Restriction B is a limit on when and where you can drive

Restriction B on an Ohio driver's license means you can only drive during daylight hours — sunrise to sunset. You cannot drive at night, and you cannot drive in darkness or low-light conditions. This restriction appears on your license as a code and is enforced by law enforcement during traffic stops.

Restriction B is most commonly issued to drivers who have failed a vision test or who have a documented eye condition that makes night driving unsafe. Ohio's Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) adds this restriction when your eyesight does not meet the standard required for unrestricted driving, but you can still drive safely during the day.

If you receive Restriction B, your license is still valid and legal to use — but only within the hours specified. Driving outside those hours violates the restriction and can result in a citation, fines, and points on your driving record.

Key Takeaways

  • Restriction B limits you to driving only between sunrise and sunset; night driving is prohibited.
  • The restriction is usually placed on your license because your vision does not meet Ohio's standard for unrestricted driving.
  • You can request a vision re-test through the BMV if your eyesight has improved or if you believe the restriction was placed in error.
  • Driving with Restriction B outside daylight hours is a traffic violation that can result in fines and points on your record.
  • Some insurance companies may charge higher premiums for drivers with vision-related restrictions, so contact your insurer to understand your coverage.

Why Ohio places Restriction B on a license

Ohio's BMV uses Restriction B to allow drivers with reduced vision to continue driving in conditions where they can see safely. Rather than suspending a license outright, the state recognizes that many people with mild to moderate vision loss can drive competently during daylight when visibility is high.

The restriction is typically added after you fail the vision screening at the BMV during a license renewal, a new license process, or a medical review. The BMV uses a standard visual acuity test; if you fall below the threshold for unrestricted driving but above the threshold for no license at all, Restriction B is one option the examiner may offer.

Restriction B protects both you and other drivers by keeping you off the road during times when your vision limitation creates a higher crash risk. Night driving requires quick reaction times and the ability to see far ahead — both of which are compromised by poor vision.

How Restriction B affects your driving privileges

With Restriction B, you can drive to work, school, appointments, and errands during daylight hours without any additional paperwork or permission. Your license is valid and recognized by law enforcement, employers, and other agencies — the restriction straightforward narrows when you can use it.

You cannot drive after sunset or before sunrise, even if the road is well-lit by streetlights. The restriction is based on natural daylight, not artificial lighting. If you are stopped by police while driving outside daylight hours, you can be cited for violating your license restriction, which is a separate offense from any other traffic violation.

If your job requires night driving — such as delivery work, rideshare, or shift work that ends after dark — Restriction B will prevent you from doing that work legally. You would need to have the restriction removed before taking on those duties.

How to request removal of Restriction B

To remove Restriction B, you must pass a vision test that meets Ohio's standard for unrestricted driving. You can request a re-test at any BMV office by scheduling an appointment or visiting during walk-in hours. Bring your current license and be prepared to pay the vision screening fee, which varies by location but is typically under $20.

Before you go, consider having your eyes examined by an optometrist or ophthalmologist. If your vision has improved — for example, because you now wear corrective lenses or have had surgery — your eye doctor can provide documentation that may help during the BMV test. Some people pass the BMV vision test on their second attempt straightforward because they wore the correct glasses or contacts.

If you pass the re-test, the BMV will issue you a new license without Restriction B. If you fail, you will keep the restriction and can request another test after a waiting period, which the BMV will explain to you.

Restriction B and auto insurance

Most insurance companies do not automatically charge more for Restriction B, because the restriction itself does not increase your risk during the hours you are allowed to drive. However, some insurers may ask about license restrictions during the process process, and a few may adjust your rate based on the reason for the restriction.

If you have Restriction B because of a vision condition, tell your insurance company when you get a quote or renew your policy. Be honest about the restriction; lying about it on an process can void your coverage if you are in a crash. Your insurer may ask for details about your vision or may straightforward note the restriction in your file without changing your rate.

If you are denied coverage or quoted a much higher rate because of Restriction B, you can shop with other insurers — rates and underwriting rules vary widely. Some companies specialize in drivers with license restrictions or medical conditions.

What happens if you drive outside Restriction B hours

Driving outside the daylight hours specified by Restriction B is a traffic violation. If you are stopped by police while driving at night with Restriction B on your license, you can be cited for violating your license restriction. This citation is separate from any other traffic violation you might receive.

The penalty for violating Restriction B varies but typically includes a fine (often $100 to $300), court costs, and points added to your driving record. Points can raise your insurance rates and, if you accumulate too many, can lead to license suspension. A single violation is unlikely to result in suspension, but repeated violations can.

If you are in a crash while driving outside Restriction B hours, your insurance company may deny your claim or reduce the payout, because you were driving in violation of your license restriction. This can leave you personally liable for damages.

Restriction B versus other Ohio license restrictions

Ohio uses several letter codes for license restrictions, each with a different meaning. Restriction A requires you to wear corrective lenses (glasses or contacts) whenever you drive. Restriction C requires an automatic transmission vehicle. Restriction D limits you to vehicles with power steering. Other restrictions address specific medical conditions or vehicle modifications.

You can have more than one restriction on your license at the same time. For example, you might have Restriction A (corrective lenses) and Restriction B (daylight only) together, meaning you must wear glasses and can only drive during the day.

Unlike some restrictions that are permanent, Restriction B can often be removed if your vision improves or if you take steps to correct it. Restrictions A, C, and D are typically permanent unless your medical condition changes or you modify your vehicle.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive with Restriction B if I have my headlights on?

No. Restriction B is based on natural daylight, not on whether your headlights are on or the road is lit. You cannot drive after sunset or before sunrise, even on a well-lit highway or in a city with streetlights. The restriction is absolute during those hours.

Will Restriction B show up on my driving record when I explore for a job?

Restriction B appears on your license, which employers can see if they run a background check or ask to see your license. However, many employers do not check license restrictions unless the job involves driving. If the job does not require night driving, the restriction may not matter to them.

How long does Restriction B stay on my license?

Restriction B stays on your license until you pass a vision test that meets Ohio's standard for unrestricted driving. There is no automatic expiration date. You can request a re-test at any time, though the BMV may require a waiting period between failed tests.

Can I get a hardship license to drive at night if I have Restriction B?

Ohio does not issue hardship licenses to remove Restriction B. Your only option is to pass the vision test. If your job requires night driving and you cannot pass the test, you may need to find different work or use other transportation until your vision improves.

Does Restriction B affect my ability to renew my license online?

You can renew your license online if you are otherwise may be able to access, but you cannot remove Restriction B online. If your restriction is still in place at renewal time, it will carry over to your new license. To remove it, you must visit a BMV office in person to take the vision test.