What a Class B Restriction Means on Your Texas Driver License

A Class B Restriction Limits You to Daylight Driving

A Class B restriction on a Texas driver license means you can only drive during daylight hours — typically from sunrise to sunset. The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) issues this restriction when your vision or medical condition makes night driving unsafe, but you can still drive safely during the day.

This is not a full license suspension. You retain full driving privileges during daylight, including highway driving, commercial routes, and all vehicle types your license class permits. The restriction appears on your license as a notation, and law enforcement can verify it during a traffic stop.

The restriction is temporary or permanent depending on why DPS imposed it. If it stems from a vision test result, you may be able to remove it by retesting. If it relates to a medical condition, removal depends on whether that condition improves or stabilizes.

Key Takeaways

A Class B restriction limits driving to daylight hours only, usually sunrise to sunset, but does not restrict the types of roads or vehicles you can drive during those hours.
DPS typically issues this restriction based on vision test results or a medical condition reported by a physician or discovered during a renewal exam.
You can request removal of the restriction by passing a vision retest at a DPS office or by providing medical documentation that your condition has improved.
Driving outside the restriction hours (at night) is a violation and can result in a traffic citation, even if you have a valid license.
The restriction does not appear as a separate document — it is printed directly on your license card and in the DPS database.

Why DPS Issues a Class B Restriction

DPS imposes a Class B restriction for two main reasons: vision problems and medical conditions. Vision-related restrictions are the most common. If you fail the vision screening during a license exam and score between certain thresholds, DPS may issue the restriction rather than deny the license outright. This typically happens when your corrected vision (with glasses or contacts) falls below the standard for unrestricted driving but is still safe enough for daylight use.

Medical conditions also trigger Class B restrictions. A physician can report to DPS that a patient has a condition affecting safe driving — such as epilepsy, severe arthritis, or a neurological disorder — that makes night driving risky. DPS may also discover such conditions during a renewal exam or medical review. The restriction acknowledges that you can drive safely under certain conditions, even if unrestricted driving poses a risk.

You will receive written notice from DPS explaining the reason for the restriction. Keep this notice, as it helps you understand what you need to do to remove it.

How to Remove a Class B Restriction

The process for removal depends on the reason the restriction was issued. If the restriction is vision-related, you can request a retest at any DPS Driver License office. Bring your current license, proof of residency, and your glasses or contacts if you use them for driving. The vision test is free and takes about 10 minutes. If you pass, DPS will issue a new license without the restriction on the spot or mail it to you within 7 to 10 business days.

If the restriction is medical, you will need a letter from your physician stating that your condition has improved or stabilized and that you are safe to drive at night. The letter should be on the physician's letterhead and include their license number. Submit this letter to the DPS Medical Review Unit by mail or in person at a Driver License office. DPS will review the letter and notify you of the decision within 30 days. If approved, a new license will be issued.

Do not wait to request removal if you believe the restriction no longer applies. Driving at night while the restriction is in place is a violation, even if you feel you are safe to do so.

What Happens If You Drive at Night With a Class B Restriction

Driving outside the restriction hours — that is, driving at night when your license carries a Class B restriction — is a traffic violation in Texas. A law enforcement officer who stops you can cite you for violating the restriction. This is a separate offense from any other traffic violation you may have committed.

The citation is typically a misdemeanor, and penalties can include a fine (usually $100 to $500), court costs, and a mark on your driving record. A violation may also affect your insurance rates. If you accumulate multiple violations, DPS may suspend your license entirely.

If you are unsure whether it is dark enough to drive, err on the side of caution. Sunrise and sunset times change throughout the year, so check a reliable source (such as weather.gov or your phone's weather app) before driving near dawn or dusk.

Class B Restriction vs. Other License Restrictions

Texas uses several types of restrictions on driver licenses, and Class B is one of the most common. A Class A restriction requires you to wear corrective lenses (glasses or contacts) at all times while driving. A Class C restriction requires an automatic transmission vehicle only, often issued to drivers with limited mobility. A Class D restriction requires an outside left mirror, typically for drivers with vision in only one eye.

Some restrictions can be combined. For example, you might have both a Class A (corrective lenses) and a Class B (daylight only) restriction on the same license. Each restriction is listed separately on your license card and in the DPS system.

Unlike a suspension or revocation, restrictions do not prevent you from driving — they define the conditions under which you can drive. Understanding your specific restrictions is essential to staying legal on the road.

Renewing Your License With a Class B Restriction

When your license expires, you will renew it through the normal process: online (if you are may be able to access), by mail, or in person at a DPS office. The Class B restriction will carry over to your new license unless you have had it removed. If you have had the restriction removed since your last renewal, you do not need to do anything special — just renew normally, and the new license will not include the restriction.

If the restriction is still in place and you want to remove it before renewing, do so first. It is easier to renew without the restriction than to renew with it and then request removal. However, you can also request removal after renewal if needed.

Texas driver licenses are valid for 5 or 8 years depending on your age. Check your license expiration date and plan your renewal accordingly. If you are over 85, you must renew in person at a DPS office.

Medical Conditions and Reporting Requirements

If you have a medical condition that affects your driving, you are not required to report it to DPS yourself — but your physician can. Texas law allows physicians to report conditions that impair safe driving, and DPS will contact you if a report is received. You will be asked to undergo a medical review, which may result in a restriction, suspension, or no action.

If you know your condition affects your driving and you want to be proactive, you can contact the DPS Medical Review Unit directly. Providing documentation early may help DPS understand your situation and issue an appropriate restriction rather than a suspension. The Medical Review Unit can be reached through the DPS website or by visiting a Driver License office.

Be honest about your condition during license exams and renewals. Misrepresenting your health or vision to avoid restrictions can result in license suspension or revocation if discovered later.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive on a highway with a Class B restriction?

Yes. A Class B restriction only limits the time of day you can drive, not the type of road or vehicle. You can drive on any highway, interstate, or local road during daylight hours. The restriction does not change based on road type.

What time does the Class B restriction start and end each day?

The restriction is tied to sunrise and sunset, which change throughout the year. You should check your local sunrise and sunset times before driving near dawn or dusk. Most drivers use a weather app or website to confirm safe driving times.

Can I get a Class B restriction removed without a doctor's letter?

If the restriction is vision-related, yes — you can request a retest at a DPS office at no cost. If the restriction is medical, you will need a physician's letter confirming your condition has improved. DPS will not remove a medical restriction without this documentation.

Will a Class B restriction affect my car insurance?

The restriction itself typically does not affect your insurance rate, but a violation of the restriction (driving at night) will. A traffic citation for violating the restriction will appear on your driving record and may increase your premiums.

Do I need to tell my employer about a Class B restriction?

That depends on your job. If your work requires night driving, you should inform your employer when ready. Some employers may reassign you or require you to remove the restriction before continuing in that role. If your job involves only daytime driving, the restriction may not affect your employment.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.