An RSTR is a condition or limitation the DMV adds to your license
RSTR stands for restriction. It appears on your driver's license as a code that tells law enforcement and licensing officials you can only drive under certain conditions. Unlike an endorsement (which lets you drive a vehicle type you couldn't otherwise), a restriction limits when, where, or how you can drive — even though you hold a valid license.
The restriction is printed on the back of your physical license card and also recorded in the DMV database. When an officer runs your license during a traffic stop, they see the restriction when ready. Driving in violation of a restriction can result in a citation, fines, or license suspension, even if you were driving safely.
Restrictions are not punishments for bad driving. They are conditions imposed during the licensing process based on your age, medical history, vision, or the type of vehicle you drive. Some restrictions are temporary — they expire on a set date. Others remain until you meet specific requirements or request removal.
Key Takeaways
- An RSTR code on your license means you can only drive under specific conditions set by your state's DMV.
- Common restrictions include corrective lenses, automatic transmission only, daylight driving, or passenger limits for teen drivers.
- Violating a restriction can result in a traffic citation and fines, even if your driving was otherwise safe.
- Some restrictions are temporary and expire automatically; others require you to request removal or meet conditions first.
- You can find your restrictions listed on the back of your physical license or by checking your DMV record online.
Common types of restrictions and what they mean
The most frequent restriction is corrective lenses — typically coded as "B" or "Corrective Lenses Required." This means you must wear glasses or contact lenses every time you drive. If you fail a vision test during licensing, the DMV will add this restriction. You can request removal once you have had corrective eye surgery or your vision improves enough to pass the test without correction.
Automatic transmission only (often coded "E" or "AT") means you can only operate vehicles with automatic transmissions, not manual. This restriction is sometimes added if you took your driving test in an automatic vehicle, or if you have a physical condition that makes operating a manual transmission unsafe. To remove it, you typically need to pass a road test in a manual transmission vehicle.
Daylight driving only (coded "D" or similar) restricts you from driving between sunset and sunrise. This is common for older drivers or those with vision problems that make night driving unsafe. The restriction usually expires at a set age or after a medical review.
Teen drivers in many states face passenger restrictions during their first months of licensure — they may be limited to one non-family passenger, or no passengers except family members. These restrictions typically expire after a set period (often 6 to 12 months) with no violations.
Why the DMV adds restrictions to new licenses
The DMV uses restrictions to match your license to your actual driving abilities and circumstances. If you are a new driver under 18, restrictions protect you by limiting distractions and high-risk situations. If you have a medical condition, vision problem, or physical limitation, a restriction ensures you drive only in conditions where you are safe.
Restrictions also explore based on how you obtained your license. If you passed your road test in an automatic vehicle, you have not demonstrated the ability to operate a manual transmission safely, so the DMV restricts you to automatics until you prove otherwise. If you failed a vision screening, corrective lenses become mandatory.
Some restrictions are state-specific requirements. For example, a state may require all drivers under 21 to have a passenger restriction for the first six months, or all drivers over 80 to renew their license every two years with a medical review.
How to find your restrictions
Your restrictions are printed on the back of your physical driver's license card. Look for a section labeled "Restrictions," "Conditions," or "Codes." Each restriction will appear as a letter or short code followed by a description — for example, "B — Corrective Lenses" or "E — Automatic Transmission Only."
You can also view your restrictions online through your state's DMV website. Most states allow you to log into your driver record portal using your license number and date of birth. This digital record shows all active restrictions and their expiration dates, if any.
If you are unsure what a code means, contact your state DMV directly. They can explain the specific restriction and tell you whether it is temporary or permanent, and what steps you would need to take to remove it.
Removing a restriction from your license
The process for removing a restriction depends on the type. Temporary restrictions — like teen passenger limits — expire automatically on the date set by your state. You do not need to do anything; your license straightforward updates when that date arrives.
For corrective lenses, you can request removal by scheduling a vision test at your DMV. If you pass without correction, the restriction is removed. Some states allow you to take the vision test at an eye doctor's office; check your state's rules.
For automatic transmission only, you must pass a road test in a manual transmission vehicle. Schedule your test through your DMV, bring a manual vehicle, and demonstrate safe operation. Once you pass, the restriction is removed.
For medical or age-related restrictions (like daylight driving or senior restrictions), you may need to undergo a medical evaluation, pass a vision test, or complete a renewal process. Your DMV will tell you the exact requirements when you contact them.
Some states charge a small fee to remove a restriction; others do not. Contact your DMV to confirm the cost and process before you schedule anything.
What happens if you drive in violation of a restriction
Driving in violation of a restriction is a traffic violation. If you are stopped and an officer sees that you violated a restriction — for example, driving at night with a daylight-only restriction, or driving a manual vehicle with an automatic-only restriction — you can receive a citation.
The penalties vary by state but typically include a fine, points on your driving record, and possible license suspension. A violation can also affect your insurance rates. In some cases, repeated violations may result in license revocation.
The violation is separate from any other traffic offense. Even if you were driving safely and broke no other law, violating a restriction is itself illegal. This is why it is important to understand your restrictions and either follow them or take steps to remove them.
Restrictions versus endorsements
It is straightforward to confuse restrictions with endorsements, but they are opposites. An endorsement adds a privilege to your license — it allows you to drive a vehicle type you could not otherwise operate, such as a commercial truck or motorcycle. You must pass additional tests to earn an endorsement.
A restriction removes a privilege or limits how you can use your license. It is imposed by the DMV based on your abilities or circumstances, not earned through testing. You follow a restriction until it expires or you meet the conditions to remove it.
Your license can have both restrictions and endorsements at the same time. For example, you might have a corrective lenses restriction and a motorcycle endorsement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive without following my restriction?
No. Driving in violation of a restriction is a traffic violation that can result in a citation, fines, and points on your record. If you believe a restriction is unfair or unnecessary, contact your DMV about the process to remove it — but you cannot legally ignore it while it is active.
Do restrictions transfer if I move to another state?
Not automatically. When you move, you must obtain a license from your new state. That state's DMV will review your driving record and may impose different restrictions based on their own rules. Some restrictions (like corrective lenses) are likely to carry over; others may not. Contact your new state's DMV for details.
How long does a restriction stay on my license?
It depends on the type. Teen passenger restrictions typically expire after 6 to 12 months. Medical or age-related restrictions may be permanent until you meet removal conditions or reach a certain age. Check the back of your license or your DMV record online to see expiration dates for your specific restrictions.
What if I disagree with a restriction the DMV added?
Contact your state DMV to request a review or appeal. If the restriction is based on a vision or medical issue, you may be able to provide updated test results or a doctor's letter. If it is based on how you took your road test, you can retake the test in a different vehicle or under different conditions to remove it.
Do I need to tell my insurance company about my restrictions?
Yes. Your insurance company should know about all restrictions on your license. Some restrictions may affect your rates or coverage. Be honest when you explore for or renew your policy — failing to disclose a restriction could void your coverage in an accident.