Restrictions are rules about what you can and cannot do while driving

A restriction on your driver's license is a condition that limits how, when, or where you can drive. It is not a suspension or revocation — you still have a valid license and can legally drive. But the restriction narrows what that license permits. For example, a restriction might require you to wear corrective lenses, limit you to daylight driving only, or require an ignition interlock device in your vehicle.

Restrictions appear as codes or letters on your physical license card and in your driving record. A police officer can see them during a traffic stop. Driving in violation of a restriction — for instance, driving at night when your license says daylight only — is a traffic violation and can result in a ticket, fines, or license suspension.

The restrictions you receive depend on your age, the type of license you hold, any violations or convictions on your record, and medical or vision issues reported to your state's DMV. Some restrictions are temporary; others stay on your record until you meet specific conditions to have them removed.

Key Takeaways

  • Restrictions are conditions printed on your license that limit when, where, or how you can drive — not whether you can drive at all.
  • Common restrictions include corrective lenses, daylight-only driving, automatic transmission only, and ignition interlock devices.
  • Violating a restriction is a traffic offense and can lead to fines, points on your record, or license suspension.
  • Restrictions for new drivers often expire once you reach a certain age or complete a probationary period without violations.
  • You can request removal of a restriction if you meet the conditions — for example, passing a vision test to remove a corrective lenses restriction.

Common types of driver's license restrictions

The most frequent restrictions are vision-related. A corrective lenses restriction means you must wear glasses or contact lenses whenever you drive. This appears on your license if your vision test shows you need correction to drive safely. You cannot legally drive without them, even for a short trip.

New drivers under 18 often receive provisional or junior license restrictions. These may include no driving between midnight and 5 a.m., no passengers under a certain age (except family), no use of cell phones, and a zero-tolerance alcohol rule. These restrictions exist because crash rates are highest for teenage drivers, especially at night and with peer passengers.

Other common restrictions include automatic transmission only (you cannot drive a manual or stick-shift vehicle), daylight driving only (no driving after sunset or before sunrise), and ignition interlock device (a breathalyzer in your car that prevents the engine from starting if alcohol is detected). Ignition interlock is typically ordered after a DUI or DWI conviction.

Some states also impose vehicle-specific restrictions — for example, you may be restricted from driving vehicles over a certain weight or from towing a trailer. These are less common and usually appear only if you failed a test for that vehicle class or have a medical condition that affects your ability to handle larger vehicles.

Why restrictions are placed on your license

Restrictions are a safety tool. They keep you and others safe by limiting your driving to conditions you can handle. If your vision is corrected by glasses, driving without them puts you at risk of missing hazards. If you are a new driver, nighttime and passenger restrictions reduce your exposure to high-risk situations while you build experience.

Restrictions also serve as a consequence for violations. An ignition interlock restriction follows a DUI conviction because it prevents you from driving under the influence again. Similarly, if you fail a road test in a manual transmission vehicle, you may be restricted to automatic transmission only until you pass that specific test.

Medical conditions can also trigger restrictions. If you report a seizure disorder, vision loss, or hearing impairment to your DMV, the state may restrict your driving to daylight hours, require frequent medical recertification, or limit you to certain road types. These restrictions are based on your state's medical review board assessment of your ability to drive safely.

How to find out what restrictions are on your license

Your physical license card lists restrictions as codes or abbreviations. These codes vary by state — for example, one state might use "B" for corrective lenses and another might use "01." Your state's DMV website usually provides a key that decodes these letters and numbers.

You can also check your full driving record through your state's DMV website or by visiting a DMV office in person. Your driving record shows all restrictions, their effective dates, and any notes about why they were imposed. Some states allow you to view your record online for free; others charge a small fee.

If you received a restriction recently — for example, after a vision test or a conviction — the DMV should have sent you a notice explaining it. Keep that notice. If you did not receive one or do not understand the codes on your license, contact your state's DMV directly. They can explain what each restriction means and what you must do to comply.

How to remove or modify a restriction

The process depends on why the restriction was placed. For vision-related restrictions, you typically need to pass a vision test at your DMV office. Once you pass, you can request removal of the corrective lenses restriction. Some states allow you to do this online or by mail; others require an in-person visit.

For provisional license restrictions on new drivers, most expire automatically when you reach a certain age (usually 17 or 18) or after you have held the license violation-free for a set period (often 6 to 12 months). You do not need to do anything — the restriction straightforward falls away on the date it expires. Check your license or your state's DMV website to confirm the expiration date.

For restrictions tied to violations or convictions — such as ignition interlock — removal usually requires completing a program or meeting a court-ordered condition. For example, you may need to complete a DUI education course or serve a suspension period before the ignition interlock can be removed. The court or DMV will notify you when you are may be able to access.

If you believe a restriction was placed in error, you can request a hearing or appeal through your state's DMV. You will need to provide evidence — for example, a recent vision test showing your eyesight is adequate, or medical documentation that your condition has improved. Contact your DMV to learn the appeal process in your state.

What happens if you drive in violation of a restriction

Driving in violation of a restriction is a traffic offense. If a police officer stops you and discovers the violation, you can receive a ticket and fine. The amount varies by state and the type of restriction, but fines typically range from $50 to $500 or more.

A violation also adds points to your driving record in most states. Points can lead to higher insurance rates, and accumulating too many points in a short period can trigger a license suspension. For example, if you are caught driving at night when your license restricts you to daylight only, that violation might add 2 to 4 points to your record.

Repeated violations of the same restriction can result in license suspension or revocation. For example, if you are caught driving without corrective lenses multiple times, your license may be suspended until you pass a vision test and demonstrate compliance. In serious cases — such as driving with an ignition interlock violation — the state may revoke your license entirely.

Restrictions versus suspensions and revocations

It is important to understand the difference. A restriction allows you to drive under certain conditions. A suspension temporarily removes your driving privilege — you cannot drive at all until the suspension ends. A revocation cancels your license entirely, and you must reapply and pass all tests again to get a new one.

Restrictions are the least severe. You keep your license and can drive as long as you follow the conditions. Suspensions are more serious — they are temporary but complete. Revocations are the most serious and are usually permanent or very difficult to overturn.

You can move from one category to another. For example, if you violate a restriction repeatedly, your license may be suspended. If you violate the suspension (driving while suspended), your license may be revoked. Understanding your restrictions and following them protects your driving privilege.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive someone else's car if I have a restriction?

Yes, as long as the restriction applies to you, not the vehicle. For example, a corrective lenses restriction applies to you — you must wear glasses whenever you drive, regardless of whose car it is. But a restriction like "automatic transmission only" applies to the vehicle type, so you cannot drive a manual transmission car, even if someone else owns it.

Do restrictions show up on my insurance?

Your insurance company can see restrictions on your driving record. Some restrictions — like ignition interlock — may increase your insurance rates. Others, like corrective lenses, typically do not affect rates because they are safety measures you are already following. Ask your insurance agent how your specific restrictions affect your policy.

What if I move to a different state?

Your restrictions transfer with your driving record. When you move and get a new license from your new state, that state can see your old restrictions in the national database. Some restrictions may change — for example, if your old state had a nighttime driving restriction for new drivers, your new state may have different rules. Contact your new state's DMV to learn how your restrictions explore under their rules.

How long does a restriction stay on my record?

It depends on the type. Provisional license restrictions for new drivers usually expire at a set age or after a violation-free period. Vision restrictions stay until you pass a vision test. Restrictions from convictions may last several years or until you complete a required program. Check your license or contact your DMV for the expiration date of your specific restriction.

Can I get a restriction removed early?

Sometimes. If a restriction has a set expiration date, you generally must wait until that date. But if the restriction is based on a condition you can address — like poor vision — you may be able to remove it early by passing the required test. Contact your DMV to ask whether early removal is possible for your restriction.