How Georgia marks licenses with restrictions
A restriction on your Georgia driver's license is a condition that limits how or when you can drive. It appears as a code on the back of your license card and tells law enforcement what you are not permitted to do. Common restrictions include requiring corrective lenses, prohibiting interstate driving, limiting you to daylight hours only, or requiring an ignition interlock device if you have a DUI conviction.
Restrictions are different from suspensions or revocations. A restriction lets you keep your license but with conditions. If you violate a restriction — for example, driving without the required glasses — you can be cited, and your insurance may deny a claim if you were in a crash at the time.
Key Takeaways
- Georgia restriction codes appear on the back of your license and specify what you cannot do while driving.
- Common restrictions include corrective lenses, no interstate travel, daylight-only driving, and ignition interlock devices for DUI offenders.
- Violating a restriction can result in a traffic citation and may void your insurance coverage in a crash.
- You can request removal of some restrictions once you meet the conditions — for example, passing a vision test to remove a glasses requirement.
- Restrictions are imposed by the Georgia Department of Driver Services based on medical exams, court orders, or conviction records.
Common Georgia license restrictions and what they mean
Georgia uses letter codes on the back of your license to mark restrictions. The most frequent ones are:
Corrective lenses (code B): You must wear glasses or contacts whenever you drive. This is imposed after a vision screening shows you cannot meet Georgia's visual acuity standard without correction. Driving without your lenses is a violation.
No interstate driving (code D): You can drive only within Georgia. This restriction is sometimes placed on new drivers under 18, on people with medical conditions that may affect safety, or on those with certain conviction histories. It limits your license to in-state use only.
Daylight driving only (code E): You can drive only between sunrise and sunset. This is typically imposed on older drivers or those with vision or medical conditions that make night driving unsafe. The restriction is checked against the time of day if you are stopped.
Ignition interlock device (code R): Your vehicle must have an ignition interlock installed, and you must blow into it before the engine starts. This is mandatory for DUI convictions in Georgia and remains in place for a set period determined by the court.
Automatic transmission only (code M): You can drive only vehicles with automatic transmission. This may be imposed if you have a physical disability that prevents you from operating a manual clutch safely.
Why Georgia places restrictions on licenses
Restrictions are imposed to protect you and other drivers. Georgia's Department of Driver Services places restrictions based on three main triggers: medical exams, court orders, and criminal convictions.
A medical exam — required when you renew your license, when you are over 64, or when DDS suspects a medical condition — can result in vision, hearing, or mobility restrictions. If the examiner finds you cannot see well enough, hear traffic, or physically control a vehicle safely, a restriction is added to your license.
Court orders create restrictions in two ways. A judge may order an ignition interlock after a DUI conviction, or may restrict your driving privileges as part of a sentence. Some traffic court judges also impose restrictions on young or repeat offenders as a condition of keeping their license.
Criminal convictions, especially for DUI or reckless driving, automatically trigger restrictions. Georgia law mandates ignition interlock for all DUI convictions, and the length of the requirement depends on whether it is your first, second, or third offense within ten years.
How restrictions affect your insurance and driving record
Insurance companies can see restrictions on your driving record. A restriction itself does not automatically raise your premium, but the reason behind it often does. For example, a vision restriction alone may not change your rate, but an ignition interlock restriction signals a DUI conviction, which will increase your premium significantly.
Violating a restriction is a separate traffic offense. If you are stopped while driving without required corrective lenses, driving outside your permitted hours, or driving out of state when restricted to Georgia, you can receive a citation. The violation goes on your record and can be used against you in an insurance claim — insurers may deny coverage if you were violating a license restriction at the time of a crash.
Restrictions also affect your ability to drive for work. If your job requires interstate travel and you have a no-interstate restriction, you cannot legally perform that job while the restriction is in place. Some employers will not hire drivers with certain restrictions for this reason.
Removing or modifying a restriction
Some restrictions can be removed once you meet the underlying condition. Others are time-based and expire automatically. A few cannot be removed until a court order changes them.
Vision restrictions (corrective lenses) can be removed by passing a vision test at a Georgia DDS office. If you have had corrective eye surgery or your vision has improved, you can request a retest. Bring your glasses or contacts and proof of any recent eye exams. If you pass, the restriction is removed on the spot.
Ignition interlock restrictions are time-based. Georgia law sets a minimum period — typically six months for a first DUI, one year for a second, and three years for a third within ten years. Once that period ends, you can request removal at a DDS office. You will need proof that the device was installed and that you complied with all monitoring requirements.
Daylight-only and no-interstate restrictions usually require a medical re-evaluation or a court order to remove. If your condition has improved or a doctor certifies you are safe to drive at night or out of state, you can bring that documentation to DDS and request the restriction be lifted. Without medical or court support, DDS will not remove these restrictions.
Restrictions tied to a court sentence cannot be removed by DDS alone. You must petition the court that imposed them, and the judge must agree to modify or lift the restriction. This is more difficult and requires legal grounds — typically that circumstances have changed significantly since sentencing.
What to do if you receive a new restriction
If DDS adds a restriction to your license during a renewal or medical exam, you will receive written notice explaining the restriction code, the reason for it, and your options. Read this notice carefully, as it often includes information about how to challenge the restriction or request a hearing.
If you disagree with the restriction, you have the right to request a hearing before a DDS hearing officer. You must request the hearing within a set time frame — usually 10 days from the date of the notice. Bring medical records, test results, or other evidence that supports your case. If the hearing officer agrees with you, the restriction can be removed or modified.
If you agree with the restriction but want to know when it can be removed, contact DDS directly. Ask for the specific removal criteria and timeline. For vision restrictions, ask about scheduling a retest. For time-based restrictions like ignition interlock, ask for the exact date you become may be able to access for removal.
Restrictions versus suspensions and revocations
It is important to understand the difference between these three outcomes, because they have very different consequences.
A restriction lets you keep your license but with conditions. You can still drive, but only within the limits set by the restriction code. Violating a restriction is a traffic citation, not a license suspension.
A suspension temporarily removes your driving privilege. You cannot drive at all during the suspension period. Suspensions are usually 30 days to one year and are triggered by unpaid traffic fines, failure to appear in court, or accumulating too many points. Once the suspension period ends, your license is automatically restored (unless there are other issues).
A revocation is permanent removal of your license. You cannot drive unless and until DDS reinstates your license, which requires meeting specific conditions set by the state. Revocations are rare and usually follow multiple DUI convictions, habitual traffic offender status, or serious criminal convictions. Reinstating a revoked license can take years and requires paying reinstatement fees and passing tests.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive if I have a restriction on my license?
Yes, you can drive, but only within the limits of your restriction. If your restriction is corrective lenses, you must wear them. If it is daylight-only, you cannot drive at night. Driving outside your restriction is a violation and can result in a citation.
What happens if I drive without following my restriction?
You can be cited for violating your license restriction, which is a traffic offense. The citation goes on your record. If you are in a crash while violating a restriction, your insurance may deny your claim because you were breaking the law at the time.
How long does a restriction stay on my license?
It depends on the type. Vision restrictions stay until you pass a retest. Ignition interlock restrictions are time-based and expire after the court-ordered period (usually 6 months to 3 years). Daylight-only and no-interstate restrictions may be permanent unless a doctor or court removes them.
Can I remove a restriction myself?
For vision restrictions, yes — pass a vision test at a DDS office and it is removed. For other restrictions, you need medical documentation, a court order, or the passage of time. Contact DDS to find out the exact requirements for your specific restriction.
Will a restriction affect my car insurance rates?
The restriction itself may not, but the reason behind it often does. An ignition interlock restriction signals a DUI conviction, which raises your premium. A vision restriction alone usually does not affect your rate, but violating it could void your coverage in a crash.