriction B by passing a new vision test without correction at any Texas DPS office.
- If your vision has improved through surgery or other means, you do not need to wait for your license renewal — you can request a vision retest when ready.
- Failing to wear corrective lenses while driving with Restriction B can result in a traffic citation and fines.
How Restriction B Appears on Your License
On your physical Texas driver's license card, Restriction B appears in the restrictions field on the front of the card. It is printed as a single letter or code alongside any other restrictions you may have. When you look at your license, you will see it listed clearly so you and law enforcement can both see the condition at a glance.
The restriction also appears in the Texas DPS database. When a police officer runs your license during a traffic stop, their system shows Restriction B, and they can verify whether you are wearing corrective lenses. This is why compliance matters — the restriction is visible and enforceable.
Removing Restriction B Through Vision Retesting
To remove Restriction B, you must pass a vision test without corrective lenses at a Texas DPS office. You do not have to wait until your license renewal; you can request a retest at any time if you believe your vision has improved.
Visit any DPS Driver License office in Texas and tell the staff you want to take a vision test to remove Restriction B. Bring your current driver's license and be prepared to pay a retest fee. The fee varies by location but is typically under $10. The vision test takes only a few minutes and uses the same equipment and standards as the original test.
If you pass the test without correction, the DPS will issue you a new license without Restriction B. If you fail, the restriction remains, and you will need to continue wearing corrective lenses when you drive. You can request another retest at any time if your vision changes again.
Vision Surgery and Restriction B Removal
If you have had vision correction surgery — such as LASIK, PRK, or cataract surgery — and your vision has improved to the point where you no longer need glasses or contacts, you can have Restriction B removed by retesting. You do not need a doctor's letter or medical documentation; the vision test itself is the measure.
After surgery, wait until your eye doctor confirms your vision has stabilized (usually four to six weeks after the procedure) before you go in for a retest. Bring your current license to any DPS office and request the vision test. If you pass without correction, Restriction B will be removed when ready.
What Happens If You Drive Without Corrective Lenses
Driving without the corrective lenses required by Restriction B is a traffic violation in Texas. A police officer who stops you and observes that you are not wearing glasses or contacts — or who learns from your license that Restriction B applies — can issue you a citation.
The violation is typically classified as a minor traffic offense, but it can result in a fine and a mark on your driving record. Repeat violations can lead to higher fines and may affect your insurance rates. The safest and simplest approach is to wear your corrective lenses every time you drive, or to have the restriction removed by passing a vision retest.
Restriction B and License Renewal
When you renew your Texas driver's license, you will take a new vision test. If you still need corrective lenses to pass, Restriction B will be carried over to your new license. If your vision has improved and you pass without correction, the restriction will be removed automatically during the renewal process.
You do not have to wait for renewal to remove the restriction. If your vision has changed between renewals, you can request a vision retest at any DPS office at any time. This is especially useful if you have had vision surgery or if you straightforward want to confirm that your vision has improved.
Other Restrictions That May Appear With Restriction B
Restriction B can appear alongside other vision-related restrictions. Restriction C, for example, requires you to wear a hearing aid if you are deaf or hard of hearing. Restriction D requires an automatic transmission vehicle (used when a driver has limited use of one arm or leg). These restrictions are independent of Restriction B and are removed through separate processes.
If you have multiple restrictions, each one must be addressed separately. For example, if you have both Restriction B (corrective lenses) and Restriction D (automatic transmission), you must wear corrective lenses and drive an automatic vehicle. Removing one restriction does not affect the others.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive with contact lenses instead of glasses to satisfy Restriction B?
Yes. Restriction B requires corrective lenses, and contact lenses count as corrective lenses. You can wear either glasses or contacts to comply with the restriction. The key is that your vision must be corrected to the standard required by law while you drive.
Do I have to pay to remove Restriction B?
You pay a retest fee to take the vision test at a DPS office, which is typically under $10. If you pass the test, the fee covers the removal of the restriction and issuance of a new license. If you fail, you pay the fee but the restriction remains, and you can retest again later.
How long does it take to get a new license after passing the vision retest?
If you pass the vision test at a DPS office, you will receive a temporary paper license when ready that is valid while your permanent card is printed and mailed. The permanent card usually arrives within one to two weeks. You can drive legally with the temporary license during this time.
What if I lost my glasses and got pulled over?
Driving without the corrective lenses required by Restriction B is a violation, even if you lost or forgot your glasses. If you are stopped, you can receive a citation. The best practice is to keep a backup pair of glasses in your vehicle or to have your prescription filled quickly if you lose your primary pair.
Does Restriction B affect my ability to get a commercial driver's license?
No. Restriction B can appear on a commercial driver's license (Class B) just as it does on a passenger vehicle license (Class C). If you need corrective lenses to pass the vision test for a commercial license, Restriction B will be added. You can still drive commercially; you straightforward must wear corrective lenses while doing so.