RSTR is a restriction code that limits how or where you can drive
RSTR on your driver's license means "restriction." It is a code that tells police and licensing officials you are allowed to drive only under certain conditions — not that you cannot drive at all. The specific restriction appears next to the RSTR code and describes exactly what that condition is. Common restrictions include driving only with corrective lenses, driving only during daylight hours, or driving only with an ignition interlock device installed in your vehicle.
Restrictions are added to your license for safety reasons. They may be required because of a medical condition, a conviction, or the results of your road test. Unlike a suspension or revocation, a restriction lets you keep your license and drive — but only within the boundaries set by your state's licensing authority.
If you drive outside the terms of your restriction, you can be cited for a violation. This is separate from whatever the underlying restriction was meant to address. For example, if your license says you must wear corrective lenses and you drive without them, that is a traffic violation even if your vision would have been fine that day.
Key Takeaways
- RSTR means your license has a restriction that limits when, where, or how you can drive.
- The specific restriction code (such as "corrective lenses required" or "daylight driving only") appears on your license next to RSTR.
- Restrictions are added for safety reasons related to medical conditions, test results, or driving convictions.
- Driving outside your restriction is a traffic violation and can result in a citation separate from the original reason for the restriction.
- You can request removal of a restriction once the condition that caused it no longer applies.
Common restriction codes and what they mean
Each state uses its own codes, but several restrictions appear across most states. A corrective lenses restriction (often coded as "01" or "CL") means you must wear glasses or contact lenses every time you drive. This is the most common restriction and is usually added after your eye exam during the licensing process shows you need vision correction to drive safely.
A daylight driving only restriction (often "02" or "DL") limits you to driving between sunrise and sunset, or during specified hours such as 5 a.m. to 8 p.m. This restriction is sometimes added when an eye exam shows you have poor night vision or when you are a very new driver in a graduated licensing program.
Ignition interlock device (IID) restrictions require you to have a breath-testing device installed in your vehicle. You must blow into the device before the engine will start. This restriction is typically ordered after a DUI or DWI conviction and remains in place for a set period determined by the court or your state's licensing rules.
Other restrictions may include automatic transmission only (if you passed your road test in an automatic vehicle), passenger restrictions (limiting who can ride with you), or restrictions on towing or commercial use. Some states add restrictions for medical conditions such as hearing loss or seizure disorders, though the specific codes vary widely.
How restrictions appear on your physical license and online record
On your physical driver's license card, restrictions usually appear in a dedicated section, often labeled "Restrictions" or "Codes." The RSTR abbreviation may or may not be printed; instead, you will see a number or letter code followed by a brief description. For example, you might see "01 - Corrective Lenses" or "02 - Daylight Driving Only."
When you check your driving record online through your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or equivalent agency, restrictions appear in the same format. Your online record is what police officers and other officials see when they run your license during a traffic stop, so the information is the same whether you are looking at your card or your digital record.
If you are unsure what a code on your license means, your state's DMV website usually has a full list of restriction codes and their meanings. You can also call your local DMV office or visit in person to ask for clarification.
Why restrictions are added during the licensing process
Restrictions added during your initial licensing or renewal are almost always based on the results of your vision screening or medical evaluation. If your eye exam shows you need corrective lenses to see well enough to drive safely, the examiner will add a corrective lenses restriction. You cannot remove this restriction without passing a new eye exam that shows you no longer need correction.
If you are a new driver in a state with a graduated licensing program, you may receive restrictions as part of that program. For example, some states restrict newly licensed teenagers to daylight driving or limit the number of passengers they can carry. These restrictions are temporary and are removed automatically once you complete the required waiting period and pass any required tests.
Restrictions can also be added if you fail part of your road test. For example, if you pass your road test but the examiner notes that you have difficulty with certain maneuvers or situations, a restriction may be added to address that specific concern. You would then need to pass a new road test or meet other requirements to have the restriction removed.
Restrictions ordered by a court or licensing authority
If you have been convicted of a DUI, DWI, reckless driving, or another serious traffic offense, the court or your state's licensing authority may order restrictions as part of your sentence or as a condition of license reinstatement. An ignition interlock device restriction is the most common court-ordered restriction and is mandatory in many states after a DUI conviction.
Court-ordered restrictions remain in place for a specific period set by the judge or state law. You cannot have them removed early unless you petition the court and the judge agrees. Some restrictions may be reduced or removed if you complete a required program, such as a DUI education course or defensive driving course, but this varies by state and by the specific offense.
If you are unsure whether your restriction was added by the DMV or ordered by a court, contact your local DMV office. They can tell you the reason for the restriction and what steps you need to take to have it removed.
How to request removal of a restriction
The process for removing a restriction depends on why it was added. If your restriction is based on a medical condition or test result — such as corrective lenses or daylight driving only — you will need to pass a new test or exam to show the condition no longer applies. For a corrective lenses restriction, you would take a new vision screening. For a daylight driving restriction, you may need to pass a new road test that includes night driving.
Contact your state's DMV to find out what test or documentation you need. Some states allow you to schedule the test online; others require you to visit a DMV office in person. There is usually a fee for retesting, though the amount varies by state.
If your restriction was ordered by a court, you will need to contact the court that issued the order or work with an attorney to petition for early removal. Court-ordered restrictions cannot be removed by the DMV alone. Some restrictions, such as ignition interlock requirements, are automatically removed once the court-ordered period ends, but you may need to notify the DMV or provide proof of removal to your licensing authority.
What happens if you drive outside your restriction
Driving outside the terms of your restriction is a traffic violation. If you are stopped by police and your license shows a restriction you are violating, you can be cited. The citation is separate from the original reason for the restriction. For example, if you were required to wear corrective lenses and you are stopped while driving without them, you will receive a citation for violating your license restriction — even if your vision happens to be good that day.
A restriction violation can result in a fine, points on your driving record, or both. In some cases, it can also lead to license suspension. If you accumulate too many violations or points, your license may be suspended or revoked entirely. This is why it is important to follow your restrictions exactly as they appear on your license.
If you believe a restriction on your license is incorrect or was added in error, contact your state's DMV when ready. Bring your license and any documentation related to why the restriction was added. The DMV can review your record and correct errors, though this process may take several weeks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive if my license has a restriction?
Yes. A restriction limits how or where you can drive, but it does not prevent you from driving. You can drive as long as you follow the terms of the restriction. If your restriction is corrective lenses, you can drive whenever you want as long as you wear your glasses or contacts. If your restriction is daylight driving only, you can drive during the allowed hours.
Will a restriction show up on a background check?
Restrictions appear on your driving record, which is what employers, insurance companies, and others see when they run a background check on your driving history. A restriction itself is not a violation, so it may not affect your insurance rates or employment, but it is visible on your record.
How long does a restriction stay on my license?
This depends on the type of restriction. Medical or test-based restrictions (such as corrective lenses) stay on your license until you pass a new test showing the condition no longer applies. Court-ordered restrictions remain for the period set by the court or state law. Restrictions added as part of a graduated licensing program are removed automatically once you meet the program requirements.
Can I get my restriction removed before the required time?
For medical or test-based restrictions, you can request removal by passing a new test or exam. For court-ordered restrictions, you would need to petition the court. Some restrictions cannot be removed early under any circumstances, so contact your DMV or the court that issued the restriction to find out your options.
What if I did not know about my restriction?
You should have been informed of any restriction when your license was issued or renewed. Check your license card and your online driving record to see what restrictions explore. If you find a restriction you were not aware of, contact your DMV when ready to understand why it was added and what you need to do about it.