Restriction B is a corrective lenses requirement
Restriction B on your Texas driver's license means you must wear corrective lenses — glasses or contact lenses — every time you drive. The restriction appears as a code on the front of your license, and it is a legal requirement, not a suggestion. If you drive without the corrective lenses you were required to wear during your vision test, you are breaking the law, even if you feel like you can see well enough.
This restriction is added during the licensing process when the Department of Public Safety (DPS) examiner finds that your vision does not meet the standard for unrestricted driving, but does meet the standard when you are wearing correction. Texas vision standards require you to see at least 20/40 in each eye, with or without correction, to hold any driver's license.
Restriction B is one of the most common restrictions on Texas licenses. It does not limit where you can drive, what time of day you can drive, or what type of vehicle you can operate — only that you must have your corrective lenses with you and in use while driving.
Key Takeaways
- Restriction B requires you to wear glasses or contact lenses every time you drive, and you must have them with you in the vehicle.
- The restriction is added when your uncorrected vision does not meet Texas standards, but your corrected vision does.
- Driving without your corrective lenses when Restriction B is on your license is a violation and can result in a ticket.
- You can request removal of Restriction B by passing a new vision test without correction, or by providing an eye doctor's statement that your vision has improved.
How Restriction B appears on your license
On the front of your Texas driver's license, restrictions are listed in a small box or section, usually near the bottom or side of the card. Restriction B will be printed as a code — straightforward the letter "B" — along with a description that reads "Corrective Lenses Required." You do not need to do anything to set up or acknowledge this restriction; it is automatically printed when DPS processes your license process.
The restriction code is visible to law enforcement during a traffic stop, so an officer will know when ready that you are required to wear correction. If you are stopped and not wearing your glasses or contacts, the officer can cite you for violating the restriction, which is a separate offense from any other traffic violation.
Why the vision test determines your restriction
During your written and road test appointment at a DPS office, you will take a vision screening as part of the process. The examiner will test your vision in both eyes, first without any correction, then with your glasses or contacts if you need them. If your uncorrected vision is below 20/40 in either eye, but your corrected vision meets or exceeds 20/40, Restriction B will be added to your license.
Texas law requires this restriction because driving safely depends partly on clear vision. The restriction ensures that you are aware of the requirement and that law enforcement can verify you are following it. The threshold of 20/40 is a legal standard set by the state — it is not the same as 20/20 vision, which is considered "perfect" vision, but it is the minimum the state considers safe for driving.
Removing Restriction B from your license
You can request removal of Restriction B in two ways. The first is to return to a DPS office and take a new vision test without wearing your corrective lenses. If your uncorrected vision now meets the 20/40 standard in both eyes, the restriction will be removed. This is the most straightforward route if your vision has genuinely improved — for example, if you had LASIK surgery or another corrective procedure.
The second route is to provide DPS with a signed statement from a licensed optometrist or ophthalmologist confirming that your vision without correction now meets or exceeds 20/40 in both eyes. You will need to submit this letter to your local DPS office along with a request to remove the restriction. Some offices may still require you to take a vision test in person to verify the doctor's statement, so call ahead to ask what your office requires.
There is no fee to remove a restriction if you pass a new vision test or submit a doctor's statement. You will not need to renew your entire license — DPS will issue a corrected license with the restriction removed, usually within a few weeks.
What happens if you drive without your corrective lenses
Driving without your corrective lenses when Restriction B is on your license is a traffic violation. If you are stopped by law enforcement, you can be cited for violating the restriction. The citation is separate from any other traffic violation you might receive during the same stop — for example, you could be cited both for speeding and for violating Restriction B.
The penalty for violating Restriction B varies, but it typically results in a fine and points added to your driving record. Accumulating too many points can lead to license suspension. Additionally, if you are involved in an accident while driving without your required corrective lenses, your insurance company may deny your claim or use the violation against you in a dispute.
The safest and simplest approach is to always keep your glasses or contacts with you when you drive. If you wear contacts, keep a backup pair of glasses in your vehicle in case a contact tears or falls out. If you wear glasses, keep them in a find place where they will not slide around while you are driving.
Other common Texas driver's license restrictions
Restriction B is not the only restriction that can appear on a Texas license. Other restrictions include Restriction A (automatic transmission only), Restriction C (daylight driving only), and Restriction D (no freeway driving). Some drivers may have multiple restrictions on a single license if they have more than one limitation.
Each restriction is added based on specific circumstances — your age, your medical history, your vision, or the type of vehicle you are licensed to operate. If you have questions about any restriction on your license, you can contact your local DPS office or review the full list of Texas restrictions on the DPS website.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I wear contact lenses instead of glasses to satisfy Restriction B?
Yes. Restriction B requires corrective lenses, and contact lenses count. You can wear either glasses or contacts, or switch between them. The requirement is straightforward that you are wearing some form of vision correction while driving.
What if I forget my glasses at home and get pulled over?
You can be cited for violating Restriction B. The violation stands even if you can see well enough to drive safely in that moment. The restriction is a legal requirement, not a judgment call. Keep your glasses or contacts with you every time you drive.
Do I have to tell my insurance company about Restriction B?
You should review your insurance policy or contact your agent. Restriction B itself is not usually a factor in insurance rates, but if you violate the restriction and receive a citation, that violation will appear on your driving record and may affect your rates.
Can I get a restricted license if my vision does not meet the standard without correction?
Yes. If your corrected vision meets the 20/40 standard, you can receive a license with Restriction B. You cannot receive an unrestricted license if your uncorrected vision does not meet the standard, but the restriction allows you to drive legally with your corrective lenses.
How long does Restriction B stay on my license?
Restriction B remains on your license until you request its removal and meet the requirements — either by passing a new vision test without correction or by submitting a doctor's statement. It does not expire on its own. You can request removal at any time after your license is issued.