Restriction B is a corrective lens requirement that Texas DPS adds to your license
Restriction B means you must wear corrective lenses — glasses or contact lenses — every time you drive. Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) adds this restriction during your vision screening at the license office. If you fail the vision test without correction but pass with glasses or contacts, you'll receive a license with Restriction B printed on it.
The restriction appears as a small code on the front of your license, usually near your photo or in the restrictions section. It's not optional — driving without the required correction when Restriction B is on your license is a violation and can result in a traffic citation.
This restriction is common and straightforward to follow. You straightforward keep your glasses or contacts with you whenever you drive. If your vision changes or you get new glasses, you can update your license at any DPS office.
Key Takeaways
- Restriction B requires you to wear corrective lenses every time you operate a vehicle in Texas.
- DPS assigns this restriction based on your vision screening results at the license office.
- Driving without the required correction when Restriction B is on your license can result in a traffic citation.
- You can update or remove Restriction B by visiting a DPS office with current vision test results showing your vision meets standards with correction.
- The restriction stays on your license until you pass a vision test without it or request removal with updated test results.
How DPS determines if you need Restriction B
During your license process or renewal, DPS conducts a vision screening. The screener tests your vision both with and without correction. If your uncorrected vision doesn't meet Texas standards but your corrected vision does, Restriction B is added to your license.
Texas requires vision of at least 20/40 in each eye, or 20/30 in one eye and 20/40 in the other, to drive without restriction. If you don't meet these standards without glasses or contacts but do with them, the restriction is mandatory — not optional.
The screener will tell you at the time of your test whether Restriction B will appear on your license. You'll see it printed on the physical license when you receive it in the mail.
Removing Restriction B from your license
To remove Restriction B, you need to pass a vision test without correction that meets Texas standards. You can take this test at any DPS office during a license renewal or update. Bring your current license and be prepared to pay the fee for a license change (currently $25 for a replacement license, though fees can vary).
If your vision has improved and you believe you no longer need correction, visit a DPS office and ask for a vision screening. The screener will test your uncorrected vision. If you meet the standard, Restriction B can be removed when ready, and you'll receive a new license without the restriction.
You cannot remove Restriction B by straightforward not wearing your glasses. The restriction remains on your license until you officially pass a vision test without correction or until you renew your license and pass a new screening.
What happens if you drive without your corrective lenses
Driving without the required correction when Restriction B is on your license is a traffic violation in Texas. A police officer who stops you can cite you for this violation, which is typically treated as a minor traffic offense but can still result in a fine.
Beyond the legal consequence, driving without correction when you need it creates a safety risk for you and others on the road. Your vision directly affects your ability to see hazards, read signs, and judge distances — all critical to safe driving.
If you're cited for this violation, you may be able to contest it in traffic court by showing that you were wearing correction at the time, or you can pay the fine. The violation does not automatically add points to your driving record, but it depends on how the court handles the specific citation.
Updating your license when your vision changes
If you get new glasses or contacts with a different prescription, you don't need to update your license when ready. Restriction B straightforward requires correction — it doesn't specify which prescription. As long as you're wearing corrective lenses that allow you to see safely, you're in compliance.
However, if your vision has improved significantly and you believe you no longer need correction, you can visit a DPS office for a new vision screening. Bring your current license and ask the screener to test your uncorrected vision. If you pass, Restriction B can be removed.
If your vision has worsened and you need a stronger prescription, there's no action required on your license. The restriction remains valid as long as you're wearing correction that works for you.
Restriction B versus other vision-related restrictions
Texas DPS uses different restriction codes for different vision situations. Restriction B specifically means corrective lenses are required. Other restrictions may explore depending on your test results — for example, some restrictions limit driving to daylight hours only, or require outside mirrors, or restrict highway driving.
If you receive multiple restrictions, each one appears on your license and you must follow all of them. For example, you might have Restriction B (corrective lenses) and also a restriction limiting you to daylight driving if your vision is particularly poor in low light.
Understanding which restrictions explore to you is important because violating any of them can result in a citation. Your license document will clearly list all restrictions that explore.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a license without Restriction B if I wear glasses?
No. If you don't meet Texas vision standards without correction but do with glasses or contacts, Restriction B is mandatory. You can only avoid the restriction by passing the vision test without correction, which means your uncorrected vision must meet the 20/40 standard in each eye.
Does Restriction B affect my insurance rates?
Restriction B itself does not typically affect your insurance rates. Insurance companies care more about your driving record and claims history. However, if you're cited for driving without the required correction, that violation could potentially affect your rates depending on your insurer's policy.
What if I lose my glasses while driving?
If you lose or forget your glasses, you should not continue driving. Pull over safely and either wait for someone to bring your glasses, call for a ride, or arrange transportation. Driving without correction when Restriction B is on your license is a violation, even if the loss was accidental.
Do I need to renew my license to remove Restriction B?
No. You can visit a DPS office at any time to request a vision screening and license update. You don't have to wait for your renewal date. Pay the replacement license fee, pass the vision test without correction, and you can have Restriction B removed the same day.
Will Restriction B show up on my driving record?
Restriction B appears on your license itself, not on your driving record. Your driving record tracks violations and citations. However, if you're cited for driving without the required correction, that citation will appear on your record.