Restriction G is a limit on when and where you can drive
Restriction G on a Texas driver's license means you can only drive during daylight hours — sunrise to sunset. It also limits you to driving within a certain distance of your home, usually within a radius set by the Department of Public Safety (DPS). You cannot drive at night, and you cannot drive outside that geographic boundary, even during the day.
This restriction is most commonly placed on drivers who have failed a vision test or have a medical condition that affects their ability to see clearly or drive safely in low-light conditions. It can also be imposed after certain traffic violations or as a condition of license reinstatement following a suspension.
The restriction appears on the front or back of your physical license card and will be listed in your DPS record. When you renew your license, the restriction may be removed if the reason for it no longer applies — for example, if you have had corrective eye surgery or if your medical condition has improved.
Key Takeaways
- Restriction G limits you to driving only between sunrise and sunset, with no nighttime driving allowed under any circumstances.
- You must also stay within a geographic radius of your home address, which DPS will specify on your license or in writing.
- The restriction is usually placed because of vision problems, medical conditions, or as a condition of license reinstatement after suspension.
- You can request removal of the restriction by providing medical documentation showing the condition has improved or been corrected.
- Driving outside the restriction — at night or beyond the radius — is a violation and can result in a ticket, fine, or license suspension.
Why DPS places Restriction G on your license
Texas DPS adds Restriction G when a driver poses a safety risk under certain conditions. The most common reason is a vision problem — either uncorrected refractive error (needing glasses or contacts) or a medical eye condition like cataracts, macular degeneration, or retinitis pigmentosa. Drivers with these conditions often see poorly in darkness or have reduced peripheral vision, making night driving dangerous.
The restriction can also be imposed after a medical evaluation required by DPS. If you have a condition like epilepsy, diabetes with complications, or sleep apnea that could cause sudden incapacity while driving, DPS may restrict you to daytime driving only. Some drivers receive Restriction G as part of a probationary license after a suspension for DUI, reckless driving, or accumulating too many points.
The geographic radius — typically 10 to 50 miles from your home address depending on the case — is meant to keep you on familiar roads where you are less likely to become disoriented or lost. DPS will tell you the exact radius in writing when the restriction is imposed.
How to know what your restriction allows
Your Texas driver's license will show "Restriction G" in the restrictions section on the back or front of the card. However, the card itself does not always print the specific radius or the exact sunrise-sunset times for your area. You need to check your DPS record online or contact DPS directly to learn the exact geographic boundary.
To view your restrictions online, go to the DPS website and use the Texas Driver License Check tool. You will need your license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The record will show the restriction code and any notes about the radius or conditions.
If you are unsure about the radius or the restriction details, call DPS at 1-888-589-6556 or visit a local DPS office in person. Bring your license and ask them to clarify the exact boundaries and any other conditions. It is better to ask than to guess and risk a violation.
Driving outside your Restriction G boundaries
If you drive at night or outside the geographic radius while Restriction G is on your license, you are committing a traffic violation. A police officer who stops you can cite you for violating the restriction, which is typically a Class C misdemeanor in Texas. You will face a fine, and the violation will be added to your driving record.
A violation of Restriction G can also trigger license suspension or revocation, depending on your history and the circumstances. If you are caught driving outside the restriction multiple times, DPS may suspend your license entirely. Additionally, if you cause an accident while driving in violation of the restriction, your insurance may deny a claim, leaving you liable for all damages.
The restriction is not a suggestion — it is a legal condition of your driving privilege. Ignoring it puts you and others at risk and can result in serious legal and financial consequences.
Requesting removal of Restriction G
You can ask DPS to remove Restriction G if the reason for it no longer applies. The process depends on why the restriction was placed. If it was due to a vision problem, you will need a letter from an eye doctor (optometrist or ophthalmologist) stating that your vision now meets Texas standards — usually 20/40 or better in at least one eye, with or without correction.
If the restriction was placed because of a medical condition, you will need documentation from your physician showing that the condition is controlled, treated, or no longer poses a safety risk. For example, if you had uncontrolled diabetes, you would need a letter from your doctor confirming that your blood sugar is now stable and you are not at risk of sudden incapacity.
Submit the medical documentation to DPS along with a written request to remove the restriction. Include your license number, date of birth, and a brief explanation of why you believe the restriction should be removed. You can mail it to your local DPS office or submit it in person. DPS will review the documentation and notify you of their decision within a few weeks.
Restriction G versus other Texas license restrictions
Texas uses a letter-code system for license restrictions, and each one means something different. Restriction B requires you to wear corrective lenses (glasses or contacts) at all times while driving. Restriction C means you must use an automatic transmission vehicle only. Restriction D requires you to use power steering and power brakes.
Restriction E limits you to vehicles with an outside left mirror. Restriction F means you cannot drive a commercial vehicle. Restriction G, as noted, is the daylight-and-radius restriction. Other restrictions exist for 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 B (corrective lenses) and Restriction G (daylight driving) together if you have a vision problem that is correctable but still limits your safe driving to daylight hours.
Renewing your license with Restriction G
When your Texas driver's license expires and you renew it, Restriction G will carry over to your new license unless you have had it removed. DPS will not automatically review or lift the restriction — you have to request removal before or during the renewal process.
If you want the restriction removed, submit your medical documentation to DPS before your renewal date. This gives DPS time to review it and update your record. When you renew, your new license will reflect the removal if DPS has approved it. If you renew without requesting removal, the restriction will appear on your new card.
You can renew your Texas license online, by mail, or in person at a DPS office, depending on your age and how long it has been since your last renewal. Check the DPS website for the renewal method that applies to you. If you have Restriction G and want to remove it, renewing in person at a DPS office allows you to submit medical documentation and ask questions in real time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive to work before sunrise or after sunset if my job requires it?
No. Restriction G is absolute — you cannot drive outside sunrise to sunset under any circumstances, even for work. If your job requires early morning or evening driving, you will need to request removal of the restriction by providing medical documentation that you are now safe to drive at all hours. Until the restriction is removed, you must arrange alternative transportation or change your work schedule.
What if I did not know about the radius limit and drove outside it?
Lack of knowledge is not a legal defense. However, if you were stopped and cited, you can contest the ticket in traffic court and explain the circumstances. Bring documentation showing you were unaware of the exact radius. The judge may reduce the fine or dismiss the case, but it depends on the court and the officer's report. Going forward, contact DPS to confirm your radius in writing.
Does Restriction G appear on my insurance record?
Your insurance company can see your license restrictions through DPS records. If you have Restriction G and you drive outside those restrictions, your insurer may deny a claim if you are in an accident. Some insurers may also adjust your premium if they know you have a vision or medical restriction. It is best to disclose the restriction to your insurer when you get a quote.
How long does it take DPS to remove Restriction G after I submit medical documentation?
DPS typically reviews medical documentation within two to four weeks, but it can take longer depending on how busy the office is. There is no set timeline. After DPS approves removal, the restriction will be gone from your online record when ready, but your physical license card will still show it until you renew. You can request a replacement card to show the updated record sooner if needed.
Can I appeal if DPS denies my request to remove Restriction G?
Yes. If DPS denies your request, you can request a hearing before the DPS Administrative Law Judge. You will need to submit additional medical evidence or explain why you believe DPS made an error. Contact your local DPS office for information on how to file an appeal. You have a limited time to appeal, so act quickly if you disagree with the denial.