Restrictions are conditions that limit how or when you can drive
A driver's license restriction is a condition printed on your license that limits your driving privileges in a specific way. Unlike a suspension or revocation, which take your license away entirely, a restriction lets you keep your license but requires you to follow certain rules. The restriction appears as a code or letter on your license, and violating it can result in a ticket, fine, or suspension.
Restrictions are imposed by your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (or equivalent agency) based on your age, medical condition, vision, driving record, or the type of vehicle you drive. Some restrictions are temporary — they expire after a set time or when you meet a condition. Others stay on your license until you formally request removal.
The specific restrictions available and the rules they enforce vary by state. What counts as a restriction in one state may be handled differently in another. Understanding what restriction is on your license and what it means for your driving is essential, because driving in violation of a restriction carries the same penalties as driving with a suspended license.
Key Takeaways
- Restrictions are printed codes on your license that limit when, where, or how you can drive, but do not take your license away entirely.
- Common restrictions include corrective lenses, automatic transmission only, daylight driving only, and no highway driving.
- You can receive a restriction at the time you get your license, or your state can add one later based on a medical report, vision test failure, or violation.
- Driving in violation of a restriction is a traffic offense that can result in a fine, points on your record, or license suspension.
- Some restrictions are temporary and expire automatically; others require you to request removal once you meet the condition.
Common types of restrictions and what they mean
The most frequent restriction is corrective lenses — your license will say you must wear glasses or contact lenses whenever you drive. This restriction is placed when your vision does not meet the standard without correction, but meets it with correction. Driving without your lenses when this restriction is on your license is a violation.
Automatic transmission only means you can only operate vehicles with automatic transmissions, not manual (stick shift). This restriction is typically placed on drivers who have a physical disability or injury that prevents them from operating a manual clutch and gear shift. If you drive a manual vehicle with this restriction, you can be cited.
Daylight driving only restricts you to driving only during daylight hours — usually sunrise to sunset, though the exact times vary by state. This restriction is often placed on older drivers or those with vision conditions that make night driving unsafe. Some states also use a no highway driving restriction, which limits you to local roads and prohibits interstate or limited-access highways.
Other restrictions include no tinted windows (for vision-related reasons), ignition interlock device required (for alcohol-related offenses), outside mirror required (for certain disabilities), and passenger restrictions (limiting the number of passengers, typically for young drivers). Some states also place school bus restrictions on drivers with certain medical conditions, meaning they cannot operate a school bus.
Why restrictions are placed on a license
Restrictions are placed to protect you and other drivers by ensuring you only drive under conditions where you can do so safely. Your state places a restriction when you have a limitation — physical, medical, or age-related — that affects your ability to drive in all situations, but not necessarily in some situations.
A vision restriction is the most common example. If your uncorrected vision is 20/70 or worse but corrects to 20/40 with glasses, you can drive safely with correction but not without it. Rather than deny you a license entirely, your state restricts you to driving with corrective lenses.
Age-based restrictions, such as daylight-only driving or passenger limits, are placed on young drivers because research shows they have higher crash rates, especially at night or with passengers. These restrictions are temporary and are removed when the driver reaches a certain age or completes a certain period without violations.
Medical restrictions are placed after a doctor reports a condition that affects driving safety — such as seizures, severe arthritis, or vision loss — or after you fail a vision or medical retest. Alcohol-related restrictions, such as ignition interlock requirements, are court-ordered as part of a DUI or DWI sentence.
How restrictions appear on your license and what they look like
Restrictions are printed on the back of your physical driver's license or in a designated section on the front, depending on your state's format. They appear as a code letter or number followed by a description. For example, your license might show "B — Corrective lenses required" or "C — Automatic transmission only."
Your state's DMV publishes a key that explains what each code means. If you are unsure what a restriction on your license means, you can look it up in your state's DMV handbook or call your local DMV office. Some states also display restrictions in your online DMV account if you have one.
When you renew your license, your state will review whether restrictions should remain, be removed, or be added. If you have a medical restriction and your condition improves, you can request a medical retest to have the restriction removed. If you have an age-based restriction, it will be removed automatically when you reach the age threshold.
Restrictions versus suspensions and revocations
It is important to understand the difference between a restriction, a suspension, and a revocation, because they have very different consequences.
A restriction lets you keep your license and drive under certain conditions. You can still legally operate a vehicle as long as you follow the restriction. Violating a restriction is a traffic offense, but it does not automatically suspend your license — though repeated violations can lead to suspension.
A suspension temporarily takes your license away. You cannot drive at all during a suspension, even if you have restrictions on your license. Suspensions are usually for a set period — 30 days, 6 months, a year — and your license is restored automatically when the suspension ends, provided you meet any other requirements (such as paying a reinstatement fee or completing a course).
A revocation permanently cancels your license. You cannot drive, and you must reapply for a new license from scratch, which may require retesting. Revocations are rare and are typically imposed for serious violations such as multiple DUIs, reckless driving causing injury, or driving with a suspended license.
How to find out what restrictions are on your license
The easiest way to see your restrictions is to look at your physical driver's license. Turn it over or look at the back — restrictions are listed there with a code and description. If you cannot read the code or do not understand what it means, check your state's DMV handbook or website, which will have a key explaining all restriction codes.
You can also check your driving record through your state's DMV website. Most states allow you to order a copy of your driving record online or by mail, and it will list any restrictions currently on your license. Some states also let you view your record when ready through an online portal if you create an account.
If you received a restriction recently and are not sure why, contact your state's DMV directly. They can tell you the reason the restriction was placed and what you need to do to have it removed, if removal is possible.
Removing or modifying a restriction
Whether you can remove a restriction depends on the type of restriction and the reason it was placed.
Medical and vision restrictions can usually be removed by passing a medical exam or vision test. Contact your state's DMV to find out what test you need and where you can take it. Some states allow your personal doctor to perform the test; others require a DMV-approved examiner. Once you pass, you can request removal of the restriction, usually by submitting the test results to your DMV.
Age-based restrictions are removed automatically when you reach the required age, which varies by state. You do not need to do anything — your restriction will disappear when you renew your license or on the date specified by your state.
Alcohol-related restrictions, such as ignition interlock requirements, are removed only when the court order expires or when you petition the court for early removal. You cannot remove these restrictions through the DMV alone.
Disability-related restrictions can sometimes be modified if your condition changes or if you use adaptive equipment. For example, if you have an automatic-transmission-only restriction but later install hand controls on a manual vehicle, you may be able to request modification. Contact your state's DMV to discuss your specific situation.
What happens if you violate a restriction
Driving in violation of a restriction is a traffic offense. The consequences vary by state and by the type of restriction, but typically include a fine, points added to your driving record, and possible license suspension.
For example, driving without corrective lenses when your license requires them can result in a fine of $50 to $200 and one to three points on your record, depending on your state. Driving on a daylight-only restriction after sunset can result in similar penalties. Repeated violations can lead to license suspension.
If you are stopped by law enforcement and found to be violating a restriction, the officer will likely issue a citation. You can contest the citation in traffic court if you believe it was issued in error. If you are convicted, the violation will appear on your driving record and may affect your insurance rates.
To avoid violations, make sure you understand every restriction on your license and follow it every time you drive. If you are unsure what a restriction means, contact your DMV before you drive.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive with a restriction on my license?
Yes. A restriction allows you to drive, but only under the conditions specified. You must follow the restriction every time you drive. If your restriction is corrective lenses, you must wear them. If it is daylight only, you cannot drive at night. Violating a restriction is a traffic offense.
Will a restriction affect my insurance rates?
Most restrictions do not directly affect your insurance rates because they are safety measures, not violations. However, if you violate a restriction and receive a ticket, that violation will appear on your driving record and may increase your rates. Some insurers may also ask about restrictions during the quoting process.
How long does a restriction stay on my license?
It depends on the type. Age-based restrictions are removed automatically when you reach a certain age. Medical and vision restrictions stay until you pass a retest and request removal. Alcohol-related restrictions stay for the duration of the court order. Check with your state's DMV for the specific timeline for your restriction.
Can I get my restriction removed before the expiration date?
For medical and vision restrictions, yes — you can request an early retest and have the restriction removed if you pass. For age-based restrictions, no — they are removed automatically at the specified age. For court-ordered restrictions, you would need to petition the court for early removal.
What is the difference between a restriction and a suspension?
A restriction lets you keep your license and drive under certain conditions. A suspension takes your license away entirely — you cannot drive at all during a suspension. Once a suspension ends, your license is restored. A restriction stays on your license until it is removed or expires.