Restriction A is a corrective lens requirement
Restriction A on a Texas driver's license means you must wear corrective lenses — glasses or contact lenses — every time you drive. The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) adds this restriction when your vision test shows you need correction to meet the state's minimum vision standard of 20/40 in each eye.
This is not a temporary restriction. It stays on your license for the full validity period unless your vision improves enough that you no longer need correction. If you drive without your corrective lenses while Restriction A is on your license, you are breaking the law and can be cited for a traffic violation.
Restriction A appears on your license as a printed notation. It is one of the most common restrictions issued by Texas DPS, and it does not prevent you from driving any vehicle class — only that you must wear your lenses while doing so.
Key Takeaways
- Restriction A requires you to wear glasses or contact lenses every time you operate a vehicle, and it is printed directly on your license card.
- Texas DPS issues Restriction A when your uncorrected vision does not meet the state minimum of 20/40 in each eye, but your corrected vision does.
- You must renew your license or pass a new vision test if you believe your vision has improved enough to remove the restriction.
- Driving without your corrective lenses while Restriction A is active is a traffic violation and can result in a citation.
- Restriction A does not limit which vehicle types you can drive — only that correction must be worn while driving any of them.
How Texas DPS determines if you need Restriction A
During your vision screening at the DPS office, you are tested without correction first. If your uncorrected vision in either eye falls below 20/40, the examiner will test you with correction — your current glasses or contacts, or using the office's trial lenses.
If your corrected vision meets or exceeds 20/40 in each eye, DPS will issue your license with Restriction A. The restriction documents that you passed the vision test only with correction in place. If your uncorrected vision is already 20/40 or better in both eyes, you will not receive this restriction.
You do not choose whether to accept Restriction A. If your vision test results show you need correction to meet the legal standard, the restriction is automatically added to your license. There is no separate form or additional step — it appears on the license card itself.
What you must do to drive legally with Restriction A
You must wear your corrective lenses every single time you drive, regardless of distance or road type. This includes short trips, parking lot driving, or any situation where you are operating the vehicle. The restriction does not have exceptions for low-speed driving or familiar routes.
Keep your glasses or contacts with you in the vehicle. If you are stopped by law enforcement and cannot produce your corrective lenses, you may be cited for violating the restriction even if you were wearing them at the time of the stop. Having them accessible in the car protects you if an officer asks to verify compliance.
If you wear contact lenses, make sure you have a backup pair of glasses in your vehicle. Contact lenses can tear, fall out, or become uncomfortable during a drive. A backup pair ensures you can continue driving safely and legally if your primary correction fails.
Removing Restriction A from your license
Restriction A can only be removed by passing a new vision test that shows your uncorrected vision now meets the 20/40 standard in both eyes, or by renewing your license and passing the vision screening without needing correction.
If you have had corrective eye surgery such as LASIK or PRK, or if you believe your vision has improved, you can request a vision retest at any DPS office. Bring your current license and be prepared to pay the retest fee, which varies but is typically under $10. The examiner will test your uncorrected vision. If you pass, DPS will issue you a new license without Restriction A.
You do not have to wait until your license expires to remove the restriction. You can pursue a retest at any time if you have reason to believe your vision has changed. However, if you fail the retest or your corrected vision no longer meets the standard, your license may be suspended or you may be required to renew with additional restrictions.
Restriction A during license renewal
When you renew your Texas driver's license, you must pass a vision test again. If you still need correction to meet the 20/40 standard, Restriction A will be carried forward to your new license. If your vision has improved, the restriction may be removed at that time.
You can renew your license online, by mail, or in person at a DPS office, depending on your age and how long it has been since your last renewal. However, if you have Restriction A, you may be required to renew in person so that a vision test can be administered. Check the Texas DPS website or call your local office to confirm the renewal method available to you.
If you renew online or by mail and Restriction A is currently on your license, the restriction will automatically carry over to your new license unless you have had a vision test showing improvement. You cannot remove the restriction through online or mail renewal — you must visit an office and pass a new vision screening.
Other restrictions that may appear with Restriction A
Restriction A can appear alongside other vision-related restrictions. Restriction B requires you to wear corrective lenses and limits you to daytime driving only — no driving between sunset and sunrise. Restriction C requires corrective lenses and restricts you to driving within a certain distance from your home, usually 25 miles.
If you have Restriction B or C, you also have a vision correction requirement, but with additional limitations on when or where you can drive. These restrictions are issued when your corrected vision is close to the minimum standard or when other factors (such as age or medical history) suggest additional caution is needed.
You may also see restrictions unrelated to vision, such as Restriction D (automatic transmission only) or Restriction E (outside mirrors required). These do not affect Restriction A and operate independently. Your license card will list all restrictions that explore to you.
Common mistakes to avoid with Restriction A
The most common mistake is driving without your corrective lenses. Even a short trip without glasses or contacts is a violation. Law enforcement can cite you, and you may face a fine. If you are involved in an accident while driving without correction, your insurance may deny your claim, and you could face additional legal liability.
Another mistake is not updating your vision correction when your prescription changes. If your current glasses or contacts no longer correct your vision to the 20/40 standard, you are not meeting the legal requirement of Restriction A. Get your eyes examined and update your prescription before driving.
Do not assume that Restriction A will automatically be removed at renewal. You must pass a new vision test, and if you still need correction, the restriction stays. If you believe your vision has improved, request a retest before your renewal date rather than waiting and discovering the restriction carries over.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive with Restriction A if I forgot my glasses at home?
No. Driving without your corrective lenses while Restriction A is on your license is a traffic violation. If you are stopped, you can be cited. If you forget your glasses, do not drive — call someone for a ride or use another form of transportation.
Does Restriction A mean I can only drive certain types of vehicles?
No. Restriction A does not limit vehicle type. You can drive cars, trucks, motorcycles, or any other vehicle class your license permits. The only requirement is that you wear corrective lenses while driving any of them.
How much does it cost to get a vision retest to remove Restriction A?
Vision retest fees in Texas typically range from $5 to $10, though the exact amount may vary by DPS office. Call your local office or check the Texas DPS website for the current fee in your area. The fee is separate from any license renewal or replacement fee.
Will Restriction A appear on my license if I wear contact lenses during the vision test?
No. If you wear contacts during the vision test and your corrected vision meets the 20/40 standard, you will not receive Restriction A. However, you must always wear your contacts while driving. If you stop wearing them, you should get a new vision test to see if you still meet the standard without correction.
What happens if I get pulled over and I am wearing my glasses but the officer does not believe Restriction A applies to me?
Show the officer your license card — Restriction A will be printed on it. The restriction is documented on your license, so there is no ambiguity. As long as you are wearing your corrective lenses, you are in compliance. If you are not wearing them, the officer can cite you for violating the restriction.