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 still have a valid license, but you must follow the restriction or you can be cited for violating it. The most common restrictions are automatic transmission only, corrective lenses required, or no driving between certain hours. Some restrictions are temporary — they expire on a set date. Others stay on your license until you formally request removal and meet the requirements to have it lifted.
Restrictions appear as codes on your license itself, usually on the back or in a separate section. Each state uses its own codes, so a restriction code that means "automatic transmission only" in one state may mean something different in another. When you renew your license or explore for a new one, the DMV will tell you what restrictions explore and why.
Key Takeaways
- A restriction is a condition on your license that limits how you can drive, but you still hold a valid license and can legally drive within those limits.
- Common restrictions include corrective lenses, automatic transmission only, no night driving, or ignition interlock devices after a DUI conviction.
- Violating a restriction — for example, driving without your required glasses — is a traffic violation and can result in a fine or license suspension.
- Some restrictions are temporary and expire automatically; others require you to request removal and meet specific conditions before the DMV will lift them.
- Restrictions do not automatically disqualify you from insurance, but they may affect your rates or the types of coverage available to you.
Why restrictions are placed on a license
The DMV adds restrictions to protect you and other drivers. A restriction acknowledges that you can drive safely, but only under certain conditions. For example, if you fail the vision test without corrective lenses but pass with glasses, the DMV will restrict your license to require corrective lenses. If you are under 18 and received your license through a graduated licensing program, you may have restrictions on night driving or the number of passengers you can carry.
Some restrictions come from court orders. If you are convicted of a DUI, the court may order an ignition interlock device — a breathalyzer installed in your car that prevents the engine from starting if it detects alcohol on your breath. Other restrictions follow from medical conditions, age-related requirements, or violations. A few states restrict newly licensed drivers from using cell phones while driving, even hands-free.
Common restriction codes and what they mean
Restriction codes vary by state, but these are among the most frequent:
- Corrective lenses. You must wear glasses or contact lenses whenever you drive. Driving without them violates the restriction.
- Automatic transmission only. You can only drive vehicles with automatic transmissions, not manual. This restriction is sometimes given to drivers with physical disabilities or limited mobility.
- No night driving. You cannot drive between sunset and sunrise, or between specific hours set by the DMV. This is common for teenage drivers in graduated licensing programs.
- Ignition interlock device. You must have an IID installed and functioning in any vehicle you drive. You cannot drive a vehicle without one.
- Hearing aid required. You must wear a hearing aid while driving if you have a significant hearing loss.
- No passengers under 18. You cannot carry passengers under 18 except family members, or you can carry only one non-family passenger. This applies to young drivers in many states.
- Daylight driving only. You can drive only during daylight hours, similar to a night-driving restriction but stated the opposite way.
Your license document will show the restriction code and, usually, a brief explanation. If you are unsure what a code means, the DMV website for your state lists all codes and their meanings, or you can call your local DMV office.
How restrictions affect your insurance
Insurance companies can see restrictions on your driving record. Some restrictions have little impact on your rates — a corrective lenses restriction, for example, usually does not change your premium because it reflects a condition you can easily manage. Other restrictions signal higher risk and may increase your rates or limit the coverage options available to you.
An ignition interlock restriction, which follows a DUI conviction, will almost certainly raise your rates significantly. Some insurers will not cover you at all if you have an active IID requirement; others will but charge substantially more. A restriction on night driving may lower your rates slightly because it limits your exposure to higher-risk driving times. When you shop for insurance, be honest about any restrictions on your license — insurers will see them on your driving record anyway, and hiding them can void your coverage if you have a claim.
If you are required to carry an SR22 form (a certificate of financial responsibility), that is separate from a license restriction but often comes at the same time. An SR22 is an insurance requirement, not a license restriction, but both signal to insurers that you are a higher-risk driver.
Temporary restrictions versus permanent ones
Some restrictions are temporary and expire automatically on a date set by the DMV. For example, if you are under 18 and have a restriction on night driving, it may expire when you turn 18 or after you hold your license for a certain period without violations. When the date arrives, the restriction drops from your license without any action on your part.
Other restrictions remain until you request removal and meet specific conditions. An ignition interlock restriction, for example, stays on your license until you have completed the required monitoring period (usually six months to three years, depending on your state and the offense) and then formally petition the DMV to remove it. Some states require you to show proof that the device has been uninstalled. A corrective lenses restriction may be removed if you pass a vision test without correction, but you have to schedule the test and pass it first.
Check your license document or your state's DMV website to see whether your restriction has an expiration date. If it does, mark that date on your calendar. If it does not, contact the DMV to learn what steps you need to take to have it removed.
What happens if you violate a restriction
Driving in violation of a restriction is a traffic violation. If you are stopped and the officer discovers you are violating a restriction — for example, you are driving without your required glasses, or you are driving at night when your license restricts you to daylight only — you can be cited. The penalty varies by state and the restriction, but typically includes a fine and points on your driving record. Repeated violations can lead to license suspension.
Violating an ignition interlock restriction is treated seriously because it suggests you are trying to circumvent a court-ordered safety measure. Driving a vehicle without a functioning IID when one is required can result in criminal charges, not just a traffic citation, and can extend your IID requirement or lead to license revocation.
If you cannot comply with a restriction — for example, your corrective lenses are lost or broken — do not drive. Contact the DMV about temporary relief or a replacement license. Some states allow a brief grace period for lost or damaged glasses, but it is safer and legal to straightforward not drive until you can comply.
How to request removal of a restriction
The process for removing a restriction depends on the type and your state. For restrictions that expire automatically, you do not need to do anything. For restrictions that require action, here are the typical steps:
- Contact your state DMV and ask what conditions must be met to remove the restriction. Get the answer in writing if possible.
- Meet those conditions. This might mean completing an IID monitoring period, passing a vision test, or finishing a defensive driving course.
- Gather proof that you have met the conditions — a letter from the IID provider, a vision test result, a course completion certificate.
- Submit a request to the DMV, either in person, by mail, or online depending on your state. Include the proof.
- Pay any fee required. Some states charge a small fee to process the removal; others do not.
- Wait for the DMV to process your request. This usually takes a few weeks.
Once the restriction is removed, you will receive a new license or a notice confirming the removal. Keep that document in case you are stopped and the officer's system has not yet updated.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive with a restriction on my license?
Yes, you can drive as long as you follow the restriction. If your license says corrective lenses required, you can drive while wearing glasses. If it says automatic transmission only, you can drive an automatic car. Driving outside the restriction's limits is a violation.
Will a restriction show up on my driving record when I explore for insurance?
Yes. Insurance companies can see restrictions on your driving record. Some restrictions have little effect on rates; others, like an ignition interlock requirement, will increase your premium or limit your coverage options.
How long does a restriction stay on my license?
It depends on the restriction. Some expire automatically on a set date. Others stay until you request removal and meet the conditions — for example, completing an IID monitoring period or passing a vision test. Check your license or contact the DMV to find out which applies to you.
What if I get pulled over and I am violating my restriction?
You can be cited for a traffic violation. The penalty usually includes a fine and points on your record. Repeated violations can lead to license suspension, and violating an ignition interlock restriction can result in criminal charges.
Can I get a restriction removed early?
Some restrictions can be removed early if you meet the conditions ahead of schedule. For example, if your IID requirement is normally three years but you complete the monitoring period in two, you may be able to petition for early removal. Contact the DMV to ask whether early removal is possible for your specific restriction.