Restrictions are conditions that limit how and when you can drive

A restriction on your driver's license is a rule that says you can only drive under certain conditions. Unlike a suspension (which takes your license away entirely) or a revocation (which ends it permanently), a restriction lets you keep your license but requires you to follow specific rules. Common restrictions include wearing corrective lenses, driving only during daylight hours, or using an ignition interlock device.

Restrictions appear as codes or letters on your physical license card and in your driving record. When a police officer pulls you over, they can see your restrictions when ready. Driving in violation of a restriction — for example, driving at night when your license says "daylight only" — counts as a separate violation and can result in a ticket, fines, or license suspension.

Some restrictions are temporary and expire after a set time or when you meet a condition (like passing a vision test). Others stay on your record until you formally request their removal and show you no longer need them.

Key Takeaways

  • Restrictions are codes on your license that limit when, where, or how you can drive, but they do not take your license away.
  • Common restrictions include corrective lenses, daylight-only driving, automatic transmission only, and ignition interlock devices.
  • Violating a restriction is a separate traffic offense and can result in fines, points on your record, or license suspension.
  • Some restrictions are temporary and can be removed once you meet the requirement or pass a retest; others require a formal request to the DMV.

Restrictions you receive as a new or young driver

If you are a teenager or young adult getting your first license, your state may impose graduated restrictions based on your age and driving experience. These are designed to reduce crash risk while you build skills. Common graduated restrictions include limits on passengers (especially other teenagers), nighttime driving curfews, and a ban on using cell phones while driving.

For example, a 16-year-old with a learner's permit might be required to have a licensed adult in the front seat at all times. Once they pass the road test and receive a provisional or intermediate license, they might be allowed to drive alone during the day but not after 10 p.m., and they may be limited to one unrelated passenger under age 20. These restrictions typically lift automatically when you reach a certain age (usually 18 or 21) or after holding the intermediate license for a set period without violations.

Your state's DMV website lists the exact restrictions for each license type in your state. These rules vary significantly — some states have strict graduated systems, while others have minimal restrictions for young drivers.

Medical and vision restrictions

If you fail a vision screening at the DMV or during a license renewal, you will receive a corrective lenses restriction. This means you must wear glasses or contact lenses every time you drive. The restriction code on your license tells officers you are required to correct your vision. Driving without your glasses when this restriction is in place is a violation.

Some states also impose restrictions based on medical conditions reported to the DMV — for example, a restriction requiring you to wear a hearing aid if you have significant hearing loss, or a restriction limiting you to vehicles with automatic transmission if you have limited mobility in your legs. A doctor's report or your own disclosure during license renewal can trigger these restrictions.

If your vision improves or your medical situation changes, you can request removal of the restriction. Most states require you to pass a new vision test or provide updated medical documentation to the DMV before the restriction is lifted.

Restrictions related to alcohol or drug offenses

If you are convicted of driving under the influence (DUI) or driving while impaired (DWI), your state will impose an ignition interlock device (IID) restriction. This device is installed in your vehicle and requires you to blow into a breathalyzer before the engine will start. If alcohol is detected in your breath, the car will not start. You must use the IID every time you drive, and the device records all attempts — both successful and failed — which are reported to the court or DMV.

The length of time you must use an IID varies by state and by the severity of your offense. A first DUI might require an IID for three to six months; repeat offenses can require one to three years or longer. During this period, you cannot drive a vehicle without the device installed, even if someone else owns the car.

Some states also impose a "hard suspension" period before you can install an IID — meaning you cannot drive at all for 30 days to several months, even with the device. Once your IID period ends and you have had no violations, you can request removal of the restriction from the DMV.

Restrictions on where and when you can drive

Some restrictions limit the time of day you can drive. A "daylight only" restriction means you cannot drive between sunset and sunrise. This restriction is sometimes given to older drivers who report difficulty seeing at night, or to drivers who have failed a night driving test. A "no freeway" restriction means you can only drive on local roads and cannot use interstate highways or limited-access roads.

Restrictions on vehicle type are also common. An "automatic transmission only" restriction means you can only drive cars with automatic transmissions, not manual (stick shift) vehicles. This is typically given to drivers with physical disabilities or limited mobility. A "right-side mirror" restriction might be given to a driver with vision loss on one side.

These restrictions are usually permanent unless your situation changes — for example, if you regain vision or mobility, or if you pass a new driving test that shows you can safely drive at night or on freeways. You must request removal from the DMV and may need to provide medical documentation or pass a retest.

How restrictions appear on your license and what they mean

On your physical driver's license card, restrictions are listed as letter codes or numbers in a specific section, usually labeled "Restrictions" or "Conditions." Each state uses its own coding system. For example, one state might use "B" to mean "corrective lenses required," while another uses "01." Your license card includes a legend or key that explains what each code means.

Your complete driving record — which you can view through your state's DMV website — also lists all restrictions in plain language. This record is what employers, insurance companies, and law enforcement see when they check your background. If you have restrictions that you believe are incorrect or outdated, you can contact your state DMV to request a review.

Some restrictions are visible only in your digital record, not printed on the card itself. For this reason, it is important to know what restrictions explore to you and to check your record periodically, especially after a traffic stop or before a major life event like a job that requires driving.

Removing or modifying restrictions

The process for removing a restriction depends on the type of restriction and why it was imposed. Temporary restrictions — like those for young drivers — usually expire automatically on a set date. You do not need to do anything; your license will be updated by mail or during your next renewal.

For medical or vision restrictions, you typically must pass a new test or provide updated documentation. Contact your state DMV to find out what is required. For example, if you have a corrective lenses restriction and your vision has improved, you can schedule a vision screening at the DMV. If you pass, the restriction is removed.

For restrictions related to DUI or other serious violations, removal usually requires completing a program (such as a substance abuse course), paying a fee, and sometimes passing a retest. The DMV will tell you the exact steps and timeline when the restriction is imposed. Some restrictions cannot be removed until a certain amount of time has passed — for example, an IID restriction might be mandatory for a full year regardless of your performance.

If you believe a restriction was imposed in error, you can request a hearing or appeal through your state DMV. Contact your local DMV office to learn about the appeal process in your state.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens if I drive in violation of a restriction?

Driving in violation of a restriction is a separate traffic offense. You can receive a ticket, pay a fine, and have points added to your driving record. Depending on the violation and your state, you may also face license suspension or other penalties. For example, driving without corrective lenses when required, or driving at night with a daylight-only restriction, are both violations.

Can I get a restriction removed before the expiration date?

Yes, but it depends on the type of restriction. Temporary restrictions for young drivers usually cannot be removed early. Medical or vision restrictions can sometimes be removed early if you pass a new test or provide updated documentation. Contact your DMV to ask what is required for your specific restriction.

Do restrictions show up on my driving record that employers see?

Yes. When an employer or insurance company requests your driving record, they see all restrictions. Some employers may not hire you if you have certain restrictions — for example, a delivery company might not hire someone with a daylight-only restriction. Always disclose restrictions when asked about your driving record.

If I move to a new state, do my restrictions transfer?

No. When you get a new license in a new state, you start with that state's restrictions based on your age, vision, and driving record. However, your previous state's violations and suspensions will appear in the national driving record system, which the new state can see. You may face new restrictions or be denied a license based on your history.

Can I drive someone else's car if I have an ignition interlock restriction?

No. An IID restriction means you cannot drive any vehicle without the device installed, even if you are not the owner. You cannot borrow a friend's car or use a rental vehicle. The only exception is if the vehicle already has an IID installed, which is rare outside of your own vehicle.