How Texas Driver's License Restrictions Work

A restriction on your Texas driver's license is a condition that limits how or when you can drive. It appears on your license as a letter code (like "B" or "E") and means you must follow that rule every time you drive, or you can be cited for violating the restriction itself — even if you were driving safely otherwise.

Restrictions are different from suspensions or revocations. A suspension temporarily takes away your license; a revocation ends it. A restriction lets you keep your license but with rules attached. The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) assigns restrictions based on medical conditions, vision problems, age, conviction history, or court orders.

You are responsible for knowing what your restriction means and following it. If you drive in violation of a restriction, you can be charged with a separate offense, and your license can be suspended or revoked as a result.

Key Takeaways

  • Texas restriction codes appear as letters on your license and describe specific conditions you must follow every time you drive.
  • Common restrictions include corrective lenses, daylight-only driving, automatic transmission only, and ignition interlock devices.
  • Violating a restriction is a separate offense and can lead to additional license suspension or revocation.
  • You can request removal of some restrictions through DPS if your medical condition improves or your court case resolves.
  • Ignition interlock restrictions are tied to DWI convictions and have specific removal timelines set by Texas law.

Common Texas Driver's License Restriction Codes

Texas uses letter codes to mark restrictions. The most common ones are:

Restriction B: Corrective lenses required. You must wear glasses or contacts every time you drive. This restriction is issued when your vision does not meet the standard without correction.

Restriction D: Daylight driving only. You cannot drive between sunset and sunrise. This is typically issued to older drivers or those with significant vision loss in low light.

Restriction E: Automatic transmission only. You cannot drive a vehicle with a manual transmission. This restriction is usually issued after a medical evaluation shows you cannot safely operate a clutch.

Restriction F: Outside mirror required. Your vehicle must have an outside mirror on both sides. This is less common and is issued when a driver has limited neck mobility or vision in one direction.

Restriction K: Ignition interlock device required. You must have an IID installed in your vehicle and blow into it before the engine starts. This restriction is mandatory after certain DWI convictions in Texas.

Other codes exist for specific situations — for example, restrictions related to prosthetic devices, hearing aids, or court-ordered conditions. Your license document will explain what your specific code means.

Medical Conditions and Vision-Related Restrictions

Texas DPS can place restrictions on your license based on a medical evaluation or your own report of a health condition. Common reasons include poor night vision, limited peripheral vision, tremors that affect steering, or conditions that cause sudden loss of consciousness.

If you have a medical condition that affects your ability to drive safely, you can report it to DPS yourself, or a doctor, police officer, or family member can report it. DPS will then send you a notice to appear for a medical evaluation. If you do not appear, your license can be suspended.

You do not have to wait for DPS to contact you. If your condition improves — for example, after surgery or successful treatment — you can contact DPS and request a re-evaluation. Bring medical documentation showing the improvement. If DPS agrees your condition no longer requires a restriction, they will issue you a new license without it.

Ignition Interlock Restrictions and DWI Convictions

If you are convicted of driving while intoxicated (DWI) in Texas, the court will likely order an ignition interlock device (IID) as a condition of your license reinstatement. Restriction K on your license means an IID is required.

An IID is a breathalyzer connected to your vehicle's ignition. Before the engine starts, you blow into the device. If it detects alcohol above a set level (usually 0.02 percent), the engine will not start. The device also requires rolling retests while you drive — you will be prompted to blow again at random intervals to may support you have not been drinking since you started the vehicle.

The length of time you must use an IID depends on your conviction history. A first DWI conviction typically requires an IID for six months to two years. Multiple convictions or a conviction with a high blood alcohol level can extend this to five years or longer. The court sets the exact timeline when you are sentenced.

You must pay for the IID installation and monthly monitoring yourself — costs typically range from $60 to $150 per month, depending on the provider. If you remove the device before the court-ordered period ends, your license will be suspended again.

Age-Related Restrictions for Teen Drivers

Texas issues Graduated Driver License (GDL) restrictions to drivers under 18. These restrictions are automatic and appear on your license as condition codes.

A 16-year-old with a learner permit (Instruction Permit) cannot drive alone — an adult 21 or older must be in the front seat. At 17, you can get an Intermediate License, which allows solo driving but restricts nighttime driving (you cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m.) and limits passengers under 21 to one person, unless they are family members.

These restrictions lift automatically when you turn 18 and renew your license. You do not need to request removal — DPS will issue a license without GDL restrictions once you are old enough.

How to Request Removal of a Restriction

If you believe your restriction should be removed, the process depends on why it was placed.

For medical or vision restrictions, contact DPS and request a medical re-evaluation. You will need to provide documentation from a doctor showing that your condition has improved or resolved. DPS will schedule an appointment, and if the evaluation supports removal, they will issue a new license.

For ignition interlock restrictions, you cannot request early removal — you must complete the court-ordered time period. Once that period ends, contact DPS with proof that the device has been removed from your vehicle. DPS will then issue a new license without the restriction.

For GDL restrictions, you do not need to request removal. They expire automatically on your 18th birthday. When you renew your license after turning 18, the restrictions will no longer appear.

If you believe a restriction was placed in error, contact DPS directly with documentation supporting your case. Processing times for re-evaluations typically take two to four weeks.

Violating a Restriction and Consequences

Driving in violation of a restriction — for example, driving at night with a daylight-only restriction, or driving without corrective lenses when they are required — is a separate traffic offense. You can be cited and fined even if you were driving safely and broke no other law.

A first violation of a restriction is typically a misdemeanor with a fine of $100 to $200. A second or subsequent violation within a certain period can result in higher fines and possible jail time. More importantly, a violation can trigger license suspension or revocation, meaning you lose your driving privileges entirely.

If you are stopped and cited for violating a restriction, you have the right to contest the citation in traffic court. You can argue that the restriction was placed in error, that you were unaware of it, or that you were not actually violating it. However, ignorance of the restriction is generally not a legal defense — DPS assumes you read your license.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive with an expired restriction on my license?

No. If your license is expired, you cannot legally drive, regardless of restrictions. You must renew your license before driving. When you renew, DPS will update any restrictions based on current medical information or court orders.

What if I lose my glasses and have a corrective lens restriction?

You cannot legally drive without your corrective lenses if restriction B is on your license. If you lose your glasses, you must obtain a replacement pair before driving. Driving without them is a violation of your restriction.

Can I get an ignition interlock restriction removed early if I have not had any violations?

No. The court sets the removal date, and DPS cannot override it. You must complete the full time period ordered by the judge, even if you have a clean record during that time. After the period ends, you can contact DPS to remove the device and the restriction.

Do restrictions appear on my driving record that employers can see?

Restrictions appear on your license itself and on your driving record. Employers who run a background check or request your driving record will see them. Some employers, particularly those in transportation or safety-sensitive roles, may not hire you if certain restrictions are present.

If I move to another state, do my Texas restrictions transfer?

No. Your Texas restrictions are specific to your Texas license. If you move and obtain a license in another state, that state will conduct its own evaluation. However, if you have an active court order (like an ignition interlock requirement), you may still be required to follow it even in another state, depending on the terms of your sentence.