Restriction B is a corrective lens requirement
Restriction B on your driver's license means you must wear corrective lenses — glasses or contact lenses — every time you drive. The restriction appears as a code on your license document, usually printed on the back or in a designated restrictions section. If you have this restriction and drive without your corrective lenses, you are breaking the law and can be cited for a violation, even if you feel you can see well enough.
This restriction is issued during your vision test at the DMV or licensing office. The examiner checks your eyesight with and without correction. If you fail the uncorrected vision test but pass with glasses or contacts, the examiner adds Restriction B to your license. The restriction stays on your license until you pass a vision test without correction or until your license expires and you renew it.
Different states use different codes for this restriction — some call it "B," others use "01" or "corrective lenses" spelled out. Check your state's DMV website or your license document itself to confirm what code your state uses. The meaning is the same everywhere: you need vision correction to drive legally.
Key Takeaways
- Restriction B requires you to wear glasses or contact lenses every time you operate a vehicle, and driving without them is a traffic violation.
- The restriction is added when you fail the vision test without correction but pass with corrective lenses during your DMV exam.
- You can remove the restriction by passing a vision test without correction at your next renewal or by scheduling a vision retest at your DMV office.
- Different states use different codes for the same restriction, so check your license document or your state DMV to confirm the exact notation.
How the restriction gets added to your license
When you take your vision test at the DMV, the examiner first checks your eyesight without any correction. If you cannot read the required line on the eye chart, you fail that part. The examiner then tests you with glasses or contacts. If you pass with correction, the examiner adds Restriction B to your license instead of failing you outright.
This process happens during your initial license test, when you renew your license, or if you take a voluntary vision retest. You do not have to request the restriction — it is added automatically if your test results show you need it. Some states also add the restriction if you report a vision problem or if a medical professional notifies the DMV of a vision condition.
What happens if you drive without your corrective lenses
Driving with Restriction B on your license but without your glasses or contacts is a traffic violation. A police officer can pull you over and cite you if they observe you driving without correction or if you admit you were not wearing your lenses. The citation is typically a misdemeanor or infraction, depending on your state, and can result in a fine, points on your driving record, or both.
If you are in an accident and the officer discovers you were driving without your required correction, the violation can be used against you in insurance claims or legal proceedings. Insurance companies may deny a claim if you were violating a license restriction at the time of the accident. This makes the restriction serious — it is not just a suggestion.
How to remove Restriction B from your license
The most straightforward way to remove Restriction B is to pass a vision test without correction. You can schedule a vision retest at your DMV office between renewals. Bring your current license and be prepared to pay a retest fee, which varies by state but typically ranges from $10 to $50. If you pass the uncorrected vision test, the examiner will issue you a new license without the restriction.
If your vision has improved due to surgery — such as LASIK or PRK — you have a better chance of passing without correction. Bring documentation of your surgery and the results if you have it. Some states will waive the retest fee if you provide medical proof that your vision has changed.
The restriction also disappears automatically when you renew your license. At renewal, you will take another vision test. If you pass without correction at that time, your new license will not have the restriction. If you still need correction, the restriction will be added again.
Restriction B versus other vision-related codes
Your license may carry other vision restrictions or codes depending on your state and your specific condition. Some states use Restriction A for limited or daylight-only driving, which is different from Restriction B. Others use codes for peripheral vision loss, color blindness, or other conditions. Check your license document or your state DMV handbook to understand what each code on your license means.
Restriction B is purely about needing corrective lenses — it does not limit when you can drive or where you can drive. You can drive at night, on highways, or in any condition as long as you are wearing your glasses or contacts. Other restrictions may be more limiting.
What to do if you disagree with the restriction
If you believe your vision test was conducted incorrectly or that you should not have been given Restriction B, you can request a retest. Contact your state DMV to schedule a vision retest and explain your concern. Bring any medical records or recent eye exam results from your optometrist or ophthalmologist if you have them.
You can also visit an eye care professional before your retest to get an independent assessment of your vision. If an optometrist or ophthalmologist confirms that you can see well enough to drive without correction, bring that documentation to your DMV retest. The DMV examiner will conduct their own test, but medical documentation can support your case.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive with contacts instead of glasses if I have Restriction B?
Yes. Restriction B requires corrective lenses — either glasses or contacts. As long as you are wearing one or the other, you are following the restriction. Many people find contacts more convenient for driving because they do not have glare or fogging issues.
Will Restriction B affect my insurance rates?
The restriction itself does not automatically raise your rates. However, if you are cited for driving without your required correction, that violation will appear on your driving record and can increase your premiums. Insurance companies review your driving history, not just your license restrictions.
Do I need to tell my employer or insurance company about Restriction B?
You should inform your insurance company when you get your license, as they may ask about restrictions during the process process. For employment, check your job requirements — some positions, like commercial driving, have specific vision standards. Most regular driving jobs do not require you to report the restriction.
What if I lose my glasses while driving?
If you lose or break your glasses while driving, pull over safely and stop driving. Continuing to drive without your required correction is a violation. Call someone to pick you up or use rideshare. Keep a backup pair of glasses in your vehicle if possible.
How long does Restriction B stay on my license?
Restriction B stays on your license until you pass a vision test without correction or until your license expires. When you renew, you will take another vision test. If your vision has not improved, the restriction will be added to your new license again.