Restriction A is a requirement to wear corrective lenses while driving
Restriction A on your driver's license means you must wear eyeglasses or contact lenses every time you drive. The restriction appears on your license as a condition of your driving privilege, and driving without the required correction is a violation — even if you can see reasonably well without them on a particular day.
This restriction is issued when the vision test at the DMV shows you need correction to meet the state's minimum vision standard. Most states require 20/40 vision or better to drive safely. If you fail that test without glasses or contacts but pass with them, the DMV will add Restriction A to your license.
The restriction stays on your record until you pass a vision test without correction, or until you renew your license and pass the vision screening at that time. Some states allow you to remove it sooner by visiting the DMV and taking another vision test.
Key Takeaways
- Restriction A requires you to wear glasses or contacts every time you operate a vehicle, with no exceptions for short trips or familiar roads.
- The DMV adds this restriction when your uncorrected vision falls below the state minimum but corrected vision meets the standard.
- Driving with Restriction A but without your glasses or contacts is a traffic violation that can result in a fine or citation.
- You can have the restriction removed by passing a vision test without correction at your local DMV office.
- If you wear bifocals or progressive lenses, make sure the prescription is current, because an outdated prescription may not meet the vision standard.
How the DMV assigns Restriction A
When you take your vision test at the DMV, the examiner tests your sight both with and without correction. If your uncorrected vision is below the legal minimum — usually 20/40 — but your corrected vision meets or exceeds it, the DMV will issue your license with Restriction A printed on the front or back.
The restriction is automatic; you do not choose it. The DMV is required by state law to place this condition on your license to protect public safety. The logic is straightforward: if you cannot see well enough to pass the vision test without glasses or contacts, you should not drive without them.
Some states also add Restriction A if you have a significant difference in vision between your two eyes, even if both eyes together meet the minimum. This is called anisometropia, and it can affect depth perception and peripheral vision while driving.
What happens if you drive without your glasses or contacts
Driving with Restriction A on your license but without the required correction is a traffic violation. A police officer who stops you can cite you for this infraction, and you may face a fine. The fine amount varies by state but typically ranges from $50 to $200 for a first offense.
Beyond the fine, the violation goes on your driving record. If you accumulate multiple violations, your insurance rates may increase, and your license could be suspended. Some states treat this violation more seriously if you are involved in an accident while driving without correction.
The violation is also separate from any ticket for the original reason you were stopped. If an officer pulls you over for speeding and notices you are not wearing glasses, you can receive two citations: one for speeding and one for violating Restriction A.
How to remove Restriction A from your license
The most straightforward way to remove Restriction A is to visit your local DMV office and request a vision test. If you pass the test without glasses or contacts — meaning your uncorrected vision now meets the state minimum — the DMV will issue you a new license without the restriction.
You can also have the restriction removed during a license renewal. When you renew, you will take a vision test as part of the process. If your uncorrected vision has improved and now meets the standard, the new license will not include Restriction A.
Some people have vision correction surgery, such as LASIK or PRK, to improve their uncorrected vision. If you have this surgery and your vision afterward meets the state standard without glasses or contacts, you can visit the DMV to have the restriction removed. Bring documentation of your surgery and your current vision prescription from your eye doctor.
Restriction A versus other vision-related restrictions
Restriction A is the most common vision restriction, but some states use other codes for different vision conditions. Restriction B, for example, may explore if you have limited peripheral vision or other specific eye conditions. Restriction C sometimes applies to drivers who need to wear a special lens or prism.
The key difference is that Restriction A is purely about needing corrective lenses to meet the minimum vision standard. Other restrictions address specific eye conditions that require different types of correction or monitoring. Your license will clearly state which restrictions explore to you.
If you are unsure what a restriction on your license means, contact your state's DMV directly. You can also ask during your next visit to renew or update your license. The DMV staff can explain what the restriction requires and how to remove it if you wish.
Keeping your glasses or contacts prescription current
If you have Restriction A, it is important to keep your eyeglass or contact lens prescription up to date. An outdated prescription may not provide the vision correction you need to drive safely, and it could cause you to fail a vision test if you try to have the restriction removed.
Visit your eye doctor for an exam at least every two years, or more often if your vision changes. If you notice that your glasses or contacts no longer correct your vision as well as they used to, schedule an appointment sooner. Driving with an outdated prescription while you have Restriction A is still legal, but it defeats the purpose of the restriction and puts you at risk.
If you wear bifocals or progressive lenses, make sure the prescription includes the correct distance vision correction in the upper portion of the lens. Some people have problems with progressive lenses while driving because the intermediate or reading zones interfere with their view of the road. Talk to your eye doctor about lens options designed specifically for driving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive at night with Restriction A if I have good night vision?
No. Restriction A requires you to wear glasses or contacts at all times while driving, regardless of the time of day or lighting conditions. The restriction does not have exceptions for night driving, highway driving, or any other circumstance. If your license has Restriction A, you must wear correction every time you get behind the wheel.
What if I lost my glasses and need to drive?
If you have Restriction A and your glasses break or you lose them, you should not drive. Driving without the required correction is a violation. Instead, contact your eye doctor to get a replacement pair or temporary contacts as quickly as possible. If you need to drive urgently, ask someone else to drive you, or use a ride service.
Does Restriction A appear on my driving record that employers can see?
Restrictions appear on your license itself, not on your driving record in the way that violations and accidents do. However, if an employer or insurance company requests a copy of your actual license, they will see the restriction listed. Most employers do not care about Restriction A unless the job involves driving in conditions where vision is critical.
Can I get a restricted license if I do not want Restriction A?
No. The DMV assigns restrictions based on your vision test results, not on your preference. If your uncorrected vision does not meet the state minimum, the DMV is required to add Restriction A. You cannot opt out of it. Your only option is to improve your uncorrected vision through surgery or to accept the restriction and wear correction while driving.
Will Restriction A affect my insurance rates?
Restriction A itself does not directly affect your insurance rates. Insurance companies care about violations and accidents, not about the restrictions on your license. However, if you receive a citation for driving without the required correction, that violation will appear on your record and may increase your rates.