Restriction A is a vision correction requirement, not a driving limitation
Restriction A on your Texas driver's license means you must wear corrective lenses — glasses or contact lenses — every time you drive. It does not limit where you can drive, what hours you can drive, or what type of vehicle you can operate. It is purely about vision correction.
The Texas Department of Public Safety adds this restriction during your vision screening at the license office. If you fail the vision test without correction but pass it with glasses or contacts, you will receive Restriction A on your license. The restriction stays on your license until you pass a vision test without correction, which requires a new eye exam and a visit to the license office.
This is one of the most common restrictions issued in Texas. It does not affect your insurance rates, your ability to drive commercially (unless you are pursuing a commercial license), or your legal standing as a driver. It straightforward means the state has documented that your eyes need help to meet the minimum vision standard for safe driving.
Key Takeaways
- Restriction A requires you to wear glasses or contact lenses every time you drive, with no exceptions.
- You receive this restriction if you fail the vision screening without correction but pass it with corrective lenses.
- Wearing contacts or glasses while driving is not optional — driving without them when Restriction A is on your license is a violation.
- You can remove the restriction by passing a vision test without correction and visiting a Texas license office to update your license.
- Restriction A does not limit the type of vehicle you drive, the hours you drive, or where you can drive.
How the vision screening works in Texas
When you explore for a Texas driver's license or renew an existing one, you take a vision screening at the license office. The examiner tests your vision at 20 feet using a standard eye chart. The minimum requirement is 20/40 vision in each eye, or 20/40 in one eye and 20/60 in the other, with or without correction.
If you cannot meet that standard without glasses or contacts, the examiner will test you again with your correction in place. If you pass with correction, you pass the screening — but Restriction A goes on your license. If you still cannot meet 20/40 with correction, you will not receive a license at all, or you may be issued a restricted license with additional limitations depending on your vision.
You do not need to bring your glasses or contacts to the license office, but it is a good idea to do so. If you wear them while driving, wear them during the screening so the examiner can test you the way you actually drive.
What you must do if you have Restriction A
If Restriction A appears on your license, you must wear your corrective lenses every single time you operate a vehicle. This includes short trips, parking lot driving, and any situation where the vehicle is in motion. There are no exceptions for familiar roads, good weather, or daytime driving.
Driving without your glasses or contacts when Restriction A is on your license is a traffic violation. A police officer can cite you for this violation during a traffic stop, and it can result in a fine. The violation also goes on your driving record and can affect your insurance rates.
Keep your glasses or contacts accessible in your vehicle. If you wear contacts and they become uncomfortable or fall out while driving, pull over safely before removing or adjusting them. If you wear glasses, keep a backup pair in your car in case your primary pair breaks or gets lost.
Removing Restriction A from your license
To remove Restriction A, you must pass a vision test without wearing any corrective lenses. This means your natural vision must meet the Texas standard of 20/40 in each eye, or 20/40 in one eye and 20/60 in the other.
For most people, this is not possible — if you needed correction to pass the first time, your vision has not changed enough to pass without correction. However, if you have had vision correction surgery (such as LASIK or PRK) and your vision has improved, you may now pass without correction.
To update your license, visit a Texas Department of Public Safety license office and request a vision retest. You will take the screening again, and if you pass without correction, the restriction will be removed from your license. You do not need to renew your entire license — the office can issue you a corrected license on the spot, or you can wait until your regular renewal date.
Other common Texas driver's license restrictions
Restriction A is one of several restrictions that can appear on a Texas license. Restriction B requires automatic transmission only — you cannot drive a manual transmission vehicle. Restriction C limits you to daylight driving only. Restriction D prohibits freeway driving.
Some drivers have multiple restrictions. For example, you might have both Restriction A (vision correction) and Restriction C (daylight only) if your vision is poor and you are over a certain age. Each restriction is independent and appears as a separate code on your license.
Restrictions are different from endorsements, which allow you to drive certain types of vehicles (like motorcycles or commercial trucks). A restriction limits what you can do; an endorsement expands what you can do.
What happens if you ignore Restriction A
Driving without your corrective lenses when Restriction A is on your license creates two problems: a legal one and a safety one.
Legally, you can be cited for violating the restriction. The fine varies but typically ranges from $100 to $200, depending on the county and whether you have prior violations. The citation goes on your driving record and can increase your insurance premiums. If you are in an accident while driving without correction, the violation strengthens a case against you in a civil lawsuit or insurance claim.
From a safety standpoint, driving without correction when you need it puts you and others at risk. Poor vision increases your reaction time, reduces your ability to see hazards, and makes it harder to judge distances and speeds. If you are involved in an accident and it is discovered that you were driving without required correction, you could face additional liability.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive at night with Restriction A?
Yes. Restriction A only requires corrective lenses; it does not limit the time of day you can drive. You must wear your glasses or contacts at night just as you must during the day. If you also have Restriction C (daylight driving only), then you cannot drive at night, but that is a separate restriction.
Do I have to tell my insurance company about Restriction A?
Restriction A does not need to be reported to your insurance company — it is not a violation or a mark against you. However, if you are cited for driving without your corrective lenses, that citation should be reported to your insurer as it affects your driving record.
What if I wear contacts and they fall out while I'm driving?
Pull over to a safe location when ready. Do not continue driving without your correction. Once you are safely stopped, you can remove or adjust your contacts. If you cannot safely retrieve them, call someone to pick you up or wait until you can see clearly again before continuing.
Can I get a commercial driver's license with Restriction A?
Yes, but you must meet the vision requirements for a commercial license, which are the same as for a regular license. If you need correction to meet those standards, Restriction A will appear on your commercial license as well, and you must wear your corrective lenses while operating a commercial vehicle.
How long does Restriction A stay on my license?
Restriction A remains on your license until you pass a vision test without correction. For most people, this means it stays for the life of the license unless your vision improves through surgery. When you renew your license, the restriction carries over unless you request and pass a vision retest without correction.