The "E" and "O" designations on a Michigan driver's license tell you what vehicles the holder is legally allowed to drive

Michigan uses letter codes on driver's licenses to show restrictions or special permissions. The "E" and "O" codes are two of these designations. An "E" restriction means you cannot drive a vehicle with an automatic transmission — you are limited to manual transmission vehicles only. An "O" restriction means you cannot drive a vehicle with power steering — you must drive a vehicle with manual steering.

These codes appear on your license card itself and are tied to your medical history or physical abilities. They exist because Michigan's Secretary of State can impose driving restrictions based on a doctor's report or your own medical condition. If you have an "E" or "O" on your license, you must follow that restriction every time you drive, or you are driving without a valid license.

Neither restriction is permanent. You can request removal by providing updated medical documentation to the Secretary of State showing that your condition has changed or improved.

Key Takeaways

  • An "E" restriction means you can only drive manual transmission vehicles, not automatic ones.
  • An "O" restriction means you can only drive vehicles with manual steering, not power steering.
  • These codes appear on your physical license card and are based on medical or physical conditions reported to the state.
  • Driving a vehicle type you are restricted from driving is a violation and means you are operating without a valid license.
  • You can request removal of either restriction by submitting updated medical documentation to the Michigan Secretary of State.

How Michigan assigns "E" and "O" restrictions

The Michigan Secretary of State assigns these restrictions when you first get your license or renew it, based on information from your doctor or from a medical exam. If you report a condition — such as limited use of your left foot, arthritis in your hands, or vision problems — that affects your ability to operate certain vehicle controls, the state may impose a restriction.

You do not have to wait for the state to discover a condition. If you know you cannot safely operate an automatic transmission or power steering, you can report it yourself when you renew your license or explore for a new one. The Secretary of State will ask you to provide a medical report from your doctor supporting the restriction.

Some people request these restrictions voluntarily because they want the license to match their actual driving ability. Others have them imposed after a medical exam or a report from a healthcare provider.

What you need to know about driving with an "E" or "O" restriction

If your license has an "E" or "O" code, you must follow it every single time you drive. This is not a suggestion or a guideline — it is a legal requirement. If you are pulled over and driving a vehicle that violates your restriction, you can be cited for driving without a valid license, even though you have a license in your wallet.

Before you rent a car, borrow a vehicle, or buy a car, check what transmission type or steering type it has. An automatic transmission car violates an "E" restriction. A power steering system violates an "O" restriction. If you are unsure what type of transmission or steering a vehicle has, ask the owner or dealer before you drive it.

Insurance companies may also ask about license restrictions when you buy a policy. Some insurers will not cover you if you drive a vehicle that violates your restriction, or they may charge higher rates.

How to remove an "E" or "O" restriction from your Michigan license

To remove a restriction, you must contact the Michigan Secretary of State and provide updated medical documentation. You will need a letter or report from a licensed physician stating that your condition has improved or changed, and that you are now safe to drive vehicles with automatic transmission (for "E") or power steering (for "O").

The Secretary of State will review your medical documentation. If they approve the removal, you will need to renew your license to get a new card without the restriction code. You cannot straightforward remove the restriction without going through this process — the code is part of your official driving record.

The timeline for approval varies. Some requests are processed within a few weeks, while others may take longer if the Secretary of State needs additional information from your doctor. Contact the Secretary of State's office directly to ask about the current processing time and what specific medical documentation they need.

The difference between "E" and "O" restrictions and other Michigan license codes

Michigan uses many other letter codes on driver's licenses. Some are restrictions (like "E" and "O"), while others are endorsements that allow you to drive certain vehicle types. For example, a "D" endorsement allows you to drive a school bus, and an "H" endorsement allows you to drive a vehicle carrying hazardous materials.

Restrictions always limit what you can drive. Endorsements always expand what you can drive. "E" and "O" are both restrictions. If you have questions about any other codes on your license, the Secretary of State's website lists all of them with explanations.

What happens if you violate your restriction

Driving a vehicle that violates your "E" or "O" restriction is treated as driving without a valid license in Michigan. This is a misdemeanor offense. You can be fined, and the violation will appear on your driving record.

If you are in an accident while driving a vehicle that violates your restriction, your insurance may deny your claim. The accident report will show that you were driving without a valid license, which can complicate any injury or property damage claims.

If you are stopped by police, be honest about your restriction. Explain that you did not realize the vehicle violated your restriction, or that you made a mistake. The officer will cite you, but honesty is always better than trying to hide the restriction or argue about it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive someone else's car if it violates my restriction?

No. Your restriction applies to you, not to the vehicle. If your license has an "E" restriction, you cannot drive any automatic transmission vehicle, regardless of who owns it or why you need to drive it. The only exception would be an emergency (such as a medical crisis), but even then, you are technically violating your restriction.

Do I have to tell my insurance company about my "E" or "O" restriction?

Yes. When you buy or renew an insurance policy, you must disclose any license restrictions. If you do not tell them and you are in an accident, the insurer may deny your claim based on misrepresentation. Always be upfront about your restriction.

How long does it take to remove an "E" or "O" restriction?

It depends on how quickly your doctor can provide the medical documentation and how busy the Secretary of State's office is. Most removals take two to six weeks after you submit your medical report. Contact the Secretary of State directly to ask about current processing times.

What if my doctor says I can drive automatic transmission again, but the Secretary of State denies my request?

You can request a hearing or appeal. The Secretary of State will explain why they denied your request. If you believe the decision was wrong, ask about the appeal process. You may need additional medical documentation or a second opinion from another doctor.

Does an "E" or "O" restriction affect my insurance rates?

It may. Some insurance companies charge higher rates for drivers with restrictions, because restrictions indicate a medical or physical condition that could affect driving safety. Shop around and ask insurers directly how they handle restricted licenses.