Restriction B is a limit on when and where you can drive
Restriction B on a Washington driver's license means you can only drive during daylight hours — typically sunrise to sunset — and you cannot drive on certain roads or in certain conditions without additional permission. It is one of several restrictions Washington uses to let new or limited drivers get road experience under safer conditions before earning unrestricted driving privileges.
If you see a "B" printed on your license, it came from your road test examiner or was added by the Department of Licensing based on how you performed during testing or what you disclosed about your driving ability. The restriction stays on your record until you request removal and the state approves it.
Key Takeaways
- Restriction B limits you to daylight driving only, which means you cannot drive between sunset and sunrise without a supervising licensed driver in the vehicle.
- You receive Restriction B either because you failed the night-driving portion of your road test or because you requested it yourself due to vision or confidence concerns.
- You can request removal of Restriction B by taking a new road test that includes night driving, or by waiting a set period and submitting a written request to the Department of Licensing.
- Driving in violation of Restriction B — for example, driving alone after dark — is a traffic violation and can result in a ticket and points on your driving record.
How you get Restriction B on your license
Restriction B appears on your license in two main ways. The first is that you did not pass the night-driving portion of your road test. During the Washington driving exam, the examiner evaluates your ability to handle darkness, oncoming headlights, and reduced visibility. If the examiner believes you are not ready for night driving, they will mark Restriction B on your new license.
The second way is that you requested it yourself. Some new drivers ask for the restriction because they are not confident driving at night, or because they have vision concerns that make night driving unsafe. You can request Restriction B when you take your road test by telling the examiner before you begin.
Restriction B is not permanent. It is a tool to let you build experience during the day before you take on the added challenge of night driving.
What you cannot do with Restriction B
With Restriction B, you cannot drive alone between sunset and sunrise. This is the core limit. You also cannot drive on certain roads or in certain weather conditions without a licensed supervising driver in the front passenger seat — though the exact roads and conditions depend on your age and license type.
If you are a teenager with a Intermediate License (which is common for drivers under 18), Restriction B combines with other intermediate rules. You cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m. at all, even with a supervising driver, unless you are driving to or from work, school, or a medical appointment. You also cannot drive with more than one passenger under 20 years old in the car.
If you are an adult with Restriction B, the rule is simpler: no solo driving after dark. You can drive at night if a licensed driver 21 or older is in the front passenger seat with you.
How to remove Restriction B from your license
You have two paths to remove Restriction B. The first is to take a new road test that includes night driving. Schedule a test through the Department of Licensing, and make sure the examiner knows you want to be tested on night driving. If you pass, the restriction is removed when ready and a new license is issued.
The second path is to request removal in writing after a waiting period. If you received Restriction B because you failed the night-driving portion of your first test, you must wait at least 30 days before you can request removal by mail or in person at a licensing office. You will need to submit a written request and may be asked to provide evidence that you have gained more experience — such as a letter from a parent or supervising driver confirming you have driven safely at night under supervision.
The Department of Licensing will review your request and either approve removal or ask you to take another road test. There is no fee to request removal, but if you choose to take a new road test, you will pay the standard road test fee.
What happens if you drive in violation of Restriction B
Driving alone after sunset when Restriction B is on your license is a traffic violation. If you are stopped by law enforcement, you can receive a ticket, which carries a fine and points added to your driving record. The exact penalty depends on the officer's discretion and local court rules, but violations typically result in a fine between $50 and $250 and one or two points on your record.
Points on your driving record can affect your insurance rates and may contribute to license suspension if you accumulate too many violations in a short time. For a new driver, even one violation can raise your insurance costs significantly.
If you are caught driving in violation of Restriction B multiple times, the Department of Licensing may suspend your license or require you to take a driver improvement course before you can drive again.
Restriction B versus other Washington license restrictions
Washington uses several letter codes to mark restrictions on a driver's license. Restriction B is about daylight-only driving. Other common restrictions include:
Restriction A means you must wear corrective lenses (glasses or contacts) whenever you drive. Restriction D means you cannot drive a commercial vehicle. Restriction E means you must use an ignition interlock device, which prevents the car from starting if alcohol is detected on your breath — this is required after certain DUI convictions. Restriction F means you cannot drive a motorcycle.
You can have more than one restriction on your license at the same time. For example, a young driver might have both Restriction B (daylight only) and Restriction A (corrective lenses required). Each restriction is independent, and you must follow all of them.
How long Restriction B typically stays on your record
There is no automatic expiration date for Restriction B. It remains on your license until you take action to remove it. Some drivers remove it within weeks by taking a new road test; others wait months or years until they feel confident driving at night.
If you never request removal and never take a new test, Restriction B will stay on your license for the full validity period of your license — usually five years for an adult driver's license in Washington. When you renew your license, you can request that the restriction be removed at that time, or you can request removal at any point before renewal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive with a passenger if I have Restriction B?
Yes, you can drive with passengers during the day. At night, you can drive with a licensed supervising driver 21 or older in the front passenger seat. If you are an intermediate license holder under 18, you have additional passenger limits that explore during the day as well — you cannot drive with more than one passenger under 20 years old.
Do I have to take a new road test to remove Restriction B, or can I just request it?
You can request removal in writing after waiting 30 days, but the Department of Licensing may ask you to take a new road test anyway. Taking a new test that includes night driving is the fastest way to may provide removal. A written request may be approved based on your driving record and experience, but there is no may provide.
Will Restriction B affect my insurance rates?
Restriction B itself does not directly affect your insurance rates. However, if you violate the restriction and receive a ticket, that violation will be on your driving record and can increase your rates. Insurance companies look at your driving history, not the restrictions on your license.
What if I got Restriction B because I requested it, not because I failed the test?
The removal process is the same. You can take a new road test that includes night driving, or you can request removal in writing after 30 days. The Department of Licensing does not distinguish between restrictions you requested and restrictions from a failed test.
Can I drive to work or school at night with Restriction B?
If you are an intermediate license holder, you can drive to or from work or school between midnight and 5 a.m. even without a supervising driver. If you are an adult with Restriction B, you cannot drive alone at night for any reason — you must have a licensed supervising driver in the front passenger seat.