The main restrictions depend on your license class and any conditions the DMV added to yours

Driver's license restrictions are rules printed on your license or set by your state's DMV that limit how and when you can drive. Some restrictions explore to everyone with a certain license class — for example, a learner's permit holder cannot drive alone. Others are personal to you, based on your medical history, vision, or the reason you got a restricted license in the first place. Your license card shows your restrictions as letter codes in a small box; your state's DMV website has a key that explains what each code means.

The restrictions you face depend on three things: your license class (learner's permit, regular, commercial), your age, and any medical or legal conditions the DMV flagged when you applied or renewed. A 16-year-old with a learner's permit has different rules than a 45-year-old with a standard license who wears corrective lenses. Understanding what your specific restrictions are takes five minutes — look at your license, find the restriction codes, and cross-reference them on your state DMV's website.

Key Takeaways

  • Learner's permit holders cannot drive alone; they must have a licensed adult in the front seat, and some states restrict night driving and passenger limits.
  • Restricted licenses often come with conditions like "corrective lenses required" or "automatic transmission only," and driving without meeting those conditions is a violation.
  • Commercial driver's license restrictions are stricter than regular licenses and may prohibit certain cargo, passenger types, or routes.
  • Your license card shows restriction codes in a box; your state DMV website explains what each letter or number means.
  • Violating a restriction on your license can result in a ticket, fine, or license suspension, even if you would normally be allowed to drive.

Learner's permit restrictions: supervision and timing

A learner's permit (also called a learner's license or instruction permit) comes with the strictest rules because you are still learning. You cannot drive alone under any circumstance — a licensed driver aged 21 or older (some states say 18 or 25) must sit in the front passenger seat. That person must have a valid license; a permit holder cannot supervise another permit holder.

Many states also restrict when you can drive. Common rules include no driving between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m., or no driving after sunset. Some states limit how many passengers you can carry — often zero passengers under 20 years old, with exceptions for family members. These rules exist in roughly 40 states, though the exact times and passenger limits vary. Check your state's DMV website for the specific rules where you got your permit.

Violating a learner's permit restriction — driving alone, driving at a forbidden time, or carrying too many passengers — can result in a ticket and fine. It can also delay your move to a regular license or lead to license suspension. The supervising driver can also be cited in some states.

Medical and vision restrictions on regular licenses

If you have a condition that affects your ability to drive safely, the DMV may issue your license with a restriction. The most common is "corrective lenses required" — you must wear glasses or contacts every time you drive, even for a short trip. Other medical restrictions include "hearing aid required," "automatic transmission only" (if you cannot use a manual clutch), or "left foot accelerator only" (if you have a right leg injury).

Some states add restrictions based on seizure disorders, sleep apnea, or medications that cause drowsiness. The DMV may require you to have a doctor's note or pass a medical exam before renewing your license. If your condition changes — for example, you have eye surgery and no longer need glasses — contact your DMV to have the restriction removed.

Driving without meeting a restriction is a violation. If you are pulled over and you are not wearing required glasses, the officer can ticket you. If you cause an accident and the officer discovers you were violating a restriction, your insurance may deny your claim, and you could face additional penalties.

Age-based restrictions on regular licenses

Drivers under 18 or 21 (depending on your state) often have restrictions even on a regular, non-learner license. These are called "graduated driver licensing" rules. Common restrictions include no driving between midnight and 5 a.m., no passengers under 20 years old (except family), and no use of a cell phone while driving — even hands-free in some states.

These restrictions usually expire on a set date — often your 18th or 21st birthday, or after you have held the license for a certain time without violations. Once you reach that age or date, the restrictions are automatically removed; you do not need to renew your license or contact the DMV. However, some states require you to renew your license to have the restrictions lifted, so check your state's rules.

Commercial driver's license restrictions

A commercial driver's license (CDL) has more restrictions than a regular license because you are operating a larger or more dangerous vehicle. A CDL restriction might limit you to intrastate driving only (within your state), prohibit hazardous materials, or restrict you to certain vehicle types. For example, a "Class B" restriction means you can drive a school bus or dump truck but not a tractor-trailer.

CDL restrictions are tied to the endorsements you hold. An endorsement is a special qualification — for example, "H" for hazmat or "P" for passengers. If you do not have the endorsement, you cannot haul that cargo or carry those passengers, even if your vehicle is capable. Violating a CDL restriction can result in fines, out-of-service orders, and loss of your commercial license.

Ignition interlock and monitoring restrictions

If you have been convicted of driving under the influence (DUI or DWI), your state may require an ignition interlock device — a machine that tests your breath before the car will start. This is a restriction, not a choice. You must use it every time you drive, and tampering with it or failing a breath test is a violation that can lead to license suspension.

Some states also issue a "monitoring license" that requires you to check in with the DMV or a probation officer at set intervals, or that restricts you to driving only to work, school, or medical appointments. These restrictions are temporary — they expire after a set period, usually one to three years — but you must follow them exactly while they are in place.

How to find your specific restrictions

Your license card has a box labeled "Restrictions" or "Codes" with letters or numbers. Each code stands for a specific rule. For example, "B" might mean "corrective lenses required," while "D" might mean "automatic transmission only." The codes vary by state, so you cannot assume the same letter means the same thing in two different states.

To decode your restrictions, go to your state's DMV website and search for "restriction codes" or "license codes." Most states have a table that lists every code and what it means. If you cannot find it online, call your state DMV directly — they can read your restrictions to you over the phone. If you disagree with a restriction or believe it was added in error, you can request a hearing or ask your doctor to provide evidence that the restriction should be removed.

What happens if you violate a restriction

Driving in violation of a restriction is a traffic offense. The penalty depends on the restriction and your state, but typically includes a fine of $50 to $500, points on your driving record, and possible license suspension. If you cause an accident while violating a restriction, your insurance may refuse to pay, and you could face additional civil liability.

Some violations are more serious than others. Driving without corrective lenses or with an expired ignition interlock is usually a minor offense. Driving with a suspended license or violating a CDL restriction is more serious and can result in jail time in some states. If you receive a ticket for violating a restriction, contact a traffic attorney in your area — they can advise you on whether to contest it or negotiate a reduced penalty.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive with a learner's permit if the supervising driver is in the back seat?

No. Most states require the supervising driver to sit in the front passenger seat. Some states allow the supervisor to be anywhere in the vehicle, but check your state's rules to be sure. If your state requires front-seat supervision and the supervisor is in the back, you are violating your permit restriction.

What if I need to drive but I have a medical restriction I cannot meet?

Contact your state DMV and explain your situation. If your restriction is temporary — for example, you are waiting for eye surgery — the DMV may issue a temporary waiver or allow you to renew early after your condition improves. If the restriction is permanent, you may be able to request a hearing to challenge it with medical evidence, or you may need to explore other transportation options.

Do I have to tell my insurance company about my license restrictions?

Yes. When you buy or renew car insurance, you must disclose any restrictions on your license. If you do not and you cause an accident, your insurance company may deny your claim. Some restrictions, like corrective lenses, do not usually affect your rate, but others, like an ignition interlock, may increase your premium.

If I move to a new state, do my restrictions transfer?

No. When you get a license in a new state, the new state's DMV will issue restrictions based on your medical history and driving record, not based on what your old license said. Some restrictions, like medical ones, will likely transfer if you provide the same documentation. Others, like state-specific graduated licensing rules, will be replaced by the new state's rules.

Can a restriction be removed before it expires?

Yes, depending on the restriction. Medical restrictions can be removed if your condition improves and you provide a doctor's note. Age-based restrictions are automatically removed on a set date. Monitoring or ignition interlock restrictions can sometimes be removed early if you complete your probation early or meet other conditions set by the court. Contact your DMV or probation officer to ask about early removal.