Restriction 9 limits you to driving only vehicles with an automatic transmission
Restriction 9 on a North Carolina driver's license means you are permitted to drive only automatic transmission vehicles. If you have this restriction, you cannot legally operate a manual (stick shift) transmission car, even if you know how to drive one. The restriction appears on your license as a condition of your driving privilege.
This restriction is placed on your license when you pass your road test in an automatic transmission vehicle. North Carolina's licensing system ties your tested vehicle type to what you can legally drive. If you want to remove this restriction later, you will need to pass a new road test in a manual transmission vehicle.
Key Takeaways
- Restriction 9 means your license only permits automatic transmission vehicles; you cannot legally drive manual transmission cars.
- The restriction is added when you pass your road test in an automatic vehicle, not because of a violation or medical condition.
- You can remove Restriction 9 by scheduling and passing a new road test in a manual transmission vehicle at your local DMV.
- Driving a manual transmission vehicle while Restriction 9 is on your license is a violation and can result in a citation.
How you get Restriction 9 on your license
When you take your North Carolina road test, you bring the vehicle you will use for the test. If that vehicle has an automatic transmission, the examiner notes this during your test. Once you pass, your license is issued with Restriction 9 printed on it.
This is not a punishment or a mark against you. It is straightforward how North Carolina's DMV documents which transmission type you demonstrated competency in. Many new drivers take their test in an automatic vehicle because it is more common, easier to learn on, or because it is the family car available that day.
What you cannot do with Restriction 9
With Restriction 9 on your license, you cannot legally operate any vehicle with a manual transmission. This includes cars, trucks, motorcycles with manual clutches, and any other vehicle requiring manual gear shifting. If a law enforcement officer stops you while driving a manual vehicle, you can be cited for violating your license restriction.
The restriction applies everywhere you drive — in North Carolina and in other states. Your North Carolina license is recognized across the country, and the restriction travels with it. If you are caught driving a manual vehicle out of state, you could face the same violation.
Removing Restriction 9 from your license
To remove Restriction 9, you must pass a new road test in a manual transmission vehicle. Contact your local North Carolina DMV office and schedule a road test appointment. When you schedule, tell the examiner you want to test in a manual transmission vehicle so they know what to expect.
You will need to bring a manual transmission vehicle to the test, a valid ID, and your current driver's license. The road test is the same as the original test — the examiner will assess your ability to safely operate the vehicle. Once you pass, your license will be reissued without Restriction 9.
There is no written test required to remove this restriction, only the road test. The fee for a road test varies by location, so call your DMV office ahead of time to confirm the cost and what documents to bring.
Other restrictions you might see on a North Carolina license
North Carolina uses several restrictions to document conditions on your driving privilege. Restriction 9 is specific to transmission type. Other restrictions cover things like corrective lenses (you must wear glasses or contacts), hearing aids, or vehicle modifications for drivers with physical limitations.
Each restriction is printed on your license and tells law enforcement and you what conditions explore to your driving. If you are unsure what any restriction means, you can contact your local DMV office or check the back of your license, where North Carolina often prints a legend explaining common restrictions.
What happens if you drive with a violated restriction
Driving a manual transmission vehicle while Restriction 9 is on your license is a traffic violation. An officer who stops you can issue a citation. The violation goes on your driving record and can affect your insurance rates.
In some cases, a violation of a license restriction can also be used against you if you are involved in an accident. Insurance companies may deny a claim if you were driving in violation of your license conditions at the time of the crash. It is worth the effort to remove the restriction if you regularly need to drive manual vehicles.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive a manual transmission car if I have Restriction 9?
No. Restriction 9 prohibits you from driving any manual transmission vehicle. Doing so is a traffic violation. You must pass a road test in a manual vehicle to remove the restriction before you can legally drive one.
Do I have to remove Restriction 9?
No, you do not have to remove it. If you never plan to drive a manual transmission vehicle, you can keep your license as is. The restriction only matters if you need to operate a manual vehicle.
How long does it take to get Restriction 9 removed?
Once you pass your road test in a manual vehicle, your new license is usually issued within one to two weeks. Some DMV offices can issue a temporary license the same day. Call your local office to learn their timeline.
Can I take my road test in someone else's manual transmission car?
Yes. The vehicle does not have to be registered to you. It must be in safe working condition and have valid registration and insurance. Many people borrow a family member's or friend's manual car for the test.
Will removing Restriction 9 cost me anything?
Yes, there is a road test fee, which varies by DMV location in North Carolina. You will also need to pay for a license reissuance once you pass. Call your local DMV office to confirm the exact fees before you schedule.