Restriction G is a corrective lens requirement
Restriction G on an Ohio driver's license means you must wear corrective lenses — glasses or contact lenses — every time you drive. The restriction appears on your license as a printed code, and driving without the required lenses is a violation of your license conditions, even if you have a valid license otherwise.
Ohio's Bureau of Motor Vehicles adds this restriction during your vision screening at the license bureau. If you fail the vision test without correction but pass with glasses or contacts, the examiner will place Restriction G on your license. The restriction stays in place until you request removal through a vision retest.
This is not a temporary mark or a warning. It is a legal condition of your driving privilege in Ohio. Law enforcement can cite you for driving without the required corrective lenses, and your insurance company may deny a claim if you were not wearing them at the time of an accident.
Key Takeaways
- Restriction G requires you to wear glasses or contact lenses every time you operate a vehicle in Ohio.
- The restriction is added during your vision screening if you cannot read the eye chart without correction but can with it.
- You can request removal by scheduling a vision retest at any Ohio license bureau and passing the test without correction.
- Driving without the required lenses while Restriction G is on your license is a traffic violation and can affect insurance coverage.
How the restriction gets added to your license
During your license process or renewal, you will sit at the vision screening station before you meet with the license examiner. The screener will ask you to read lines on an eye chart from a set distance — typically 20 feet. If you cannot read the required line without correction, the screener will place a trial lens in front of your eye and test again.
If your vision meets Ohio's standard with correction but not without it, Restriction G is automatically coded into your license record. You do not have to sign anything or acknowledge it separately — it appears on the physical card and in the state database. The restriction applies to all classes of Ohio licenses: Class D (passenger vehicle), Class C (commercial), and motorcycle licenses.
Ohio's vision standard for unrestricted driving is 20/40 in each eye, or 20/40 in one eye and 20/60 in the other, with or without correction. If you fall below that even with correction, you may be denied a license altogether rather than receiving Restriction G.
Removing Restriction G through vision retesting
You can have Restriction G removed by returning to any Ohio license bureau and requesting a vision retest. Bring your current license and be prepared to pay a retest fee — Ohio charges a small fee for vision retests, though the exact amount varies by bureau. The retest takes about five minutes and is the same process as your original screening.
If you pass the retest without correction — meaning you can now read the required line on the eye chart without glasses or contacts — the examiner will issue you a new license without the restriction. This new license will have a different number and expiration date. You will receive it by mail within 7 to 10 business days, though you can request an when ready temporary license to use while you wait.
If you fail the retest without correction, Restriction G remains on your license. You can request another retest after a waiting period, which varies; contact your local license bureau for their specific policy. Some people retest after eye surgery, after a change in their prescription, or straightforward after several years to see if their vision has naturally improved.
What you must do to comply with Restriction G
Compliance is straightforward: wear your corrective lenses every time you drive. This means glasses or contact lenses — the restriction does not specify which. If you wear contacts, make sure they are in before you start the vehicle. If you wear glasses, keep them on throughout your drive. Removing them while driving, even briefly, is technically a violation.
If you are stopped by law enforcement and you are not wearing your required lenses, you can be cited for violating your license restrictions. The citation is separate from any other traffic violation and can result in a fine. More importantly, if you are involved in an accident and were not wearing your lenses, your insurance company may use that fact to deny or reduce your claim, even if you were not at fault for the accident itself.
If your prescription changes, you do not need to update your license when ready. Restriction G does not specify a particular prescription strength — only that you wear corrective lenses. However, if your new prescription is significantly different, it is wise to get a vision retest to confirm you still meet Ohio's standard with your updated lenses.
Restriction G and commercial driving
If you hold or are seeking a Class C commercial driver's license (CDL), Restriction G applies the same way as it does for a Class D passenger license. You must wear corrective lenses while operating a commercial vehicle. However, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has additional vision standards for CDL holders, and some commercial employers have their own stricter requirements.
If you have Restriction G on a CDL, you should confirm with your employer or the carrier you work for that your corrective lenses meet their standards. Some carriers require a specific type of lens (such as no bifocals or trifocals) or may require a medical certificate from an eye care professional. These employer or federal requirements are separate from Ohio's state restriction.
Common mistakes and what to avoid
The most common mistake is forgetting that Restriction G is a legal requirement, not a suggestion. Some drivers assume it is just a note on their license and that they can drive without lenses if they feel comfortable doing so. This is incorrect and can result in a citation. Another mistake is wearing an outdated or incorrect prescription and assuming it still satisfies the restriction. While Ohio does not require you to update your license when your prescription changes, wearing lenses that do not correct your vision properly defeats the purpose of the restriction and puts you at legal risk.
A third mistake is not requesting a retest even if your vision has improved. If you have had eye surgery, such as LASIK or PRK, or if your vision has naturally improved over time, you may no longer need correction. A retest is free or low-cost and takes only a few minutes — it is worth doing if you think your vision may have changed.
Finally, do not assume that Restriction G will disappear on its own or that it expires. It remains on your license until you actively request removal through a retest. It carries over to every renewal unless you remove it beforehand.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive with just one eye if I have Restriction G?
No. Restriction G requires you to wear corrective lenses as prescribed. If your prescription is for both eyes, you must wear both lenses. If you have vision loss in one eye, that is a separate issue that may require a medical evaluation; contact your local license bureau to discuss your specific situation.
What if I lose or break my glasses while driving?
If you lose or break your corrective lenses while driving, you should pull over safely and not continue driving until you have replacement lenses. Driving without them while Restriction G is on your license is a violation. Keep a backup pair of glasses in your vehicle if possible.
Do I have to tell my insurance company about Restriction G?
You should disclose it to your insurance company when you purchase or renew your policy, as it is part of your license status. More importantly, if you are in an accident, the insurer will see the restriction on your license record. Failing to wear your lenses at the time of an accident can affect your claim.
Can I get Restriction G removed before my license expires?
Yes. You can request a vision retest at any time, not just at renewal. If you pass without correction, you will receive a new license with a new expiration date. The new license is issued by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
What if I fail the vision retest without correction?
Restriction G stays on your license. You can request another retest after a waiting period set by your local license bureau. Some people retest after eye surgery or a change in prescription. Contact your bureau to learn their retest policy and any waiting periods.