Restriction 1 is a vision correction requirement that means you must wear eyeglasses or contact lenses whenever you drive

If your New Jersey driver's license shows Restriction 1, you are required by law to wear corrective lenses — glasses or contacts — every time you operate a vehicle. This restriction appears on your license as a condition of your driving privilege. If you drive without the required correction, you are breaking the law and can be cited, even if you feel you can see well enough without them.

The restriction exists because the vision test you took during your license exam showed that you need correction to meet New Jersey's minimum vision standard of 20/40 in each eye (or 20/40 in one eye and 20/70 in the other, with correction). Without your glasses or contacts, your vision falls below that threshold, which means you pose a safety risk to yourself and others on the road.

Restriction 1 is one of the most common restrictions on New Jersey licenses. It does not limit where you can drive, what type of vehicle you can operate, or when you can drive — only that you must have your corrective lenses with you and in use.

Key Takeaways

  • Restriction 1 requires you to wear glasses or contact lenses every time you drive, with no exceptions.
  • You received this restriction because your uncorrected vision does not meet New Jersey's minimum standard of 20/40.
  • Driving without your corrective lenses when Restriction 1 is on your license is a violation and can result in a traffic citation.
  • You can have Restriction 1 removed by passing a new vision test at a New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission office without correction.

How Restriction 1 appears on your license

On your physical New Jersey driver's license card, Restriction 1 will be listed in the restrictions section, usually printed near the bottom or on the back of the card. The code "1" or the full text "Corrective Lenses" may appear, depending on your license format. When you renew your license or explore for a new one, the MVC (Motor Vehicle Commission) will note this restriction if your vision test shows you need correction.

If you have other restrictions as well — such as Restriction 2 (automatic transmission only) or Restriction 3 (outside mirrors) — they will all be listed together. Restriction 1 does not prevent you from having other restrictions at the same time.

What happens if you drive without your corrective lenses

Driving without your glasses or contacts when Restriction 1 is on your license is a traffic violation in New Jersey. A police officer who stops you can cite you for violating the terms of your license. The citation is separate from any other traffic offense you may have committed — you can be cited for the restriction violation alone, even if you were not speeding or breaking any other traffic law.

The penalty for this violation varies but typically includes a fine. Repeated violations can lead to points on your driving record, higher insurance rates, and potential license suspension. The safest and simplest approach is to keep your glasses or contacts with you and wear them before you start driving.

How to remove Restriction 1 from your license

To have Restriction 1 removed, you must visit a New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission office and take a vision test without your corrective lenses. If your uncorrected vision meets or exceeds the 20/40 standard, the restriction will be removed. If your vision still falls short, the restriction will remain.

You do not need to renew your entire license to remove a restriction. You can request a vision retest at any time. Bring your current license and be prepared to pay a small fee for the retest (fees vary by location and change over time, so call ahead to confirm the cost). The MVC will issue you a new license card without the restriction if you pass.

If your vision has improved due to surgery, a change in your prescription, or other reasons, a retest is worth pursuing. However, if your vision has not changed, you will likely fail the test again and the restriction will remain in place.

Restriction 1 versus other common New Jersey license restrictions

New Jersey uses a numbered system for license restrictions, and Restriction 1 is specifically about vision. Other restrictions address different safety concerns:

  • Restriction 2 means you can only drive vehicles with an automatic transmission.
  • Restriction 3 means you must have outside mirrors on both sides of your vehicle.
  • Restriction 4 means you cannot drive on limited-access highways (interstates and parkways).
  • Restriction 5 means you can only drive during daylight hours.

You can have multiple restrictions at once. For example, someone might have both Restriction 1 (corrective lenses) and Restriction 4 (no limited-access highways). Each restriction is independent and must be followed separately.

When the MVC adds Restriction 1 to a new license

The Motor Vehicle Commission adds Restriction 1 during your initial license exam or at renewal if your vision test shows you need correction. If you are getting your first license, the vision test is part of the written exam appointment. If you are renewing, you may be required to take a vision test as part of the renewal process (requirements vary by age and license type).

If you fail the vision portion of your exam, you will not be denied a license outright — instead, the MVC will issue your license with Restriction 1 attached. This allows you to drive legally as long as you wear your corrective lenses. You can always request a retest later if your vision improves.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive with Restriction 1 if I wear sunglasses instead of regular glasses?

No. Restriction 1 requires corrective lenses, which means glasses or contacts that correct your vision to the required standard. Sunglasses alone do not correct vision and do not satisfy the restriction. You can wear sunglasses over your corrective glasses, but the corrective lenses must be in place first.

Does Restriction 1 mean I cannot drive at night?

Restriction 1 does not limit when you can drive. It only requires that you wear corrective lenses whenever you drive, day or night. If you want to know whether you should drive at night with your current vision, that is a personal safety decision — but legally, Restriction 1 does not prohibit it.

What if I lost my glasses and need to drive?

If you have Restriction 1 and your glasses are lost or broken, you should not drive until you have replacement corrective lenses. Driving without them is a violation. If you need to drive urgently, contact an eye care provider about emergency replacement options, or consider using a ride service or asking someone else to drive.

Will Restriction 1 affect my insurance rates?

Restriction 1 itself does not automatically raise your insurance rates. However, if you are cited for driving without your corrective lenses, that violation will appear on your driving record and may increase your rates. Maintaining the restriction and following it prevents this problem.

Can I remove Restriction 1 by getting new glasses?

Getting new glasses does not remove the restriction. You must pass a vision test without correction at a Motor Vehicle Commission office. If your uncorrected vision still does not meet the 20/40 standard, the restriction stays in place regardless of how good your corrected vision is with glasses.