A restriction is a condition on your license that limits how or when you can drive
A restriction on your driver's license is a rule printed on your license that says you can only drive under certain conditions. It is not a suspension or revocation — you still have a valid license and can legally drive. But you must follow the restriction, or you can be cited for violating it.
Restrictions appear as letter codes on the back of your license. The most common ones are "B" (corrective lenses required), "D" (automatic transmission only), and "E" (outside mirror required). Some restrictions are medical — for example, a restriction requiring you to wear hearing aids. Others are mechanical — your car must have certain equipment. A few are time-based, like "daylight driving only" or "no freeway driving."
Restrictions are issued by the state DMV when you pass your driving test with conditions, when you renew after a medical review, or when a court orders one as part of a license suspension settlement. They stay on your license until you meet the condition (like getting glasses), until you pass a new test, or until the DMV removes them.
Key Takeaways
- A restriction is a condition on your license that limits how, when, or where you can drive, but does not prevent you from driving entirely.
- Restrictions are shown as letter codes on the back of your license and must be followed or you can be cited for a traffic violation.
- Common restrictions include corrective lenses, automatic transmission only, and daylight driving only.
- You can request removal of a restriction by passing a new test, providing medical clearance, or meeting the condition the restriction was based on.
- Driving in violation of a restriction can result in a ticket, fine, and points on your driving record.
Common restriction codes and what they mean
Each state uses its own letter codes, but several are standard across most states. "B" means you must wear corrective lenses (glasses or contacts) whenever you drive. "D" means you can only drive an automatic transmission vehicle — you cannot drive a manual. "E" means your vehicle must have an outside mirror on the passenger side. "F" means you must use an automatic transmission and power steering.
"K" typically means daylight driving only — you cannot drive between sunset and sunrise. "L" means no freeway or limited-access highway driving. "M" means you must wear a hearing aid. Some states use "O" for vehicles with hand controls only, or "S" for vehicles with a special seat or safety device.
A few restrictions are time-based or location-based. For example, some states issue "employment only" restrictions that limit you to driving to and from work. Others issue restrictions tied to a specific vehicle — you can only drive the car listed on your license. Check your state's DMV website or your license itself to see what your specific codes mean, because codes vary by state.
Why the DMV puts restrictions on a license
The DMV adds a restriction when it determines you can drive safely only under specific conditions. If you fail the vision portion of your driving test but pass everything else, you get a corrective lenses restriction. If you take your driving test in an automatic transmission car, you may be restricted to automatics only until you pass a test in a manual car.
Medical conditions also trigger restrictions. If you have hearing loss but can drive safely with a hearing aid, the DMV may issue a hearing aid restriction instead of denying your license. If you have a seizure disorder or take medication that affects alertness, the DMV may restrict you to daylight driving only, or require a medical review every year.
Courts can also order restrictions as part of a license suspension settlement. For example, if you are convicted of driving under the influence, the court may allow you to keep a restricted license for work and medical appointments only, rather than suspending your license entirely. This is sometimes called a "hardship license" or "work permit."
How to remove a restriction from your license
The path to removing a restriction depends on why it was issued. If you have a corrective lenses restriction and you get LASIK surgery or your vision improves, you can request a vision test at the DMV. If you pass, the restriction is removed. If you have a manual transmission restriction, you can schedule a driving test in a manual car. Pass the test, and the restriction is lifted.
For medical restrictions, you usually need a letter from your doctor stating that the condition no longer applies or that you no longer need the accommodation. For example, if you have a hearing aid restriction and no longer need one, your audiologist can provide documentation. Submit this to your state's medical review unit, and they will remove the restriction if the documentation supports it.
Some restrictions expire automatically. For instance, if you have a temporary restriction tied to a court order, it may end on a specific date or when your license renews. Check your license or your state's DMV website to see if your restriction has an expiration date. If you are unsure how to remove a restriction, call your state DMV — they can tell you exactly what you need to do.
What happens if you drive in violation of a restriction
Driving in violation of a restriction is a traffic violation. If you are stopped and an officer sees that you violated a restriction — for example, you were driving at night with a daylight-only restriction, or you were driving a manual car with an automatic-only restriction — you can be cited.
The penalty varies by state but typically includes a fine, points on your driving record, and sometimes a court appearance. In some states, a restriction violation is treated as a minor infraction with a small fine. In others, it can be a misdemeanor with a larger fine and possible jail time. Points added to your record can also increase your insurance rates and count toward a license suspension if you accumulate too many.
Beyond the legal penalty, a restriction violation can affect your insurance. If you are in an accident while violating a restriction, your insurer may deny your claim or drop your coverage. This is why it is important to follow your restrictions exactly as written on your license.
Restrictions versus suspensions and revocations
A restriction is different from a suspension or revocation, and it is important to know the difference. A restriction lets you drive under certain conditions. A suspension means your license is temporarily invalid — you cannot drive at all until the suspension ends and you reinstate your license. A revocation means your license has been permanently cancelled, and you must reapply and pass all tests to get a new one.
Some people have both a restriction and a suspension. For example, you might have a suspension for unpaid traffic fines, but once the suspension ends, you reinstate your license with a restriction on it. Or you might have a restriction that was already on your license when a separate suspension takes effect. When the suspension ends, the restriction remains.
If you are unsure whether you have a restriction, suspension, or revocation, check your license or contact your state DMV. You can also check your driving record online through your state's DMV website — most states let you view your record for free.
How restrictions affect insurance and vehicle registration
A restriction itself does not prevent you from getting car insurance or registering a vehicle. However, some restrictions may affect your insurance rates or coverage. For example, if you have a daylight-only restriction, your insurer may offer a lower rate because you are driving fewer hours. If you have a vehicle-specific restriction, you must register and insure only that vehicle.
When you buy insurance, tell your agent about any restrictions on your license. Some insurers ask about restrictions during the quote process. If you do not disclose a restriction and you are in an accident while violating it, the insurer may deny your claim. Be honest about your restrictions — they are part of your driving record and your agent can see them.
Vehicle registration is not affected by restrictions. You can register any vehicle that meets your restriction requirements. For example, if you have an automatic-only restriction, you can register an automatic transmission car. If you have a corrective lenses restriction, you can register any car — the restriction is about you, not the vehicle.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a restriction removed before my license expires?
Yes. You do not have to wait for renewal. Contact your state DMV and ask what documentation or test you need to remove the restriction. Once you provide it, the DMV will issue you a new license without the restriction. There may be a small fee for the replacement license.
What if I have multiple restrictions on my license?
You can have more than one restriction. For example, you might have both a corrective lenses restriction and an automatic transmission restriction. You must follow all of them. If you want to remove one, follow the process for that specific restriction — removing one does not affect the others.
Does a restriction show up on my driving record?
Yes. Your restrictions are part of your official driving record and appear on background checks and insurance inquiries. They are not a violation or a mark against you — they are straightforward conditions of your license that insurers and employers may see.
Can I appeal a restriction the DMV put on my license?
Yes, depending on the reason for the restriction. If you believe the restriction was issued in error, you can request a hearing with your state DMV. The process and timeline vary by state, so contact your DMV to learn how to file an appeal.
If I move to another state, do my restrictions transfer?
No. When you get a license in a new state, that state issues its own restrictions based on its own rules and your driving record. Your old restrictions do not automatically transfer, but your driving history — including any violations — will show up in the new state's system and may result in new restrictions.