Restriction A is a requirement to wear corrective lenses while driving
Restriction A means you must wear eyeglasses or contact lenses every time you drive. It appears on your license as a condition of your driving privilege, not as a mark against you. The restriction exists because your vision meets the legal standard for driving only when corrected.
When you took your vision test at the DMV, the examiner found that your uncorrected vision (without glasses or contacts) fell below the threshold your state requires. With correction, your vision met the standard. The DMV issued the restriction to make sure you drive safely and legally.
You will see "Restriction A" printed on the front or back of your physical license, depending on your state. Some states use the letter A; others may phrase it as "corrective lenses required" or "must wear glasses/contacts." The exact wording varies, but the meaning is the same across all states.
Key Takeaways
- Restriction A requires you to wear glasses or contact lenses every time you operate a vehicle.
- The restriction appears on your license because your uncorrected vision does not meet your state's driving standard.
- Driving without your corrective lenses while under Restriction A is a violation and can result in a ticket.
- You can have the restriction removed by passing a vision test without correction, though this is uncommon.
- Restriction A does not affect your ability to renew your license or explore for other types of driving privileges.
Why the DMV places Restriction A on your license
Your state's DMV has a minimum vision standard for safe driving. The standard is usually measured as visual acuity — how clearly you can see objects at a specific distance. Most states require at least 20/40 vision in each eye, or 20/30 combined, though the exact threshold varies by state.
If your uncorrected vision is worse than that standard, you cannot legally drive without correction. The DMV does not deny you a license; instead, it issues one with Restriction A attached. This allows you to drive safely while protecting other people on the road.
The restriction is not permanent. If your vision improves naturally or if you choose to have corrective surgery, you can request a new vision test and ask the DMV to remove the restriction. However, most people keep the restriction for life because natural vision improvement in adults is rare.
What happens if you drive without your glasses or contacts
Driving without your corrective lenses while under Restriction A is a traffic violation. An officer who stops you can cite you for violating the terms of your license, even if your driving was otherwise safe and legal. The violation typically carries a fine and may add points to your driving record, depending on your state.
The violation is separate from any other traffic offense. For example, if you are pulled over for speeding and the officer notices you are not wearing glasses, you can be cited for both speeding and violating Restriction A. Some states treat the restriction violation as a misdemeanor if you cause an accident while driving without correction.
Insurance companies also monitor license restrictions. If you are in an accident and your insurer discovers you were driving without required correction, they may deny your claim or cancel your policy. This is why following the restriction matters even on short trips or familiar roads.
How Restriction A appears on your license and what it looks like
The restriction is printed directly on your physical driver's license, usually on the back or in a designated restrictions section on the front. You will see the letter "A" or the words "corrective lenses required." Some states also print it in the digital record the DMV keeps, which law enforcement can see when they run your license.
The placement and format depend on your state. California prints restrictions on the back; New York prints them on the front. Some states use a code system where A stands for corrective lenses, while others spell it out in plain language. Regardless of format, any restriction on your license is visible to police officers during a traffic stop.
When you renew your license, the restriction carries forward automatically unless you request a new vision test and pass it without correction. You do not need to do anything special to keep the restriction active — it remains part of your license record until you ask the DMV to remove it.
Removing Restriction A from your license
To remove Restriction A, you must pass a vision test without wearing glasses or contacts. You can request this test at your local DMV office. The examiner will test your uncorrected vision using the same standard your state uses for all drivers. If you meet the minimum requirement, the restriction is removed and a new license is issued.
Corrective eye surgery, such as LASIK or PRK, can make this possible. If you have surgery and your uncorrected vision improves to meet your state's standard, you can take the vision test and have the restriction removed. However, the surgery is expensive and not covered by most insurance plans, so most people keep their restriction and straightforward wear their glasses or contacts.
Some people ask whether they can remove the restriction by switching to contacts instead of glasses. The restriction does not distinguish between the two — it only requires that you wear some form of correction. Contacts count as correction, so wearing contacts satisfies Restriction A just as glasses do.
Other common license restrictions and how they differ
Restriction A is one of many conditions the DMV can place on a license. Restriction B requires automatic transmission only (no manual transmission vehicles). Restriction C requires a hearing aid. Restriction D limits you to daylight driving only. Each restriction addresses a specific safety concern.
Unlike some restrictions, Restriction A does not limit where or when you can drive. You can drive at night, on highways, or in any weather as long as you are wearing your corrective lenses. The restriction is purely about vision correction, not about the type of vehicle or the conditions under which you drive.
If you have multiple restrictions, they all appear on your license. For example, you might have both Restriction A (corrective lenses) and Restriction D (daylight only). Each one is a separate condition you must follow while driving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive with just one eye corrected if I have Restriction A?
No. Restriction A requires corrective lenses, and the DMV expects you to wear the prescription that was tested and approved. If your prescription corrects both eyes, you must wear the full prescription. If you have questions about whether your specific prescription meets the requirement, contact your local DMV office.
Does Restriction A affect my ability to get a commercial driver's license?
Possibly. Commercial driver's licenses (CDLs) have their own vision standards, which are often stricter than regular license standards. You may be able to get a CDL with Restriction A, but some states require better uncorrected vision for commercial driving. Check with your state's DMV about CDL vision requirements.
What if I forget my glasses and get pulled over?
You can be cited for violating Restriction A. The officer does not need to see you driving unsafely — the violation is straightforward driving without the required correction. If this happens, you will receive a ticket and may face a fine. Some states allow you to contest the ticket if you can show you were wearing correction at the time, so keep your glasses or contacts with you.
Does Restriction A show up on my driving record when I explore for insurance?
Yes. Insurance companies can see all restrictions on your license. Restriction A itself does not increase your rates, but if you are cited for violating it, that violation appears on your record and may affect your premiums. This is another reason to follow the restriction consistently.
Can I get Restriction A removed if I have had eye surgery?
Yes. If you have had LASIK, PRK, or another corrective surgery and your uncorrected vision now meets your state's standard, you can request a vision test at the DMV. If you pass, the restriction is removed and a new license is issued. Bring documentation of your surgery if the DMV asks for it.