What Restriction B Is
Restriction B on your driver's license means you must wear corrective lenses — glasses or contact lenses — whenever you drive. The restriction appears on your license as a condition of your driving privilege, and driving without the required correction is a violation that can result in a ticket, points on your record, or license suspension.
This restriction is issued when your vision test during licensing shows you need correction to meet your state's minimum vision standard. The standard varies slightly by state, but most require 20/40 vision or better in each eye, with or without correction. If you cannot meet that standard without glasses or contacts, the DMV adds Restriction B to your license.
The restriction does not prevent you from driving — it straightforward requires that you correct your vision while doing so. However, forgetting your glasses or choosing not to wear them while driving creates a legal problem separate from any safety issue.
Key Takeaways
- Restriction B requires you to wear corrective lenses every time you drive, and driving without them is a traffic violation.
- The restriction is placed on your license based on your vision test results at the DMV, not by a doctor or eye care provider.
- You can remove Restriction B by passing a vision test without correction or by obtaining a letter from an eye care provider showing your vision now meets the standard without correction.
- The process and cost to remove the restriction depend on your state's DMV rules and whether you need an eye exam.
How Restriction B Gets on Your License
When you take your vision test at the DMV, the examiner checks your uncorrected vision first. If you cannot read the chart clearly enough to meet your state's minimum standard, the examiner then tests you with correction — glasses or contacts that you bring or that the DMV provides. If you meet the standard only with correction, Restriction B is added to your license.
You do not need a doctor's referral or a formal eye exam to receive this restriction. The DMV's vision screening is the sole trigger. This means you could receive Restriction B even if you have never been to an eye doctor, or if your prescription has changed since your last exam.
The restriction appears on your physical license card and in your driving record. Law enforcement can see it during a traffic stop, and it may also appear in background checks or insurance records.
Removing Restriction B From Your License
To remove Restriction B, you must show the DMV that your vision now meets the state standard without correction. You have two main routes: retake the vision test at the DMV, or provide a letter from an eye care provider.
The DMV vision test route is free or low-cost. You visit your local DMV, request a vision retest, and take the uncorrected vision test again. If you pass, the restriction is removed on the spot or within a few days. This works if your vision has naturally improved or if you have had corrective surgery such as LASIK or PRK.
The eye care provider letter route requires you to visit an optometrist or ophthalmologist. You ask them to test your uncorrected vision and, if it meets your state's standard, provide a letter stating that fact. You then bring the letter to the DMV. Some states accept this letter in place of a retest; others require you to still pass the DMV vision test after submitting the letter. Call your state DMV before scheduling an eye exam to confirm what document they need.
Neither route removes the restriction if your uncorrected vision still does not meet the standard. If you need correction to drive safely, Restriction B remains in place.
Cost and Timeline for Removal
The DMV vision retest is typically free or costs between $5 and $15, depending on your state. An eye exam from a private provider usually costs $50 to $150 without insurance, though costs vary widely by location and provider.
If you retake the test at the DMV, removal happens when ready or within a few business days once the test is passed. If you use an eye care provider's letter, the timeline depends on how quickly you can schedule an appointment and how long the DMV takes to process the letter — usually one to two weeks.
Some states allow you to request removal during your license renewal, which may be faster than a separate trip to the DMV. Check your state's DMV website to see if you can combine the two processes.
What Happens If You Drive Without Correction
Driving without the required corrective lenses while Restriction B is on your license is a traffic violation. The penalty varies by state but typically includes a fine ranging from $50 to $200, points added to your driving record, and possible license suspension if the violation is repeated.
The violation is separate from any accident or unsafe driving that may occur. Even if you drive safely without your glasses, you can still receive a ticket solely for violating the restriction. Some officers may not notice or enforce it, but the risk exists every time you drive without correction.
If you receive a ticket for this violation, you can contest it in traffic court, though your defense is limited. You cannot argue that you drove safely; you can only argue that the restriction was incorrectly placed on your license or that it has since been removed.
Restriction B vs. Other Vision-Related Restrictions
Some states use different codes or letters for vision-related restrictions. Restriction B is the most common code for corrective lens requirements, but a few states use different letters or descriptions. Check your license to see the exact wording of your restriction.
Other restrictions may explore if your vision is severely limited even with correction. For example, some states add restrictions limiting you to daytime driving only, or restricting you from driving on highways. These restrictions are separate from Restriction B and require different steps to remove.
If your license shows multiple restrictions, contact your state DMV to understand what each one means and what you must do to remove them. Some restrictions can be removed together; others require separate actions.
State-Specific Rules and Resources
The exact process to remove Restriction B varies by state. Some states accept eye care provider letters; others require you to retake the DMV test. Some states allow online requests; others require an in-person visit. A few states have different vision standards or use different restriction codes.
Your state's DMV website lists the specific steps and documents needed. Search for "[your state] DMV restriction B removal" or "[your state] DMV vision retest" to find the official process. You can also call your local DMV office and ask what you need to do to remove the restriction.
If you have had eye surgery such as LASIK or PRK, bring documentation of the surgery to the DMV or eye care provider, as it may speed up the process or clarify why your uncorrected vision has changed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive without my glasses if I have Restriction B?
No. Driving without the required corrective lenses is a traffic violation, even if you believe you can see well enough. You can receive a ticket for this violation alone, separate from any accident or unsafe driving. Always wear your correction when driving if Restriction B is on your license.
How long does it take to remove Restriction B?
If you retake the vision test at the DMV and pass, the restriction is usually removed the same day or within a few business days. If you submit an eye care provider's letter, removal typically takes one to two weeks. Some states allow removal during license renewal, which may take longer depending on processing times.
Do I need an eye doctor to remove Restriction B?
Not necessarily. You can retake the free or low-cost vision test at the DMV. However, if your uncorrected vision has improved due to surgery or other reasons, an eye care provider's letter may be faster. Check your state DMV's rules before scheduling an eye exam, as some states require the DMV test regardless.
What if my vision still requires correction?
If your uncorrected vision does not meet your state's standard, Restriction B cannot be removed. You must wear corrective lenses to drive legally. If your prescription has changed, an updated eye exam may show that a new prescription allows you to meet the standard, but the restriction remains until you pass the vision test without correction.
Will removing Restriction B affect my insurance rates?
Removing the restriction itself should not affect your rates. However, if you received a ticket for driving without correction, that violation may appear on your driving record and could influence your insurance cost. Removing the restriction does not erase past violations.