A restriction limits what you can do with your license, not whether you have one

A restriction on your driver's license is a condition that limits how or when you can drive. You keep your license, but you must follow the restriction or face a ticket, fine, or suspension. The most common restriction is corrective lenses — you must wear glasses or contacts while driving. Other restrictions might require you to use an automatic transmission, drive only during daylight hours, or use an ignition interlock device.

Restrictions appear on the front or back of your physical license card and in your state's DMV database. A police officer can see them during a traffic stop. If you drive in violation of a restriction — for example, driving at night when your license says daylight only — you can be cited even if you were driving safely otherwise.

Restrictions are different from endorsements (which allow you to do something, like drive a motorcycle or commercial vehicle) and suspensions (which take your license away entirely). A restriction keeps you legal to drive under specific conditions.

Key Takeaways

  • Restrictions appear on your license card and limit how, when, or where you can drive, but you remain licensed.
  • The most common restriction is corrective lenses, imposed during the vision test at the DMV.
  • Violating a restriction can result in a traffic citation and fine, even if your driving was otherwise safe.
  • You can request removal of some restrictions (like corrective lenses) by passing a new test or providing medical documentation.
  • Restrictions vary by state and are based on your medical history, test results, or court orders.

Common Types of Restrictions and Why They Are Imposed

The corrective lenses restriction is the most frequent. The DMV imposes it if you fail the vision screening without glasses or contacts but pass with them. You must wear them every time you drive. This restriction stays on your record until you request removal and pass a vision test without correction, or until your license expires and you renew it (at which point you can test again).

An automatic transmission only restriction means you cannot drive a manual (stick shift) vehicle. The DMV assigns this if you took your driving test in an automatic vehicle or if you have a physical condition that prevents you from operating a clutch. You can request removal by taking a new driving test in a manual vehicle.

Daylight driving only restrictions limit you to driving between sunrise and sunset. States impose this on older drivers or those with documented vision or cognitive concerns. Some states use a specific time window instead — for example, 5 a.m. to 8 p.m. — rather than actual sunrise and sunset.

An ignition interlock device (IID) restriction requires you to install a breath-alcohol testing device in your vehicle. You blow into it before the engine starts; if alcohol is detected, the car will not start. This is mandatory in most states after a DUI or DWI conviction. The restriction lasts for a set period — typically six months to three years, depending on your state and the offense.

Other restrictions include no highway driving, passenger restrictions (common for young drivers in some states), no towing, and medical alert restrictions (which flag you as having a condition the DMV should know about). Some states also impose restrictions based on court orders, such as no driving to bars or liquor stores after a DUI.

How Restrictions Appear on Your License and in DMV Records

On your physical license card, restrictions are printed in a specific section — usually labeled "Restrictions" or "Conditions" — and assigned a code. For example, code "01" might mean corrective lenses in one state, while another state uses "B" for the same restriction. Each state has its own coding system, so a restriction code from California means something different in Texas.

Your state's DMV database also stores restriction information. When a police officer runs your license during a traffic stop, the officer's computer displays any restrictions. If you are stopped for a violation that relates to a restriction — such as driving without glasses when that is required — the officer will see it when ready.

If you move to a new state, your restrictions may not transfer automatically. Some states honor restrictions from other states; others require you to take a new test or provide documentation. When you renew your license in a new state, ask the DMV whether your existing restrictions will carry over or whether you need to be re-tested.

Removing or Modifying a Restriction

You can request removal of some restrictions, but the process depends on the type and your state's rules. For a corrective lenses restriction, you can visit your DMV and request a vision test without correction. If you pass, the restriction is removed. Some states allow you to do this at any time; others require you to wait until your license renewal.

For an automatic transmission only restriction, you must schedule a driving test in a manual vehicle and pass it. The test is the same as a regular driving test — you will be evaluated on your ability to operate the clutch, shift gears, and control the vehicle. Once you pass, the restriction is removed from your license.

For daylight driving only or other medical restrictions, removal usually requires a letter from your doctor or an eye specialist stating that your condition has improved or that you are now safe to drive without the restriction. You submit this to your DMV, and they may require you to take a new test or vision screening. Some states will not remove these restrictions until you renew your license.

Ignition interlock restrictions cannot be removed early; they expire automatically after the court-ordered period ends. Once the period is complete, you return the device to the installer, and the restriction is lifted from your license. If you remove the device before the period ends, you are in violation of the court order and can face criminal charges.

Court-ordered restrictions (such as those imposed after a DUI) can only be removed by the court that imposed them. You would need to file a petition with that court, and the judge would decide whether to lift the restriction early. This is not a DMV decision.

What Happens If You Violate a Restriction

Driving in violation of a restriction is a traffic violation. If you are stopped and the officer sees that you violated a restriction, you will receive a citation. The penalty varies by state and the type of restriction, but typically includes a fine ranging from $50 to $500 and points on your driving record.

For example, driving without corrective lenses when your license requires them, or driving at night when your license is daylight-only, can result in a ticket. Violating an ignition interlock restriction — such as driving a vehicle without the device installed — is more serious and may result in license suspension, higher fines, or criminal charges.

Repeated violations of restrictions can lead to license suspension or revocation. If you receive multiple citations for the same violation, your state's DMV may suspend your license for a set period. In some cases, you may be required to retake the driving test or complete a defensive driving course before your license is reinstated.

Restrictions for Young and Older Drivers

Young drivers in some states receive graduated driver's license (GDL) restrictions as part of a tiered licensing system. These might include passenger limits (no more than one non-family passenger), nighttime driving restrictions (no driving between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m.), and mandatory seatbelt use. These restrictions are temporary and lift automatically when the driver reaches a certain age or completes the GDL program.

Older drivers may receive restrictions based on medical evaluations or vision tests. Some states require drivers over 70 or 80 to renew their licenses more frequently or to pass additional tests. If an older driver fails a vision or cognitive test, the DMV may impose a daylight-only restriction or require an in-person renewal instead of a mail renewal.

If you believe a restriction is unfair or incorrect, you can request a hearing with your state's DMV. The process varies by state, but typically involves submitting a written request and providing evidence (such as a doctor's letter or test results) to support your case. The DMV will review your request and decide whether to modify or remove the restriction.

Restrictions and Insurance

Insurance companies can see restrictions on your license. Some restrictions — particularly those related to vision or medical conditions — may affect your insurance rates or coverage. An ignition interlock restriction will likely increase your premiums because it signals a DUI or DWI conviction.

When you explore for insurance or renew a policy, you may be asked about restrictions on your license. Answer honestly; providing false information can void your coverage. If you are unsure whether a restriction will affect your rates, contact your insurance company directly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive if I have a restriction on my license?

Yes, you can drive as long as you follow the restriction. If your restriction is corrective lenses, you must wear glasses or contacts. If it is daylight only, you cannot drive at night. Driving outside the terms of your restriction is a violation.

How long does a restriction stay on my license?

It depends on the type. Some restrictions, like corrective lenses, stay until you request removal and pass a test. Others, like ignition interlock, expire after a court-ordered period. Medical restrictions may stay until your next renewal or until you provide updated medical documentation.

Do I have to tell my insurance company about a restriction?

Yes. When you explore for or renew insurance, disclose any restrictions. Some restrictions may increase your premium or affect coverage. Failing to disclose a restriction can void your policy if you are in an accident.

What if I move to another state — do my restrictions transfer?

Not automatically. Some states honor restrictions from other states; others require you to be re-tested or to provide documentation. Contact your new state's DMV to find out whether your restrictions will carry over or whether you need to take a new test.

Can a restriction be removed before my license expires?

Yes, for some restrictions. Corrective lenses and automatic transmission restrictions can usually be removed by passing a test. Medical and court-ordered restrictions may require a doctor's letter or a court petition. Ignition interlock restrictions cannot be removed early — they expire automatically after the court-ordered period.