Learn how to read the restrictions on your license, what each code means, and how to get them removed. Common restriction codes explained state by state.
The restrictions on your license are the small codes printed on your card that tell law enforcement exactly what conditions you must follow every time you drive. A "B" means you need corrective lenses. A "3" means daylight hours only. Ignoring these codes can result in a citation, a fine up to $250, or license suspension.
Most new drivers glance at their freshly issued license, see a line of letters they don't recognize, and shove the card in their wallet. That is a mistake. According to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, roughly 1 in 5 newly licensed drivers does not fully understand the conditions printed on their card. Those conditions are legally binding.
This guide breaks down every common restriction code, explains how they differ across states, and shows you how to get restrictions removed when you qualify.
Key Takeaways
- Restriction codes on your license are legally enforceable conditions. Violating them can lead to fines, points, or suspension.
- The most common restriction is corrective lenses (code B in most states), applying to about 64% of U.S. drivers according to the Vision Council.
- Codes vary by state. California uses letters (A, B, C), Texas uses numbers and letters, and New York uses a mix.
- GDL restrictions like nighttime curfews and passenger limits automatically expire at specific ages.
- You can remove many restrictions by passing a new test, providing medical clearance, or aging out of GDL requirements.
On most modern licenses, restriction codes appear in a designated field labeled "RESTRICTIONS" or "RSTR." Here is where to look:
If you see a code you do not recognize, look it up in your state's driver handbook. Every state DMV publishes a complete code list online.
While each state assigns its own code system, certain restrictions appear across nearly all 50 states.
| Code | Meaning | Who It Applies To |
|---|---|---|
| A | Corrective lenses (some states) | Drivers who fail uncorrected vision screening |
| B | Corrective lenses (most states) | Same as A in states using B |
| C | Mechanical aid / adaptive equipment | Drivers with physical limitations |
| E | No manual transmission | Drivers who tested in an automatic |
Corrective lenses is the most common restriction in the U.S. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that vision-related restrictions apply to more than 150 million license holders. Getting caught driving without your corrective lenses can result in a fine from $25 to $200.
If you got your license under a graduated driver license program, you likely have temporary restrictions. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) found that states with strong GDL programs saw a 20-40% reduction in fatal crashes among 16-year-old drivers. Common GDL restrictions include:
These restrictions phase out automatically in most states when you reach a specific age. For example, California lifts nighttime and passenger restrictions after 12 months or at age 18. Texas removes them at 18. Florida adjusts the curfew window at 17 and lifts restrictions entirely at 18.
The same letter can mean different things depending on where you hold your license.
| Restriction | California | Texas | Florida | New York |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Corrective lenses | A | A | A | B |
| Daylight only | B | B (GDL) | -- | -- |
| Auto transmission only | -- | L | E | B (class) |
| Outside mirrors | C | -- | -- | -- |
| Medical condition | -- | P | S | -- |
If you transfer your license to a new state, your old restrictions may be recoded, modified, or dropped entirely based on local rules. Never assume a code means the same thing across state lines.
Driving outside your restrictions is a traffic violation in every state.
First offense: A fine between $25 and $250 and a note on your driving record. In many states, this is a non-moving violation.
Repeat offenses: Larger fines, points on your license, and potential suspension. Some states escalate restriction violations to misdemeanor charges when paired with an accident.
GDL violations: Several states treat these more seriously. In New Jersey, violating the passenger limit on a provisional license triggers a mandatory $100 fine and a 30-day license postponement per offense.
The simplest way to avoid trouble is to know your restrictions cold. Check each code against the rules drivers commonly get wrong.
Many restrictions are not permanent.
Corrective lenses: If your vision has improved (after LASIK, for example), visit your DMV, pass the vision screening without glasses, and request an updated card. Fee is typically $10-$30.
GDL restrictions: These usually expire automatically at the qualifying age (18 in most states). If your card still shows outdated codes, bring your license and proof of age to the DMV for an update.
Automatic transmission only: Schedule a new road test in a manual transmission vehicle, pass it, and receive an updated license. This matters for drivers pursuing a commercial driver license.
New drivers often confuse these two concepts:
Both are printed on your license, sometimes in adjacent fields. Restrictions appear under "RSTR," while endorsements appear under "END." Know what to bring on your DMV test day if you are adding an endorsement or removing a restriction.
Questions about license restrictions appear regularly on permit exams. Wheelingo covers restriction-related questions in its state-specific practice tests, flagging the scenarios that trip up test-takers most often. If you are preparing for your permit or license test, drilling these questions now prevents both wrong answers and real-world citations.
Expect three types of questions:
Identification: "What does restriction code B mean?" Match the code to its meaning.
Scenario: "A 16-year-old with a provisional license drives with three friends at 11:30 p.m. What violation occurred?" Apply GDL restrictions to a real situation.
Penalty: "What is the consequence of driving without corrective lenses when required?" Understand enforcement.
| Feature | Wheelingo | Generic quiz sites | State handbook alone |
|---|---|---|---|
| State-specific codes | All 50 states | Often generic | Your state only |
| Adaptive difficulty | Yes | No | N/A |
| Restriction scenarios | Flagged and drilled | Random | Text only |
| Progress tracking | Real-time dashboard | None | None |
| Cost | Free to start | Free with ads | Free |
In most states, restriction B means you must wear corrective lenses (glasses or contacts) while driving. Some states use code A instead. Driving without corrective lenses when required can result in a citation and fine.
It depends on your specific restriction. If your license carries a nighttime curfew under a GDL program, driving during restricted hours is a violation. Most states set the curfew between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m. for new drivers under 18. Check your state's GDL rules for exact hours.
When you transfer your license, the new DMV reviews your restrictions. Vision and medical restrictions typically carry over. GDL restrictions may change based on the new state's age thresholds. You will need to pass that state's vision screening, and new codes will be assigned.
Most states remove GDL restrictions automatically at the qualifying age (usually 18). Verify your status through your state's online DMV portal. Your first year with a license typically involves the strictest restrictions.
Yes, Wheelingo is free to download. Your first study plan and two drill sets cost nothing. Full 50-state access is a one-time unlock with no subscription required.
Wheelingo builds state-specific practice tests that mirror your actual DMV exam. The app uses adaptive difficulty and spaced repetition to focus on questions you miss most often, including license restriction scenarios. Download Wheelingo free to see your state's exact test content.
Knowing the restrictions on your license protects you from citations and keeps your driving record clean. Whether you are a new adult driver or a senior renewing your license, these codes matter every time you get behind the wheel.
Download Wheelingo free and practice restriction-related questions for your state's DMV exam.
Last reviewed: 2026-07-01