A restriction code is a condition on your license that limits how or when you can drive

A restriction on your driver's license is a rule that says you can drive, but only under certain conditions. The restriction appears as a letter code on your license — usually something like "B" or "D" — and each code means something different. You are still a licensed driver, but you must follow that restriction or you can be cited for a violation, even if you are a safe driver otherwise.

The most common restriction is automatic transmission only (code "B" in most states), which means you cannot drive a car with a manual clutch. Another frequent one is corrective lenses (code "X"), meaning you must wear glasses or contacts whenever you drive. Some restrictions limit where you can drive — for example, daylight hours only, or no highway driving.

Restrictions are different from suspensions or revocations. A suspension temporarily takes away your license; a revocation ends it. A restriction lets you keep your license but with boundaries. You get a restriction either because the state found you unsafe in a specific way during testing, or because a court ordered it as part of a sentence or probation condition.

Key Takeaways

  • A restriction code on your license is a condition that limits how, where, or when you can drive — not a suspension or revocation.
  • Common restrictions include automatic transmission only, corrective lenses required, daylight driving only, and no highway driving.
  • You get a restriction either because you failed part of the driving test or because a court ordered it as a condition of probation or sentencing.
  • Driving in violation of a restriction is a separate offense and can result in a citation even if you are otherwise driving safely.
  • You can request removal of a restriction by contacting your state's Department of Motor Vehicles and providing proof that the reason for the restriction no longer applies.

How restrictions show up on your physical license

Your restriction code appears in a specific box on the front or back of your license card, usually labeled "Restrictions" or "Conditions." It is printed as a single letter or sometimes a number, followed by a brief description of what it means. For example, code "B" might say "Automatic transmission only" or code "X" might say "Corrective lenses required."

If you have more than one restriction, your license will list all of them. You must follow every restriction listed. If you are unsure what a code means, your state's DMV website has a full list of restriction codes and their meanings — this is the fastest way to find out exactly what yours requires.

Common restriction codes and what they mean

Restriction codes vary slightly by state, but these are the ones you will see most often:

  • Automatic transmission only (usually "B"): You cannot drive a manual transmission vehicle. This restriction is common for drivers who failed the manual transmission portion of the driving test or who have a physical condition that makes operating a clutch unsafe.
  • Corrective lenses required (usually "X"): You must wear glasses or contact lenses whenever you drive. This is issued when your vision does not meet the standard without correction.
  • Daylight driving only (usually "D"): You can drive only between sunrise and sunset, or during daylight hours as defined by your state. This restriction is sometimes given to older drivers or those with certain vision conditions.
  • No highway driving (usually "H"): You cannot drive on interstate highways or limited-access roads. You are restricted to local roads and state highways.
  • Hearing aid required (usually "E"): You must wear a hearing aid while driving if you have a hearing impairment.
  • Ignition interlock device (usually "I"): Your vehicle must have an ignition interlock installed, which requires you to pass a breath test before the car will start. This is a court-ordered restriction for certain alcohol-related driving offenses.

Why the state puts restrictions on a license

A restriction is placed on your license for one of two reasons: either you did not fully pass the driving test, or a court ordered it as part of a sentence or probation condition.

If you failed part of the driving test — for example, you could not safely operate a manual transmission, or your vision was borderline — the examiner may issue a restriction instead of failing you outright. This lets you drive safely within your demonstrated abilities while you work on improving.

If a court ordered the restriction, it is usually tied to a criminal or traffic conviction. An ignition interlock device, for example, is almost always court-ordered after a DUI or DWI conviction. A daylight-only restriction might be ordered for a driver with a medical condition that affects their ability to drive at night. In these cases, the restriction stays on your record until the court or probation officer says it can be removed.

How to find out why you have a restriction

If your license shows a restriction and you are not sure why it is there, contact your state's Department of Motor Vehicles directly. You can usually call their customer service line, visit a local DMV office, or check your online DMV account if your state offers one.

Have your license number ready when you call. The DMV can tell you the exact reason the restriction was placed and what you need to do to have it removed. If the restriction was court-ordered, the DMV may direct you to contact your probation officer or the court that issued the order.

How to remove a restriction from your license

The process for removing a restriction depends on why it was placed. If it was placed because you did not pass part of the driving test, you can usually request removal by retaking that portion of the test and passing it. For example, if you have an automatic-transmission-only restriction, you can schedule a manual transmission test with your DMV. If you pass, the restriction is removed.

If the restriction was court-ordered, you cannot remove it yourself. You must wait until the court or your probation officer says the restriction can be lifted. This might happen when probation ends, when you complete a required program, or when a judge modifies the order. Contact your probation officer or the court to find out what conditions must be met.

Once the reason for the restriction no longer applies — you have passed the test, completed probation, or the court has modified the order — contact the DMV to request removal. You may need to provide documentation, such as a letter from your probation officer or a court order. The DMV will then issue you a new license without the restriction.

What happens if you drive in violation of a restriction

Driving in violation of a restriction is a separate traffic offense. If you are stopped by a police officer and they see that you are driving in violation of your restriction — for example, driving at night when your license says daylight only, or driving a manual transmission vehicle when your restriction says automatic only — you can be cited.

The penalty varies by state but typically includes a fine and points on your driving record. In some states, a violation can also lead to license suspension. Even if you are an otherwise safe driver, the violation stands because you broke the terms of your license.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive someone else's car if I have a restriction?

It depends on the restriction. If your restriction is about the type of vehicle (like automatic transmission only), you cannot drive a vehicle that violates that restriction, regardless of who owns it. If your restriction is about you personally (like corrective lenses required), you can drive any vehicle as long as you follow the personal restriction.

Does a restriction show up on my driving record when I explore for insurance?

Yes. Insurance companies can see your restrictions when they pull your driving record. Some restrictions may affect your rates or coverage, while others may not. Contact your insurance company to ask how your specific restriction affects your policy.

Can I get a restriction removed early?

If the restriction was placed because you failed part of the driving test, you can retake that test at any time. If it was court-ordered, you cannot remove it early unless the court modifies the order. Contact your probation officer or the court to ask about early removal.

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

When you get a new license in a different state, that state's DMV will see your restrictions from your previous license. Most states honor restrictions from other states, but the codes and names may be different. Contact your new state's DMV to confirm how your restrictions will appear on your new license.

Is a restriction the same as a suspension?

No. A restriction lets you keep your license but with conditions. A suspension temporarily takes your license away entirely. If your license is suspended, you cannot drive at all until the suspension is lifted.