Rest b is a medical restriction code that limits when you can drive
Rest b on your Florida driver's license means you are restricted from driving between midnight and 5 a.m. This restriction appears on your license as a condition of your driving privilege, usually because of a medical condition, a DUI conviction, or a court order. You can drive during all other hours of the day and night, but operating a vehicle during the restricted window is a violation and can result in a traffic citation.
The restriction is printed on the back of your physical license card and also appears in the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) database. Law enforcement can see it during a traffic stop. If you are stopped while driving between midnight and 5 a.m., you can be cited for violating the terms of your license, even if you were driving safely and obeyed all other traffic laws.
Key Takeaways
- Rest b restricts you from driving between midnight and 5 a.m., and the restriction is printed on the back of your license card.
- The restriction is usually imposed because of a medical condition, a DUI conviction, or a court order related to your driving record.
- Driving during the restricted hours is a violation of your license terms and can result in a traffic citation.
- You can request removal of the restriction by meeting the conditions that led to its placement, such as completing a medical evaluation or DUI course.
Why Rest b restrictions are placed on Florida licenses
Rest b restrictions are most commonly imposed after a DUI (driving under the influence) conviction. Florida courts often add this restriction as part of a sentence to reduce the risk of impaired driving during late-night hours, when fatigue and impairment are more likely to occur. The restriction may be mandatory under Florida law for certain DUI offenses or may be ordered at the judge's discretion.
A medical restriction can also trigger rest b. If you report a medical condition to the DHSMV—such as narcolepsy, severe sleep apnea, or a seizure disorder—that affects your ability to drive safely at certain times, the department may impose this restriction. Some drivers also receive rest b restrictions after failing a vision or medical examination, or after a medical professional reports concerns about your fitness to drive during nighttime hours.
In rare cases, a court may order the restriction as part of a probation condition or as a requirement following a serious traffic violation or accident.
How to check if you have a rest b restriction
The easiest way to confirm a rest b restriction is to look at the back of your physical Florida driver's license. Restrictions are listed in a section labeled "Restrictions" or "Conditions," and they appear as letter codes. Rest b will be printed there if it applies to you.
You can also check your driving record online through the DHSMV website. Visit the DHSMV's official portal, select "Check Your Driving Record," and follow the prompts to view your current license status and any restrictions. You will need your driver's license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. Your record will show all active restrictions, their codes, and when they were imposed.
If you are unsure whether you have the restriction or want a detailed explanation of why it was placed, you can contact the DHSMV directly at 1-844-DL-HELP1 (1-844-354-3571) or visit a local DHSMV office in person.
How rest b restrictions affect your driving privileges
A rest b restriction does not suspend or revoke your license. You retain your full driving privilege during permitted hours—which is 5 a.m. through midnight every day. You can drive to work, school, appointments, and social activities during these times without any additional limitations beyond those that explore to all drivers.
The restriction only becomes a problem if you drive during the prohibited window. If you are stopped by law enforcement between midnight and 5 a.m., you can be cited for violating the restriction, even if you were not speeding, driving recklessly, or committing any other traffic violation. A violation of a license restriction can result in a traffic ticket, fines, points on your driving record, and potential license suspension.
If you have a work schedule that requires you to drive during the restricted hours—such as a night shift job or early morning delivery route—you will need to request removal or modification of the restriction before you can legally work in that role.
Requesting removal of a rest b restriction
The process for removing rest b depends on why the restriction was placed. If it was imposed because of a DUI conviction, you typically must complete all court-ordered requirements, such as DUI school, substance abuse treatment, or probation. Once you have finished these requirements and your probation period ends, you can request that the restriction be removed.
If the restriction is medical in nature, you will need to obtain a medical clearance from a physician or the medical professional who originally reported the concern. The DHSMV may require you to submit a completed medical form (such as the DHSMV's Medical Examination Report) signed by a doctor stating that your condition has improved or been managed and that you are safe to drive at all hours. Some conditions may require periodic re-evaluation.
To formally request removal, contact the DHSMV in writing or visit a local DHSMV office with your supporting documentation. Include your driver's license number, the reason for the request, and copies of any court orders, medical clearances, or completion certificates. The DHSMV will review your request and notify you of the decision. Processing typically takes two to four weeks.
Other common Florida license restrictions and what they mean
Florida uses a standardized system of restriction codes on driver's licenses. Understanding the full list can help you recognize what other restrictions might appear on your own license or on a license you are reviewing.
Rest a is similar to rest b but restricts driving between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m.—a longer nighttime window. Corrective lenses means you must wear glasses or contact lenses while driving. Automatic transmission only means you cannot operate a manual transmission vehicle. Hearing aid means you must wear a hearing aid while driving. Prosthetic device means you must wear a prosthetic limb or device required for safe operation of the vehicle.
Ignition interlock device means your vehicle must be equipped with a breath-testing device that prevents the engine from starting if alcohol is detected. This is commonly ordered after a DUI conviction. No commercial driving restricts you from operating commercial vehicles even if you hold a commercial driver's license. Daylight only means you cannot drive between sunset and sunrise.
What to do if you receive a citation for violating rest b
If you are cited for driving during the restricted hours, treat it as a traffic violation. You will receive a ticket with a court date and fine amount. You have the option to pay the fine, contest the citation in traffic court, or request a hearing.
If you believe the citation was issued in error—for example, if you were actually driving before midnight or after 5 a.m.—you can contest it in court. Bring evidence such as timestamped photos, GPS records, or witness statements showing when you were driving. If you were unaware of the restriction, that is not a legal defense, but it may be relevant if you are requesting leniency from the judge.
A violation of a license restriction typically results in points added to your driving record and may increase your insurance rates. Multiple violations can lead to license suspension. If you receive a citation, consider consulting with a traffic attorney to understand your options and the potential consequences.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive between midnight and 5 a.m. if I have rest b?
No. Rest b prohibits you from driving during those hours. Driving during the restricted window is a violation of your license terms and can result in a traffic citation, fines, and points on your record.
How long does a rest b restriction stay on my license?
The duration depends on why it was placed. DUI-related restrictions typically remain until you complete all court-ordered requirements and probation ends, which can be one to five years. Medical restrictions may be permanent unless your condition improves and a doctor clears you to drive at all hours. Check your court documents or contact the DHSMV to learn the specific end date for your restriction.
Will rest b show up on a background check?
License restrictions appear on your driving record, which is accessible to law enforcement and may be visible to employers who conduct driving record checks. However, restrictions do not appear on criminal background checks. If an employer is checking your driving record for a job that involves driving, they will see the restriction.
Can I get the restriction changed to rest a instead of rest b?
You can request modification of the restriction, but the DHSMV or the court that imposed it must approve the change. If you have a legitimate reason—such as a change in your medical condition or a change in your work schedule—you can submit a written request with supporting documentation. There is no may provide the request will be granted.
What if I need to drive at night for work?
You must request removal or modification of the restriction before you can legally drive during the restricted hours for any reason, including work. Contact the DHSMV or the court that imposed the restriction to begin the removal process. Until the restriction is lifted, driving during the prohibited window—even for employment—is a violation.