What a G Restriction Is and Why It Appears on Your License

A G restriction on a Texas driver's license means you are required to wear corrective lenses — glasses or contact lenses — every time you drive. The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) adds this restriction during your license exam or renewal if the vision test shows you need correction to meet the state's minimum vision standard of 20/40 in each eye.

The restriction is not a penalty. It is a safety measure that keeps you and others safe on the road. If you fail the vision test without correction but pass with glasses or contacts, DPS will issue your license with the G restriction printed on the front. You must comply with this restriction every time you operate a vehicle — driving without your corrective lenses when the restriction is in place is a violation of your license conditions.

The G stands for "glasses" or "corrective lenses," though the restriction applies equally to contact lenses. Some people also see a "X" restriction on their license, which means corrective lenses are required and you must also wear a hearing aid if you have one — but the G restriction covers vision only.

Key Takeaways

  • A G restriction requires you to wear glasses or contact lenses every time you drive, and driving without them violates your license conditions.
  • DPS places the G restriction on your license if your uncorrected vision does not meet the 20/40 standard but your corrected vision does.
  • You can remove the G restriction by passing a vision test without correction, which means your uncorrected vision must meet or exceed 20/40 in each eye.
  • Vision correction surgery such as LASIK or PRK may allow you to meet the uncorrected vision standard, but you must pass a new DPS vision test to remove the restriction.
  • If you received the G restriction at your last renewal or exam, you can request a new vision test at any DPS office without waiting for your license to expire.

How the Vision Test Determines the G Restriction

During your license exam or renewal, a DPS examiner will test your vision in both eyes. The state requires a minimum uncorrected vision of 20/40 in each eye to drive without a restriction. If your uncorrected vision falls below 20/40 in either eye, the examiner will then test your vision with your current glasses or contacts.

If your corrected vision meets or exceeds 20/40 in each eye, DPS will issue your license with the G restriction. This means your vision is safe to drive with correction, but not without it. The examiner will note the restriction on your license, and it will appear on every renewal until you pass an uncorrected vision test that meets the state standard.

Some people have vision that is correctable to better than 20/40 — for example, 20/20 with glasses — but still cannot meet the uncorrected standard. These drivers will always have the G restriction unless they have surgery or their vision naturally improves.

Removing the G Restriction Through Vision Correction Surgery

If you have had LASIK, PRK, or another refractive surgery that corrects your vision, you may now meet the uncorrected vision standard. However, DPS will not automatically remove the restriction. You must visit a DPS office and request a new vision test to prove your uncorrected vision now meets 20/40 or better in each eye.

Bring your current license and be prepared to pay the vision test fee, which varies by DPS office but is typically a small amount. The examiner will test your uncorrected vision. If you pass, DPS will issue you a new license without the G restriction. If you do not pass, the restriction will remain and you will need to continue wearing your corrective lenses.

Do not assume your surgery has corrected your vision enough to meet the state standard. Some people have residual refractive error after surgery, or their vision may have changed over time. The only way to know is to take the test.

Requesting a Vision Test Before Your License Expires

You do not have to wait until your license renewal date to request a new vision test. If you believe your vision has improved — whether through surgery, natural change, or a previous incorrect test — you can visit any DPS office and ask for a vision retest at any time.

Bring your current license and be ready to pay the vision test fee. The examiner will test your uncorrected vision in both eyes. If you pass, DPS will issue a new license without the G restriction. If you do not pass, your current license remains valid with the restriction in place.

This option is useful if you have had vision correction surgery and want to remove the restriction before your next renewal. It is also an option if you believe the original test was inaccurate, though DPS will conduct a new test rather than dispute the previous result.

What Happens If You Drive Without Your Corrective Lenses

Driving without your glasses or contacts when you have a G restriction is a violation of your license conditions. If you are stopped by law enforcement, you can be cited for driving with a restriction violation. This is separate from any traffic violation you may have committed and can result in a fine.

A restriction violation also creates a record on your driving history, which may affect your insurance rates or your ability to renew your license without additional requirements. If you receive multiple violations, DPS may suspend or revoke your license.

The restriction exists because uncorrected vision impairs your ability to see the road, other vehicles, pedestrians, and signs clearly. Driving without correction puts you and others at risk. If you find it difficult to remember your glasses or contacts, consider keeping a spare pair in your vehicle or setting a phone reminder before you drive.

The G Restriction and Your License Renewal

When your license expires and you renew, DPS will conduct another vision test. If you still do not meet the uncorrected vision standard, the G restriction will appear on your new license. If you have had surgery or your vision has improved and you now pass the uncorrected test, the restriction will be removed.

You can renew your Texas driver's license online, by mail, or in person at a DPS office, depending on your age and how long it has been since your last in-person renewal. However, if you renew online or by mail, you will not have a vision test. Your new license will carry the same restrictions as your current license.

To have the G restriction removed during renewal, you must renew in person at a DPS office so that an examiner can conduct a new vision test. If you renew online or by mail, you will need to visit a DPS office separately to request a vision retest.

Other Vision-Related Restrictions and Requirements

Texas has other vision-related restrictions beyond the G. A bioptic lens restriction means you are required to use a bioptic lens (a special telescopic lens mounted on glasses) to meet the vision standard. This is less common than the G restriction and applies to people with low vision who have been specially tested and certified.

An X restriction requires both corrective lenses and a hearing aid. If you have an X restriction, you must wear both every time you drive. Some people also have restrictions related to daylight driving only or restrictions on highway driving, though these are separate from vision restrictions.

If you are unsure what your restrictions mean, your license will list them clearly. You can also contact your local DPS office or check the DPS website for a full explanation of any restriction code on your license.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get my G restriction removed if I have had LASIK?

Yes, but only if your uncorrected vision now meets the 20/40 standard in each eye. You must visit a DPS office and request a new vision test. If you pass, DPS will issue a new license without the restriction. If your vision has not improved enough, the restriction will remain.

What if I forgot my glasses and got pulled over?

You can be cited for driving with a restriction violation, which is separate from any traffic ticket. This violation goes on your driving record and may affect your insurance or future license renewals. It is a good idea to keep a spare pair of glasses in your vehicle.

Do I have to renew my license in person to remove the G restriction?

Yes. If you renew online or by mail, you will not have a vision test and the restriction will carry over to your new license. To have the restriction removed, you must renew in person at a DPS office or request a separate vision retest before your renewal date.

How much does a vision retest cost?

The fee varies by DPS office but is typically a small amount, usually under $25. Contact your local DPS office for the exact fee. You will need to pay this fee each time you request a vision retest.

Will the G restriction affect my insurance or employment?

The restriction itself does not automatically affect insurance rates, but a violation of the restriction (driving without glasses) will be recorded on your driving history and may increase your rates. Some employers who require a commercial driver's license may have additional vision requirements, but the G restriction on a standard license does not prevent most employment.