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 time-based restriction imposed by your state's licensing authority, usually because of a medical condition, medication side effect, or a conviction-related requirement. The restriction appears on your license as a code and is legally binding — driving outside the permitted hours can result in a traffic violation, fines, or license suspension.
Rest B is one of several medical or safety restrictions states use to allow people to hold a license while managing a documented risk. Other common restrictions include corrective lenses only, automatic transmission only, or hand controls required. Rest B specifically addresses fatigue, impaired alertness, or conditions that worsen at night.
The restriction does not mean you cannot drive at all. You can drive during daylight and early evening hours without penalty. The goal is to keep you off the road during times when your condition is most likely to affect your safety or the safety of others.
Key Takeaways
- Rest B prohibits driving between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m., and violating it is a traffic offense.
- The restriction is placed on your license by your state's DMV or licensing agency, usually based on a medical evaluation or court order.
- You can drive freely during the permitted hours without any additional documentation or permission.
- Removing Rest B requires you to contact your licensing agency and provide updated medical information or documentation that the restriction is no longer necessary.
Why Rest B appears on a license
Rest B is typically ordered when a medical professional or court determines that a driver's condition poses a safety risk during nighttime hours. Common reasons include sleep disorders such as narcolepsy or severe sleep apnea, medications that cause drowsiness or impaired concentration, seizure disorders that are more likely to occur at night, or vision problems that worsen in low light.
In some cases, Rest B is imposed following a DUI or reckless driving conviction as a condition of license reinstatement. The restriction gives the driver a way to keep their license while reducing the risk of a repeat incident during high-risk hours.
Your state's DMV does not impose Rest B without documentation. A medical evaluation, a letter from your doctor, a court order, or a combination of these typically triggers the restriction. If you received Rest B, you should have received written notice explaining the reason and the effective date.
How to check if you have Rest B on your license
Your driver's license lists all restrictions in a dedicated section, usually on the back or in a codes box on the front. Look for the word "Restrictions" or a section labeled "Codes." Rest B will appear as text or as a code number — the exact format varies by state. Some states print it as "Rest B," others as a numeric code like "B" or a longer alphanumeric sequence.
If you are unsure whether you have the restriction, you can check your license record online through your state's DMV website. Most states allow you to view your license information by entering your license number and date of birth. You can also visit a DMV office in person and ask a staff member to review your record.
If Rest B appears on your license but you do not remember receiving it or do not understand why it is there, contact your state's DMV directly. They can provide the reason and the date it was imposed.
What happens if you drive during restricted hours
Driving between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m. while Rest B is on your license is a traffic violation. The penalty varies by state but typically includes a fine, points on your driving record, and possible license suspension. In some states, a violation can be treated as a misdemeanor, especially if it is a repeat offense.
Law enforcement can see Rest B on your license during a traffic stop. If you are pulled over during restricted hours, the officer will likely cite you for violating the restriction. Even if the stop is for an unrelated reason — a broken taillight, for example — the violation will be documented.
A violation also affects your insurance rates and your ability to renew your license without additional requirements. It may trigger a mandatory medical re-evaluation or extend the restriction period.
How to remove Rest B from your license
Removing Rest B requires you to contact your state's DMV and provide evidence that the restriction is no longer necessary. The process depends on why the restriction was imposed. If it was medical, you will need a letter from your doctor stating that your condition has improved or resolved and that you are safe to drive at all hours. If it was court-ordered, you may need to petition the court or provide documentation of completed requirements.
Start by calling your state's DMV and asking what documentation they need to remove the restriction. Some states require a medical evaluation by a state-approved physician rather than your own doctor. Others accept a letter from your treating physician. Ask whether there is a fee for the review process.
Once you submit the required documentation, the DMV will review it and notify you of their decision. The process typically takes two to four weeks. If approved, you will receive a new license without the restriction. If denied, the DMV will explain what additional information is needed.
Rest B versus other common license restrictions
Rest B is one of many restrictions states use to manage driver safety. Understanding the difference helps you know what your license allows.
| Restriction | What It Means | Who Gets It |
|---|---|---|
| Rest B | No driving between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m. | Drivers with fatigue-related conditions or night-time safety concerns |
| Corrective Lenses | Must wear glasses or contacts while driving | Drivers with vision problems that are corrected by lenses |
| Automatic Transmission Only | Can only drive vehicles with automatic transmission | Drivers with physical limitations affecting clutch or gear control |
| Hand Controls Required | Must use hand-operated controls for acceleration and braking | Drivers with lower-body mobility limitations |
| No Freeway Driving | Restricted to local roads and surface streets | Drivers with certain medical or age-related limitations |
Unlike restrictions such as corrective lenses, which are permanent unless your vision changes, Rest B may be temporary. If your condition improves, you can request removal. If it is court-ordered, it may expire after a set period or when you meet other requirements.
What to do if you need to drive during restricted hours
If Rest B prevents you from driving during hours you need to travel — for work, medical appointments, or emergencies — you have limited options. You cannot legally drive during restricted hours, even for essential purposes, unless the restriction is removed.
Your best option is to request an exception or modification from your state's DMV. Some states allow temporary waivers or modifications for documented hardship, such as a job that requires night driving or a medical appointment that cannot be scheduled during permitted hours. Contact your DMV and explain your situation. They will tell you whether an exception is possible and what documentation you need to provide.
If an exception is not available, you will need to arrange alternative transportation — carpooling, public transit, or a ride service — during restricted hours. This is not ideal, but it is the legal requirement while Rest B is on your license.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive at 5 a.m. or 10 p.m. exactly?
Yes. Rest B prohibits driving between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m., which means you can drive starting at 5 a.m. and must stop driving at 10 p.m. The restriction applies to the hours in between, not the boundary times themselves.
Does Rest B appear on my physical license card?
Yes, it will be listed in the restrictions section of your license. The format varies by state — some print it as "Rest B," others use a code number. Check the back of your card or ask a DMV staff member to point it out if you cannot find it.
If I move to another state, does Rest B transfer?
No. Each state manages its own license restrictions. When you get a new license in a different state, the new state's DMV will review your driving record and medical history. They may impose the same restriction, a different one, or none at all, depending on their rules and your documentation.
How long does Rest B usually stay on a license?
It depends on why it was imposed. Medical restrictions may be permanent until your condition improves or you provide updated medical information. Court-ordered restrictions may expire after a set period or when you meet other requirements. Contact your DMV to find out the status of your specific restriction.
Can I get a hardship license if Rest B prevents me from driving?
Some states offer hardship or occupational licenses that allow limited driving during restricted hours for work or medical reasons. Availability and requirements vary by state. Contact your DMV to ask whether this option is available to you and what you need to provide.