A restriction is a condition that limits how or when you can drive
A restriction on your Ohio driver's license is a rule that says you can only drive under certain conditions. It is not a suspension or revocation — you still have a valid license — but it narrows what you are legally allowed to do with it. The restriction appears as a letter code on the front or back of your license card, and police can see it during a traffic stop.
Common restrictions include requiring corrective lenses (glasses or contacts), an automatic transmission only, or a hearing aid. Some restrictions limit you to daylight driving or require an ignition interlock device after a DUI conviction. If you drive in violation of a restriction — for example, driving without the glasses your license requires — you can be cited and fined, even if your license itself is valid.
Restrictions are different from endorsements, which allow you to do something (like drive a motorcycle or commercial vehicle). A restriction prevents you from doing something unless you meet the condition.
Key Takeaways
- A restriction limits how, when, or under what conditions you can legally drive, but does not invalidate your license.
- Restrictions appear as letter codes on your Ohio license card and are visible to law enforcement during a traffic stop.
- Common restrictions include corrective lenses, automatic transmission only, daylight driving, and ignition interlock devices.
- Driving in violation of a restriction can result in a citation and fine, separate from any other traffic violation.
- You can request removal of some restrictions if the reason for them no longer applies, such as after vision correction surgery.
Common restriction codes on Ohio licenses
Ohio uses letter codes to mark restrictions. The most frequent ones are:
B — Corrective lenses required. You must wear glasses or contact lenses every time you drive. This is the most common restriction. If you fail a vision test at the Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV), you will receive this restriction. If you later have vision correction surgery or get new glasses that bring your vision to the required standard, you can request removal.
D — Automatic transmission only. Your license restricts you to vehicles with automatic transmissions. You cannot legally drive a manual transmission car. This restriction is rare on new licenses but may appear if you took your driving test in an automatic vehicle.
E — Daylight driving only. You can drive only between sunrise and sunset. This restriction is issued when vision or medical conditions make night driving unsafe. It may also appear after certain traffic violations or medical suspensions.
F — Outside mirror required. Your vehicle must have an outside mirror on the passenger side. This is uncommon and typically applies to drivers with limited peripheral vision.
I — Ignition interlock device required. After a DUI or OVI (Operating a Vehicle Impaired) conviction in Ohio, you must install an ignition interlock device in any vehicle you drive. The device requires you to pass a breath test before the engine will start. This restriction is mandatory for certain conviction levels and repeat offenses.
K — Occupational license only. Your license is restricted to work-related driving only — you cannot drive for personal reasons. This may be issued after a suspension when you demonstrate a need to drive for employment.
How restrictions are added to your license
Restrictions can be added in several ways. The most common is during a vision or medical exam at the BMV. If you fail the vision screening, the examiner will add a corrective lenses restriction before issuing your license. You do not need a separate hearing or approval — the restriction is added on the spot.
Restrictions can also be added by court order. After a DUI conviction, the court will order an ignition interlock restriction as part of your sentence. After a medical suspension (when the BMV suspends your license due to a health condition), you may be required to pass a medical exam and accept restrictions before your license is reinstated.
Some restrictions are added when you renew your license. If your vision has changed or your medical condition has worsened, the BMV may add a restriction during renewal. You will be notified before the restriction is added if it is based on a failed exam.
Driving in violation of a restriction
If you drive in violation of a restriction, you can be charged with a separate offense. For example, driving without the corrective lenses your license requires is a minor misdemeanor in Ohio — a fine of up to $100 with no jail time, but it goes on your driving record. Driving with an ignition interlock restriction without the device installed is more serious and can result in license suspension.
A violation of a restriction does not automatically suspend your license, but it can lead to additional penalties. If you accumulate multiple violations, the BMV may suspend your license for a separate reason. The violation also stays on your record and can affect your insurance rates.
If you cannot meet a restriction — for example, you cannot afford an ignition interlock device — you should contact the BMV or the court that ordered it. Some programs offer financial help for ignition interlock costs, and the court may have options if the restriction creates genuine hardship.
Removing a restriction from your license
Some restrictions can be removed if the reason for them no longer applies. To remove a restriction, you must visit a BMV office and request a new exam or provide documentation that the condition has changed.
For a corrective lenses restriction, you can request removal by passing a vision exam without glasses or contacts. If you have had vision correction surgery (LASIK or PRK) or your prescription has improved, bring your eye doctor's statement showing your current vision meets Ohio's standard (at least 20/40 in each eye, or 20/70 in one eye with 20/40 in the other). The BMV will test your vision and remove the restriction if you pass.
For a daylight driving restriction, removal typically requires a medical evaluation. You will need to provide a letter from your doctor stating that your condition no longer prevents safe night driving. The BMV will review the letter and may require an additional exam.
Ignition interlock restrictions cannot be removed early — they must remain for the full period ordered by the court, which varies by conviction level and prior history. After the required period ends, you can request removal by providing proof that the device has been removed from your vehicle.
Occupational license restrictions are temporary and are removed when your full driving privileges are restored, usually after a suspension period ends or a court order is satisfied.
Restrictions versus suspensions and revocations
It is important to understand the difference between these three statuses, because they have different legal consequences.
A restriction allows you to drive under specific conditions. Your license is valid; you just have to follow the rule. Violating a restriction is a traffic offense but does not automatically end your driving privileges.
A suspension temporarily removes your driving privileges entirely. You cannot drive at all during a suspension, even if your license card is still in your wallet. Suspensions have an end date — after that date, your privileges are restored automatically (unless there is another reason for suspension). In Ohio, suspensions can last from a few months to several years depending on the reason.
A revocation is permanent removal of your driving privileges. You cannot drive, and you cannot straightforward wait for the revocation to end. To regain driving privileges after revocation, you must petition the BMV or court and meet strict conditions, which may include a hearing. Revocations are rare and are usually imposed for serious violations like multiple DUI convictions or habitual traffic offender status.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive without meeting a restriction on my license?
No. Driving in violation of a restriction is a traffic offense. For example, if your license requires corrective lenses and you drive without them, you can be cited and fined. The violation also goes on your driving record and can affect your insurance.
How do I know what restrictions are on my license?
Check the front and back of your license card — restrictions appear as letter codes. You can also view your driving record through the Ohio BMV website or by visiting a BMV office. Your record will list all restrictions and their codes.
Can I get a restriction removed before my license expires?
Yes, for some restrictions. If you have had vision correction surgery or your medical condition has improved, you can visit a BMV office and request a new exam. If you pass, the restriction can be removed when ready. Ignition interlock restrictions must remain for the full court-ordered period.
What happens if I get a ticket for violating a restriction?
You will be cited for the violation, which is a separate offense from any other traffic violation. A corrective lenses violation is a minor misdemeanor with a fine up to $100. The violation goes on your driving record and can increase your insurance rates.
Does a restriction affect my car insurance?
Some restrictions may affect your rates. An ignition interlock restriction usually results in higher premiums because it indicates a DUI conviction. Other restrictions like corrective lenses typically do not affect rates unless you violate the restriction and receive a citation.