What restriction codes are and why they appear on your license
A restriction code is a letter or number printed on your Texas driver license that limits how or when you can drive. It is not a suspension or revocation — you still have a valid license — but it means you cannot drive in all situations. The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) adds restriction codes based on your age, medical condition, vision, driving record, or court order.
Restriction codes are different from endorsements (which let you drive certain vehicles, like a motorcycle or bus). A restriction takes something away; an endorsement adds permission. You may have both on the same license.
Your insurance company will see your restriction codes when they run your driving record. Some restrictions can affect your rate or the type of coverage you can buy, because they signal that DPS has already identified a reason to limit your driving.
Key Takeaways
- Restriction codes are printed on your Texas license and limit when, where, or how you can drive — they do not suspend your license.
- Common codes include corrective lenses (A), automatic transmission only (B), and daylight driving only (D), each with a specific reason.
- You must follow your restrictions or you can be cited for driving outside their limits, even if you have a valid license.
- Some restrictions, like those for medical conditions or vision, may require you to report changes to DPS or renew your license sooner.
- Insurance companies see restriction codes on your record and may adjust your rate or coverage based on what they mean.
Common Texas restriction codes and what they mean
Texas uses a standardized list of restriction codes. The most common ones are:
| Code | Restriction | Why DPS adds it |
|---|---|---|
| A | Corrective lenses required | Vision test showed you need glasses or contacts to drive safely. |
| B | Automatic transmission only | You took your driving test in an automatic vehicle or have a physical condition that prevents you from operating a manual transmission. |
| D | Daylight driving only | Vision or age-related concern; you cannot drive between sunset and sunrise. |
| E | No freeway driving | Medical condition, age, or driving record concern limits highway capability. |
| F | Outside mirror required | Physical condition prevents you from using interior mirrors safely. |
| H | Hand controls required | You have a leg or foot condition and use hand controls to operate the vehicle. |
| K | Ignition interlock device required | Court-ordered after a DWI or DUI conviction; you must blow into a device before the car starts. |
| L | Left foot accelerator required | You have a right leg or foot condition and use a left-foot pedal to accelerate. |
| M | No passengers under 18 | You are a young driver with a learner permit or provisional license; passengers are limited by age and relation. |
| N | No driving between midnight and 5 a.m. | You are a young driver with a learner permit or provisional license; nighttime driving is prohibited. |
Other codes exist for specific situations — for example, code V means you must wear a prosthetic device, and code X means you cannot drive a vehicle with air brakes. If you see a code on your license that you do not recognize, you can look it up on the DPS website or call your local DPS office.
How restriction codes get added to your license
DPS adds restriction codes at different points in the licensing process. During your vision screening at the license office, if you fail to read the eye chart without correction, code A (corrective lenses) is added automatically. If you take your driving test in an automatic transmission car, code B is added to your license.
Court orders also trigger restrictions. If you are convicted of DWI or DUI, the court may order an ignition interlock device (code K). If you are under 18 and receive a learner permit or provisional license, codes M and N (passenger and nighttime limits) are added by default under Texas's Graduated Driver License (GDL) law.
Medical conditions reported to DPS — such as seizures, severe vision loss, or mobility issues — can result in restrictions like D (daylight only) or E (no freeway). You do not have to volunteer this information, but if DPS learns about it through a doctor's report or a failed renewal medical exam, they will add the code.
Some restrictions are temporary. For example, if you renew your license and your vision has improved, code A may be removed. If you complete an ignition interlock program after a DWI, code K can be removed once the court lifts the requirement.
What happens if you drive outside your restrictions
Driving outside your restrictions is a traffic violation. If you are stopped and your license shows code D (daylight only) but you are driving at night, you can be cited for violating your license restriction. This is separate from any other traffic violation you might receive.
The penalty for violating a restriction code varies. A first violation is typically a misdemeanor with a fine up to $200 and possible court costs. Repeat violations can result in higher fines, points on your driving record, or license suspension.
Violating a restriction also affects your insurance. Your insurer will see the citation on your record, and it may increase your premium or lead to non-renewal. If the violation is serious enough, some insurers will drop you entirely.
If you believe a restriction code on your license is wrong or no longer applies — for example, your vision has improved and you no longer need glasses — you can request a hearing with DPS or take a new vision test at your local license office.
Restrictions and insurance rates
Insurance companies check your driving record, which includes your restriction codes. Some codes signal higher risk. For example, code K (ignition interlock) tells your insurer that you have a DWI or DUI conviction, which already raises your rate. Code D (daylight only) signals a vision or age-related concern that may limit your ability to drive safely in all conditions.
However, most restriction codes themselves do not automatically raise your rate. Code A (corrective lenses) is so common that insurers do not treat it as a risk factor. Code B (automatic transmission only) is also routine and does not usually affect pricing.
The underlying reason for the restriction matters more than the code itself. If you have code E (no freeway) because of a medical condition, your insurer may ask questions about that condition and whether it affects your ability to drive. If you have code K because of a DWI, your rate will go up significantly — but that is because of the DWI, not the code.
When you shop for insurance, tell your agent about any restrictions on your license. Some insurers specialize in drivers with restrictions or violations, and they can help you find coverage that fits your situation.
Removing or changing restriction codes
The process for removing a restriction depends on why it was added. If the restriction was based on a failed vision test and your vision has since improved, you can visit your local DPS office and request a new vision screening. If you pass, code A can be removed.
If you received code B because you took your driving test in an automatic transmission car, you can remove it by taking a new driving test in a manual transmission vehicle. You will need to bring a manual transmission car to the test site and pass the driving portion of the exam.
Court-ordered restrictions like code K (ignition interlock) can only be removed by the court or by completing the program the court ordered. Once you finish the ignition interlock program, you must file paperwork with the court to lift the requirement, and then notify DPS that the restriction should be removed.
Age-related restrictions like codes M and N (passenger and nighttime limits) are removed automatically when you reach the age specified by Texas law. For most drivers, these restrictions lift at age 18 or after holding a provisional license for a set period.
If you believe a restriction was added in error, you can request a hearing with DPS. Bring documentation — such as a current vision test from an eye doctor, a letter from your physician, or court paperwork — to support your case.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive without following my restriction codes?
No. Your restriction codes are legally binding. Driving outside them is a traffic violation that can result in a fine, points on your record, and higher insurance rates. If you believe a restriction no longer applies, contact DPS to request a review or take a new test.
Will a restriction code show up on my insurance record?
Your insurance company will see your restriction codes when they pull your driving record from DPS. Most codes do not automatically raise your rate, but they may prompt your insurer to ask questions about your medical history or driving ability.
What is the difference between a restriction code and a suspension?
A restriction code limits how you can drive but does not take away your license. A suspension means your license is invalid and you cannot drive at all. You can have a valid license with restrictions; you cannot have a valid license while suspended.
How long do restriction codes stay on my license?
It depends on the code. Some, like vision-related codes, stay until your vision improves or you fail a renewal exam. Others, like age-related codes, are removed automatically at a certain age. Court-ordered codes like ignition interlock stay until the court removes them.
Can I get a restriction code removed before my license expires?
Yes. If you believe the restriction no longer applies — for example, your vision has improved or you completed a required program — you can visit a DPS office and request a review. Bring supporting documentation, such as a current eye exam or court paperwork.