Restriction A limits you to driving with corrective lenses
Restriction A means you must wear eyeglasses or contact lenses every time you drive. The DMV adds this restriction when your vision test shows you need correction to see clearly enough to drive safely. If you drive without your glasses or contacts when Restriction A is on your license, you are breaking the law — even if you can see well enough to get where you're going.
This is one of the most common restrictions. It does not prevent you from driving or limit where you can go. It only requires that you have your corrective lenses with you and in use while the vehicle is moving.
Restriction A stays on your license until you pass a vision test without correction, or until your state's renewal cycle requires you to test again. Some states let you remove it sooner if you have eye surgery or get a new prescription that corrects your vision to 20/40 or better without lenses.
Key Takeaways
- Restriction A requires you to wear glasses or contacts every time you drive, and driving without them is a violation even if you feel you can see.
- The DMV adds Restriction A when your uncorrected vision falls below the legal standard for driving, usually 20/40 or worse.
- You can remove Restriction A by passing a vision test without correction or by having your state remove it after eye surgery if your vision improves.
- Restriction A does not affect your insurance rates or your ability to drive — only the requirement to wear your corrective lenses while doing so.
How the DMV decides to add Restriction A
When you take your vision test at the DMV, the examiner checks how well you see at distance and sometimes at close range. If your uncorrected vision is below the legal threshold — typically 20/40 or worse — the examiner will add Restriction A to your license. You will see it printed on the front or back of your physical license card.
Some states also add Restriction A if you have a condition that affects one eye more than the other, even if your corrected vision is fine. This protects you and others on the road by making sure you are aware of any blind spots.
If you already wear glasses or contacts and you pass the vision test while wearing them, you will not get Restriction A. The restriction only applies if your uncorrected vision does not meet the standard.
What happens if you drive without your corrective lenses
Driving with Restriction A on your license but without your glasses or contacts is a traffic violation. The penalty varies by state but typically includes a fine, points on your driving record, or both. In some states, it can also be used as evidence against you in an accident — if you hit someone and the officer discovers you were not wearing your required lenses, your insurance company may deny your claim or reduce what they pay.
A violation for driving without correction can also affect your insurance rates. Insurers see it as a safety violation, similar to a speeding ticket, and may raise your premium at your next renewal.
The best practice is to keep your glasses or contacts in your vehicle at all times, even if you do not think you will need them. If you forget them at home, do not drive — call someone for a ride or wait until you can retrieve them.
How to remove Restriction A from your license
The most straightforward way to remove Restriction A is to pass a vision test without wearing your corrective lenses. You can schedule a vision test at your state DMV office. If your uncorrected vision has improved to 20/40 or better, the restriction will be removed, and you will receive an updated license.
If you have had eye surgery — such as LASIK or cataract surgery — that corrected your vision, you may be able to remove Restriction A sooner than your renewal date. Bring documentation from your eye doctor showing your corrected vision meets the legal standard, and the DMV will update your license.
If your vision has not improved on its own, Restriction A will remain until your next renewal cycle. At that time, you will take another vision test. If you still need correction, the restriction stays. If your vision has changed, the DMV will update your license accordingly.
Restriction A and insurance
Having Restriction A on your license does not automatically raise your insurance rates. Insurers do not penalize you for needing corrective lenses — that is a normal part of driving for millions of people. However, if you receive a ticket for driving without your required correction, that violation will likely increase your rates.
When you get a quote for car insurance, you do not need to mention Restriction A. It is not a factor insurers use to calculate your premium. What matters to them is whether you follow the restriction — if you do, there is no insurance impact.
Difference between Restriction A and other vision-related restrictions
Some states use different codes for different vision requirements. Restriction B, for example, may limit you to daytime driving only if you have poor night vision. Restriction C might require you to wear a protective device or limit your driving to certain speeds or road types. Restriction A is specifically about corrective lenses and is the most common.
If you have multiple restrictions, each one is independent. For example, you could have Restriction A (corrective lenses) and Restriction D (automatic transmission only) at the same time. You must follow all of them.
Check your license to see exactly what restrictions you have. Your state DMV website will have a full list of what each code means in your state, as the codes can vary slightly from place to place.
What to do if you disagree with Restriction A
If you believe your vision test result was wrong, you can request a retest at the DMV. Bring your own eye doctor's recent vision report if you have one showing your uncorrected vision is better than the DMV test indicated. Some states will consider an independent eye exam as evidence.
You can also ask your eye doctor to write a letter stating that your vision, even with correction, is safe for driving. While this will not remove Restriction A if your uncorrected vision is below the legal standard, it may help if you are fighting a ticket for driving without your lenses.
If you believe the restriction was added in error — for example, if you were wearing your glasses during the test and the examiner did not note it — contact your local DMV office and ask to speak with a supervisor. Bring any documentation you have from that day.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive at night with Restriction A?
Yes. Restriction A does not limit when you can drive — only that you must wear your corrective lenses. As long as you have your glasses or contacts in, you can drive day or night. If you have a separate restriction on night driving, that would be listed separately on your license.
Do I need to tell my insurance company about Restriction A?
No. Restriction A is not something you report to your insurance company. It does not affect your rates or your coverage. You only need to tell them if you receive a ticket for violating the restriction.
What if I lose my glasses while driving?
Pull over safely as soon as possible. Do not continue driving without your corrective lenses if you have Restriction A. Call someone to pick you up or wait until you can get your glasses replaced or repaired.
Will Restriction A show up on a background check?
Restriction A is part of your driver's license record, but it is not a violation or a mark against you. Background checks for employment or housing typically do not flag license restrictions — they look for violations, suspensions, or revocations. Having Restriction A will not hurt your chances of getting hired or renting an apartment.
Can I get a commercial driver's license with Restriction A?
Most states allow you to hold a commercial driver's license (CDL) with Restriction A, as long as you wear your corrective lenses. However, some states have stricter vision standards for CDL holders. Check with your state's DMV to confirm whether Restriction A is allowed for the type of commercial driving you want to do.