Rest B is a medical restriction that limits when you can drive
Rest B on your driver's license means you are not permitted to drive between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m. It is a medical restriction imposed by your state's licensing authority, usually because a doctor reported that you have a condition affecting your ability to drive safely at night. The restriction appears as a code on your license card itself.
This restriction is separate from your license class or endorsements. It does not revoke your license or prevent you from driving during daylight hours. It straightforward narrows the times when you are legally allowed to operate a vehicle. Driving outside these permitted hours while Rest B is on your license is a violation and can result in a traffic citation.
Key Takeaways
- Rest B restricts driving to between 5 a.m. and 10 p.m., meaning you cannot legally drive at night with this restriction in place.
- A doctor's report about a medical condition—such as poor night vision, sleep disorders, or seizure disorders—typically triggers this restriction.
- The restriction code appears directly on your physical license card and is checked by law enforcement during traffic stops.
- You can request removal of Rest B by providing medical documentation to your state's licensing agency showing the condition no longer affects your driving safety.
- Violating Rest B by driving outside permitted hours can result in a traffic citation and points on your driving record.
Why Rest B appears on a license
Rest B is added to your license when a medical professional reports to your state's Department of Motor Vehicles that you have a condition that makes nighttime driving unsafe. Common conditions that trigger this restriction include poor night vision, cataracts, certain sleep disorders, or seizure disorders that are controlled during the day but pose a risk at night.
The restriction is a compromise between public safety and your ability to drive. Rather than suspending your license entirely, the state allows you to continue driving during hours when your condition is less likely to impair your judgment or reaction time. Your doctor does not decide to impose Rest B—they report the medical facts to the DMV, and the licensing authority makes the restriction decision.
How Rest B appears on your license card
Rest B shows up as a printed code or restriction notation on the front or back of your physical driver's license card. The exact format varies by state. Some states print it as "Rest B" directly; others use a code number that corresponds to a restriction legend on the back of the card. When a police officer scans or reads your license during a traffic stop, they will see this restriction when ready.
The restriction is also recorded in your state's licensing database. If you are pulled over at night, an officer can verify the restriction through their patrol car computer or by calling dispatch. Driving during restricted hours is treated as a moving violation in most states.
What hours you can and cannot drive
With Rest B in place, you are permitted to drive between 5 a.m. and 10 p.m. You cannot legally operate a vehicle between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m. This applies every day of the week, including weekends and holidays. There are no exceptions built into the restriction for emergencies or special circumstances—the restriction is absolute during those hours.
If you are stopped by police while driving between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m. with Rest B on your license, you can be cited for violating the restriction. The citation is typically treated as a moving violation and can add points to your driving record, increase your insurance rates, and potentially lead to license suspension if you accumulate too many violations.
How to request removal of Rest B
To have Rest B removed from your license, you must contact your state's Department of Motor Vehicles and provide medical documentation showing that your condition no longer affects your ability to drive safely at night. This usually means obtaining a letter or report from your doctor stating that the condition has improved, been treated, or is no longer a safety concern.
The process varies by state. Some states require you to submit the medical documentation by mail; others allow you to submit it in person at a DMV office or through an online portal. After the DMV receives and reviews your documentation, they will notify you whether the restriction has been removed. If approved, you will need to renew your license to receive a card without the Rest B restriction, though some states issue a replacement card when ready.
If your request is denied, ask the DMV what additional information or documentation they need. You may also ask whether you can request a hearing or appeal the decision. Some states allow you to resubmit after a certain period of time if your condition has changed.
Consequences of driving with Rest B outside permitted hours
Driving between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m. while Rest B is on your license is a traffic violation. The specific penalty depends on your state and whether you have prior violations. Most states treat it as a moving violation, which means it adds points to your driving record and can increase your insurance premiums.
A single violation may result in a fine ranging from $50 to $200, depending on your state. Multiple violations can lead to license suspension or revocation. If you are involved in an accident while driving during restricted hours, the violation strengthens any liability claim against you and may be used as evidence of negligence.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive during Rest B hours if it is an emergency?
No. Rest B is an absolute restriction with no emergency exception. Even if you are driving someone to the hospital or responding to an urgent situation, driving between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m. with Rest B on your license is a violation. If you face a genuine emergency, call 911 or ask someone without the restriction to drive.
Will Rest B show up on a background check?
Rest B is a license restriction, not a criminal record. It will not appear on a standard background check used by employers or landlords. However, it will appear on your driving record and will be visible to insurance companies and law enforcement.
How long does Rest B stay on my license?
Rest B remains on your license until you request removal and provide medical documentation that the condition no longer affects your driving safety. There is no automatic expiration date. You must take action to have it removed.
Can I get a hardship license if I have Rest B?
Hardship licenses are typically issued when a license is suspended or revoked. Since Rest B is a restriction rather than a suspension, you generally cannot get a hardship license. However, contact your state's DMV to ask whether any exceptions explore in your situation.
What if my doctor says I can drive at night but Rest B is still on my license?
Submit your doctor's written statement to your state's DMV along with a formal request to remove the restriction. The DMV will review the documentation and make a decision. If they deny your request, ask what additional information they need or whether you can appeal the decision.