Texas restriction codes are letters printed on your license that tell police and others what you are not allowed to do while driving

When you look at your Texas driver's license, you may see one or more letters in a box labeled "Restrictions." These are not warnings or suggestions — they are legal limits on how and when you can drive. A code like "B" means you must wear corrective lenses. A code like "H" means you cannot drive without an ignition interlock device. If you drive in violation of a restriction on your license, you can be cited, fined, or have your license suspended.

Restrictions appear on your license because of your age, a medical condition, a conviction, or the type of license you hold. Some restrictions are temporary — they disappear when you turn a certain age or complete a program. Others stay on your record until you take specific action to remove them. Understanding what your codes mean protects you from breaking the law without realizing it.

Key Takeaways

  • Restriction codes are single letters printed on your Texas license that limit how, when, or where you can drive.
  • Common codes include "B" for corrective lenses, "H" for ignition interlock, and "X" for no air brakes on a commercial vehicle.
  • Some restrictions are automatic based on age or license type; others result from a DWI conviction or medical condition.
  • Violating a restriction on your license is a separate offense and can result in fines, points on your record, or license suspension.
  • You can request removal of some restrictions by contacting the Texas Department of Public Safety or meeting the conditions that triggered the restriction.

Common Restriction Codes and What They Mean

Restriction B means you must wear corrective lenses (glasses or contacts) while driving. This is the most common restriction. If you fail the vision portion of your eye exam or your vision is borderline, the examiner will add this code. You must wear your correction every time you drive, even for short trips. Driving without it is a violation.

Restriction H means you must have an ignition interlock device installed in your vehicle. This device prevents your car from starting if it detects alcohol on your breath. You receive this restriction after a DWI (driving while intoxicated) conviction in Texas. The length of time you must use it depends on your conviction history and the court's order — typically six months to two years for a first offense.

Restriction X applies to commercial driver's license (CDL) holders and means you cannot operate a vehicle with air brakes. You receive this if you pass your CDL test in a vehicle without air brakes. If you later want to drive a truck with air brakes, you must retake the CDL test in a vehicle that has them.

Restriction E means you cannot drive a vehicle with more than two axles or a gross vehicle weight rating over 26,001 pounds. Like restriction X, this is a CDL-related code that limits the type of commercial vehicle you can operate.

Restriction L means you are limited to daylight driving only — you cannot drive between sunset and sunrise. This restriction is rare and typically appears on licenses issued to drivers with significant vision problems or medical conditions that affect night driving ability.

Age-Related Restrictions for Teen Drivers

Texas imposes automatic restrictions on drivers under 18 as part of the Graduated Driver License (GDL) system. These restrictions are printed on your license and are legally binding, even though you did not choose them.

If you hold a learner permit (age 14 to 15), you must have a licensed adult 21 or older in the front seat at all times. You cannot drive alone. If you hold a restricted license (age 16 to 17), you cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m. unless you are driving to or from work, school, or a court-ordered event. You also cannot have more than one passenger under 21 in the vehicle unless a licensed adult 21 or older is present. These restrictions lift automatically when you turn 18, but they remain on your license record.

Violating a GDL restriction — for example, driving alone on your learner permit or driving after midnight on your restricted license — is a traffic violation. You can be stopped, cited, and fined. The violation also adds points to your driving record and can lead to license suspension.

Medical and Conditional Restrictions

Some restrictions appear because of a medical condition or a court order. Restriction D means you have a medical condition that may affect your ability to drive safely. The Texas Department of Public Safety may add this code if you report a condition like epilepsy, diabetes, or a heart condition on your license process, or if a doctor reports it to DPS. The restriction itself does not prevent you from driving, but it alerts law enforcement that you have a documented condition.

If you have a medical restriction, DPS may require you to renew your license more frequently than usual — every one or two years instead of the standard eight years — so they can verify that your condition remains stable. You may also be asked to provide a medical certification from your doctor before each renewal.

Restrictions can also result from a court order. For example, a judge may restrict your driving to work and back, or to specific hours, as part of a probation sentence or a condition of license reinstatement after a suspension.

How Restrictions Appear on Your License

Restrictions are printed in a box on the front or back of your Texas driver's license, depending on when it was issued. The box lists each restriction code as a single letter. If you have multiple restrictions — for example, "B" for corrective lenses and "H" for ignition interlock — both letters appear in the same box, separated by a comma or space.

When you renew your license or update your address, DPS reviews your restrictions. Some restrictions carry forward automatically. Others are removed if the condition that triggered them no longer applies. For example, if you had restriction L (daylight driving only) because of a vision problem, and you later pass a full vision test, DPS may remove the restriction at your next renewal.

If you believe a restriction on your license is incorrect or should be removed, you can contact the Texas Department of Public Safety. You will need to provide documentation — such as a new medical exam, proof that you completed an ignition interlock program, or a court order — to support your request.

Removing or Changing a Restriction

The process for removing a restriction depends on why it was added. For vision restrictions (B): You must pass a vision test at a DPS office or an approved eye care provider. Once you pass, you can request that the restriction be removed at your next license renewal or by visiting a DPS office in person.

For ignition interlock restrictions (H): You must complete the interlock monitoring period ordered by the court. Once the period ends, you must provide proof of completion to DPS. The restriction is then removed at your next renewal or upon request at a DPS office.

For CDL air brake restrictions (X or E): You must retake the CDL skills test in a vehicle that meets the requirements of the license class you want. If you pass, you can upgrade your license to remove the restriction.

For medical restrictions (D): You may need to provide updated medical documentation from your doctor showing that your condition is stable or resolved. DPS will review the documentation and decide whether to keep or remove the restriction.

Some restrictions, like those tied to your age on a GDL license, are removed automatically when you reach the age threshold. You do not need to do anything — the restriction straightforward expires.

What Happens If You Drive With a Violation of Your Restriction

Driving in violation of a restriction on your license is a separate traffic offense. For example, if your license shows restriction B (corrective lenses) and you are caught driving without your glasses, you can be cited for violating the restriction. This is not the same as a moving violation — it is a specific offense related to your license conditions.

The penalty for violating a restriction varies. You may receive a fine, typically between $100 and $200. The violation also adds points to your driving record, which can increase your insurance rates and put you closer to license suspension. If you accumulate enough points in a short time, DPS can suspend your license.

If you violate a GDL restriction — for example, driving alone on your learner permit or driving after midnight on your restricted license — the consequences are the same: a citation, a fine, and points on your record. A second or third violation can result in license suspension until you turn 18 or complete a defensive driving course.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive if I have a restriction on my license?

Yes, you can drive with a restriction as long as you follow the conditions it sets. If your restriction is "B" (corrective lenses), you can drive anywhere as long as you wear your glasses or contacts. If your restriction is "H" (ignition interlock), you can drive any vehicle equipped with the device. Violating the restriction is the problem, not having the restriction itself.

Will a restriction on my license show up on a background check?

Restrictions on your driver's license are part of your driving record, which is public information. An employer or landlord running a background check will see your license number and can look up your driving record, which includes restrictions. However, restrictions are not criminal records — they are license conditions. Most employers care about moving violations and accidents, not restrictions like corrective lenses.

How long does an ignition interlock restriction stay on my license?

The length depends on your DWI conviction and the court's order. For a first DWI offense in Texas, the interlock requirement is typically six months to two years. Once you complete the required monitoring period and provide proof to DPS, the restriction is removed. If you have multiple DWI convictions, the interlock requirement is longer — up to five years or more.

Can I get my GDL restrictions removed early?

No. GDL restrictions are tied to your age and are removed automatically when you turn 18. You cannot petition to have them removed early, even if you have a clean driving record. However, you can upgrade to a full license at 18 by visiting a DPS office and paying the renewal fee.

What if I lost my glasses and I have restriction B on my license?

You should not drive until you have your corrective lenses. If you are stopped by police and cannot produce your glasses, you can be cited for violating your restriction. If you need glasses urgently, visit an eye care provider or urgent care clinic. In an emergency, call a friend or family member to drive you, or use a ride-sharing service.