What License Restrictions Are and Why They Appear

A license restriction is a condition printed on your driver's license that limits how or when you can drive. It is not a suspension or revocation — you keep your license and can drive, but only under the terms the DMV has set. Restrictions appear as codes on the back of your license card and in your driving record, and they are enforceable by law enforcement.

Restrictions are imposed for several reasons: to protect public safety when a driver has a medical condition, vision problem, or hearing loss; to enforce court orders related to DUI or traffic violations; or to may support a new or young driver gains experience under controlled conditions. Some restrictions are temporary and expire on a set date. Others remain until you meet specific conditions — like completing a course or passing a medical exam — and then request removal.

The codes used to mark restrictions vary by state, but common ones include corrective lenses required, automatic transmission only, daylight driving only, and ignition interlock device. Understanding what your restriction means and what you must do to comply is essential, because driving in violation of a restriction can result in fines, points on your record, or license suspension.

Key Takeaways

  • Restrictions are conditions on your license that limit when, where, or how you can drive, and they are printed as codes on your card and in your DMV record.
  • Common restrictions include corrective lenses, automatic transmission only, daylight driving only, and ignition interlock devices, each tied to a specific reason.
  • Some restrictions are temporary and expire automatically; others require you to complete a course, pass a medical exam, or meet a court order before you can request removal.
  • Driving in violation of a restriction is a separate offense and can result in fines, points, or suspension even if your license itself is valid.
  • You can view your restrictions by checking your license card, requesting your driving record from your state DMV, or logging into your DMV online account if available.

Common Types of Restrictions and What They Mean

The most frequent restriction is corrective lenses required (often marked as code 1 or "B"). This means you must wear glasses or contact lenses every time you drive. The restriction is placed after a vision test shows you do not meet the standard without correction. Driving without your lenses when this restriction is in place is a violation, even if you can see well enough to navigate.

Automatic transmission only (often code 10 or "E") means you cannot operate a manual transmission vehicle. This restriction is typically placed after a medical exam shows you lack the physical ability to operate a clutch safely — for example, due to a leg injury or neurological condition. It may be temporary (while you recover) or permanent (if the condition is permanent).

Daylight driving only (often code 12 or "D") restricts you to driving between sunrise and sunset, or during specified hours such as 5 a.m. to 8 p.m. This restriction is common for older drivers whose vision or reaction time may be compromised in low light, or for drivers with certain medical conditions. Some states also impose this on newly licensed young drivers as a graduated licensing measure.

Ignition interlock device required (often code 24 or "I") means you must have a breath-testing device installed in your vehicle. You blow into the device before the engine will start; if alcohol is detected, the car will not start. This restriction is court-ordered in most cases following a DUI conviction and remains in place for a set period — typically one to three years depending on the offense and state law.

Other restrictions include hearing aid required, outside mirror required, left foot accelerator required, and hand controls required — all tied to specific physical or sensory conditions. Your state DMV publishes a complete list of restriction codes in its driver handbook or on its website.

How Restrictions Are Imposed and When They Take Effect

Restrictions can be placed on your license through several routes. During a vision or medical exam at the DMV, an examiner may identify a condition that requires a restriction. If you fail the vision test without correction but pass with glasses, the corrective lenses restriction is added when ready. If a medical exam reveals a physical limitation, the examiner will note it and the DMV will add the appropriate restriction to your record.

A court order is another common source. After a DUI conviction, the court orders the DMV to place an ignition interlock restriction on your license. After a traffic violation or reckless driving conviction, the court may order other restrictions as a condition of keeping your license. The DMV receives the court order and adds the restriction to your record; you are typically notified by mail.

Graduated licensing laws for young drivers impose restrictions automatically when a permit or license is first issued. These may include no driving between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m., no passengers under age 21, and daylight-only driving during the permit phase. These restrictions expire on a set date or when the driver reaches a certain age and meets other conditions.

When a restriction is imposed, it takes effect when ready in the DMV system. If you are renewing your license, the restriction will appear on your new card. If the restriction is added mid-cycle, you may receive a new card in the mail, or the restriction may appear only in your digital record until your next renewal. Always check your license card and your online DMV record to confirm what restrictions are currently active.

Removing or Modifying a Restriction

The process for removing a restriction depends on why it was placed and what your state's rules are. For corrective lenses restrictions, you must pass a vision test without correction (or with a different correction) at the DMV. Schedule a vision exam, pass it, and request that the restriction be removed. The DMV will issue you a new license card without the restriction.

For medical or physical restrictions like automatic transmission only or hand controls required, you typically need a letter from your doctor stating that the condition has improved or resolved and that you are safe to drive without the restriction. Submit this letter to your state DMV along with a request form (available on the DMV website or in person). Some states require you to pass a new medical exam at the DMV as well. Processing time varies, but expect two to four weeks.

For ignition interlock restrictions, removal is tied to the court order. You cannot remove it yourself. Once the court-ordered period ends, you must request removal from the DMV, usually by submitting proof that the interlock period is complete (a letter from the interlock provider or the court). Some states require you to have the device removed by a certified installer and submit proof of removal before the DMV will lift the restriction.

Graduated licensing restrictions expire automatically on the date specified in state law — usually when you turn a certain age or after holding the license for a set period. You do not need to request removal; your record updates automatically. However, if you want a new license card without the restrictions printed on it, you can request a replacement card from the DMV.

If you believe a restriction was placed in error, contact your state DMV directly. Bring documentation supporting your case — for example, a recent vision test showing you meet the standard without correction, or a letter from your doctor. The DMV will review your request and may schedule a new exam or hearing.

Consequences of Driving in Violation of a Restriction

Driving in violation of a restriction is a separate traffic offense, distinct from driving with a suspended or revoked license. If you are stopped and an officer discovers you violated a restriction — for example, driving at night when daylight-only is in effect, or driving without corrective lenses when they are required — you can be cited and fined.

The penalty varies by state and the type of restriction, but typically ranges from $50 to $500 in fines. More importantly, a violation adds points to your driving record. In most states, accumulating too many points within a set period (usually three years) can trigger a license suspension. A violation can also be used against you in court if you are involved in an accident, as it shows you were not following the terms of your license.

If you are caught driving with an ignition interlock restriction but without the device installed, the penalty is more severe — often a misdemeanor charge, substantial fines, and possible jail time, because this is treated as driving with a suspended license.

Checking Your Current Restrictions

You can view your restrictions in three ways. First, check your physical license card. Look at the back of the card for a series of codes or a text description of restrictions. Most states print restriction codes in a specific field labeled "Restrictions" or "Endorsements." If you cannot read the codes, your state DMV handbook explains what each code means.

Second, request your driving record from your state DMV. You can do this online (if your state offers it), by mail, or in person. Your official driving record lists all restrictions currently on file, along with their effective dates and, if applicable, expiration dates. This record is more detailed than your license card and is what law enforcement sees when they run your license.

Third, log into your state DMV online account if available. Many states now offer a portal where you can view your license status, restrictions, points, and renewal dates. Check your state DMV website to see if this service is available to you.

If you see a restriction you do not recognize or believe is incorrect, contact your state DMV when ready. Errors do occur — for example, a restriction may not have been removed after a condition resolved, or it may have been added to the wrong record. The DMV can investigate and correct the error, but you must report it.

State-by-State Variation in Restriction Codes and Rules

Restriction codes and the rules governing them vary significantly by state. For example, some states use single-digit codes (1, 2, 3), while others use letters (A, B, C) or two-digit codes (10, 12, 24). The conditions that trigger a restriction also differ. One state may impose daylight-only driving on all drivers over age 80, while another does not use this restriction at all.

Graduated licensing restrictions for young drivers vary widely. Some states restrict night driving only during the permit phase; others extend it through the first year of licensure. Some states limit passengers; others do not. The age at which restrictions expire also differs — typically between ages 16.5 and 18, depending on the state and the type of restriction.

Court-ordered restrictions, particularly ignition interlock, also vary. The length of time you must have the device installed depends on the state, the type of DUI offense, and whether it is a first or repeat offense. Some states require the device for six months; others require it for two or three years.

Because of this variation, you must check your specific state's DMV handbook or website to understand what your restrictions mean and what you must do to comply or remove them. Do not assume that a restriction in one state works the same way in another.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive with a restriction if I do not have the required item, like glasses or an ignition interlock?

No. Driving in violation of a restriction is a traffic offense. If your license has a corrective lenses restriction and you drive without glasses, or if you have an ignition interlock restriction and drive without the device installed, you can be cited and fined. The violation also adds points to your record.

How long does it take to remove a restriction?

It depends on the type. Vision restrictions can be removed the same day if you pass a vision test at the DMV. Medical restrictions usually take two to four weeks after you submit a doctor's letter and the DMV reviews it. Ignition interlock restrictions are tied to court orders and cannot be removed until the court-ordered period ends, which typically takes one to three years.

Will a restriction show up on my license if I renew?

Yes, unless it has been removed. When you renew your license, the DMV carries forward all active restrictions to your new card. If a restriction has expired or been removed, it will not appear on the new card. Always check your new card when you receive it to confirm the restrictions listed are correct.

What if I move to a different state — do my restrictions transfer?

Restrictions do not automatically transfer. When you get a license in a new state, that state's DMV will issue a new license based on your process and any exams you take. However, if you have a court-ordered restriction like ignition interlock, you may still be required to comply with it under the original court order, even in the new state. Check with both your original state's DMV and your new state's DMV to understand what applies to you.

Can I request a hearing if I disagree with a restriction?

Yes. If you believe a restriction was placed in error or is no longer necessary, contact your state DMV and ask about the process for requesting a hearing or review. You will need to provide evidence — such as a recent medical exam, vision test, or letter from a doctor — supporting your case. The DMV will review your request and may schedule a hearing or require you to pass a new exam.