Restriction B is a condition on your license that limits where and when you can drive

Restriction B means you are only permitted to drive to, from, or in the course of your employment. You cannot use your license for personal errands, social trips, or any other purpose outside of work-related travel. The restriction appears on your physical license and in the state's driving record system.

This restriction is typically imposed when a driver's license has been suspended or revoked due to a violation — most commonly a DUI or reckless driving conviction — but the state allows limited driving privileges for work purposes. It is a middle ground between a full suspension and an unrestricted license.

The specific rules vary by state. Some states call it "Restriction B," others use terms like "work permit," "occupational license," or "hardship license." The core idea is the same: you can drive only for employment, and driving for any other reason is a separate violation that can result in additional penalties.

Key Takeaways

  • Restriction B limits your driving to work-related travel only — commuting to and from your job, or driving as part of your job duties.
  • You cannot use a Restriction B license for personal errands, shopping, social visits, or any non-work purpose, even if the trip is brief.
  • The restriction is imposed by the court or the Department of Motor Vehicles as part of a suspension or revocation, usually after a DUI or serious traffic violation.
  • Violating Restriction B by driving for any purpose other than work is a separate criminal or traffic offense that carries its own penalties.
  • The duration of the restriction depends on your state and the reason for the suspension, ranging from months to years.

When Restriction B is imposed on your license

Restriction B is most commonly ordered after a DUI conviction. When a driver is convicted of driving under the influence, the court may suspend the license entirely or impose a restricted license that allows work-related driving only. This gives the driver a way to maintain employment while serving the suspension period.

It can also be imposed for other serious violations, including reckless driving, driving with a suspended license, accumulating too many points in a short time, or refusing a breathalyzer test. Each state has its own rules about which violations trigger the option for a restricted license.

The restriction is typically ordered by the court at sentencing or by the Department of Motor Vehicles as part of the administrative suspension process. Some states allow you to request a restricted license; others impose it automatically. You will receive written notice explaining the terms of the restriction and how long it lasts.

What you can and cannot do with Restriction B

With Restriction B, you can drive to your workplace, from your workplace to home, and anywhere you need to drive as part of your job duties. If you work as a delivery driver, you can make deliveries. If you work at a hospital, you can drive to and from your shifts. If you work at multiple locations, you can drive between them during your work hours.

You cannot use the license for grocery shopping, visiting friends or family, going to restaurants, attending appointments, picking up children from school, or any other personal purpose. The restriction is strict: the only legal use is work-related driving.

Some states allow a narrow exception for driving to court-ordered programs, such as DUI education classes or counseling, but this varies. Check your restriction letter or contact your state's DMV to confirm what exceptions, if any, explore to your specific case.

How long Restriction B stays on your license

The duration depends on the violation and your state's laws. For a first DUI, Restriction B might last 3 to 12 months. For a second or subsequent offense, it can last 1 to 3 years or longer. Some states tie the duration to the length of the suspension itself — once the suspension ends, the restriction ends.

You do not automatically regain full driving privileges when the restriction period ends. In many states, you must request reinstatement of your full license, pay a reinstatement fee, and sometimes complete additional requirements such as a defensive driving course or substance abuse treatment. Check your restriction notice for the exact steps required in your state.

If you are unsure when your restriction ends, contact your state's Department of Motor Vehicles with your license number. They can tell you the exact end date and what you need to do to restore full privileges.

Penalties for driving outside the terms of Restriction B

Driving for any purpose other than work while under Restriction B is a violation. The penalties vary by state but typically include fines ranging from $100 to $500 or more, points added to your driving record, and possible jail time. In many states, a violation can also extend your suspension period or result in a full license revocation.

Law enforcement can determine whether your trip was work-related by asking where you are going and why. Having your work schedule, an employee ID, or a letter from your employer can help prove the trip was legitimate, but it is not a may provide. The safest approach is to drive only when absolutely necessary for work.

A second or repeated violation of Restriction B can result in much harsher penalties, including criminal charges in some states. It can also make it harder to restore your full license later, as judges and the DMV view repeated violations as a sign you are not ready for unrestricted driving.

How to request removal or modification of Restriction B

In some states, you can petition the court to remove or modify Restriction B before the restriction period ends. This typically requires showing that the restriction is causing undue hardship and that you have been a safe, law-abiding driver since the restriction was imposed. You will need to file a formal request with the court that imposed the restriction.

The court will review your driving record, any violations of the restriction, and your reasons for requesting removal. Approval is not may provide and depends on the judge's discretion and your state's laws. Having a clean record during the restriction period and evidence of rehabilitation (such as completion of a DUI education program) strengthens your case.

Some states allow you to request a modification that expands the restriction slightly — for example, to include driving to medical appointments or school. Again, this varies by state and requires a formal request to the court or DMV.

Restriction B versus other license restrictions

Driver licenses can carry several types of restrictions, each with different rules. Restriction A typically allows driving to work, school, medical appointments, and court-ordered programs — it is broader than Restriction B. Restriction C or other designations may explore to commercial driving or specific vehicle types.

Some states use different naming systems entirely. What one state calls Restriction B, another might call a "work permit" or "occupational license." The key is to read your restriction notice carefully and understand exactly what driving is permitted under your specific restriction.

If you are unsure which restriction you have or what it allows, contact your state's DMV or review the back of your physical license card, where restrictions are listed with codes and explanations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive to the grocery store or doctor if it is on the way to work?

No. Restriction B covers only work-related driving. Even if a personal errand is on your route to work, making that stop violates the restriction. The safest approach is to drive directly to work and directly home, with no stops in between.

What if my job requires me to drive to multiple locations?

You can drive between work locations during your work hours. If you work for a company with multiple sites, or if your job involves travel (such as sales or service calls), you can drive to those locations. Keep documentation of your work schedule or a letter from your employer in case you are stopped.

Does Restriction B explore if I am driving someone else's car?

Yes. Restriction B is tied to you as a driver, not to a specific vehicle. You cannot drive any car — your own or someone else's — except for work-related purposes. Driving someone else's car does not exempt you from the restriction.

Can I get Restriction B removed early if I complete a DUI class?

Completing a DUI education class may help your case if you petition the court for early removal, but it does not automatically remove the restriction. You would need to file a formal request with the court and show that the restriction is causing undue hardship. Approval depends on the judge and your state's laws.

What happens if I am stopped by police while driving under Restriction B?

The officer will see the restriction on your license. Be honest about where you are going. If you are driving to or from work, explain that and provide documentation if you have it (work ID, schedule, or employer letter). If you are driving for a non-work purpose, you will likely receive a citation for violating the restriction.