What a restriction code means on your Texas license
A restriction on your Texas driver's license is a condition that limits how or when you can drive. It appears as a letter code on the front of your license — for example, "B" means you must wear corrective lenses, and "D" means you cannot drive a commercial vehicle. The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) adds restrictions based on your medical history, the vehicle you drive, or violations on your record.
Restrictions are different from suspensions or revocations. A restriction lets you keep your license but with specific rules. Breaking a restriction — driving without the required glasses, for instance — counts as a violation and can result in a fine or license suspension.
You can have more than one restriction at the same time. A single license might show "B" (corrective lenses) and "L" (daylight driving only), meaning you must wear glasses and cannot drive at night.
Key Takeaways
- Restrictions appear as letter codes on your license and limit how, when, or what you can drive.
- Common restrictions include corrective lenses (B), automatic transmission only (C), and daylight driving only (L).
- You can request removal of a restriction by visiting a DPS office with proof that the reason for it no longer applies.
- Some restrictions are permanent unless you provide medical documentation showing the condition has changed.
- Driving in violation of a restriction is a separate offense and can lead to fines or license suspension.
Common restriction codes and what they require
Texas DPS uses a standard set of restriction codes. The most frequent ones are:
- B: Corrective lenses required (glasses or contacts).
- C: Automatic transmission only — you cannot drive a manual transmission vehicle.
- D: No commercial vehicles — you hold a regular (non-commercial) license.
- E: Outside mirror required on left side.
- F: Limited to daylight driving only (sunrise to sunset).
- L: Daylight driving only — same as F, different code.
- M: Motorcycle only.
- N: No two-wheeled motorcycles.
- O: Vehicles with power steering only.
- V: Medical variance — you have a condition that requires special handling, documented by a physician.
If you are unsure what your restriction means, you can look it up on your license or call the DPS Customer Service line at 1-888-589-6556 to confirm.
Why DPS adds restrictions to your license
Restrictions are added during your license exam or renewal based on information you provide and observations made during testing. If you fail the vision portion of the exam, DPS will add a corrective lenses restriction. If you have a medical condition documented by your doctor — such as limited mobility or hearing loss — DPS may add a restriction like "V" (medical variance) or limit you to automatic transmission vehicles.
Restrictions can also result from violations. If you are convicted of driving with a suspended license or certain traffic offenses, DPS may restrict your driving privileges as part of the penalty.
Some restrictions are temporary and expire on their own. Others remain until you request removal and provide proof that the reason for the restriction no longer applies.
How to request removal of a restriction
To remove a restriction, you must visit a DPS Driver License office in person. You cannot remove a restriction online or by mail. Bring your current license and documentation showing that the restriction no longer applies.
For a corrective lenses restriction (B), bring a current eye exam from an optometrist or ophthalmologist stating that you can see well enough to drive without correction. For a medical restriction like automatic transmission only (C) or daylight driving only (F), bring a letter from your physician confirming that your condition has improved or resolved.
The DPS examiner will review your documents. If they are satisfied, the restriction will be removed when ready, and you will receive a new license in the mail within 7 to 10 business days. If your documents do not meet DPS standards, the examiner will tell you what additional information is needed.
There is no fee to remove a restriction, but you will pay the standard license renewal fee if your license is also expiring soon.
Restrictions that cannot be removed without a new exam
Some restrictions require you to retake part of your license exam rather than straightforward providing a letter from a doctor. If you have a restriction related to your driving test performance — such as failing the vision test or the driving skills test — you may need to retake that portion to remove it.
For example, if you were restricted to automatic transmission because you failed the manual transmission portion of the driving test, you would need to retake the driving test in a manual transmission vehicle to have that restriction lifted. This is different from a medical restriction, where a doctor's letter is usually enough.
Ask the DPS examiner which path applies to your restriction when you visit the office. They will tell you whether you need new documentation or a new test.
What happens if you drive in violation of a restriction
Driving in violation of a restriction is a separate traffic offense. If you are pulled over and the officer sees that you are driving without the required corrective lenses, in a manual transmission vehicle when restricted to automatic, or at night when restricted to daylight driving, you can be cited.
The penalty depends on the restriction and your history. A first violation may result in a fine of $100 to $200. A second or subsequent violation can lead to a fine up to $500 and possible license suspension. In some cases, the officer may also impound your vehicle.
If you know you have a restriction you cannot meet — for example, you lost your glasses and cannot drive safely — do not drive. Call a friend, use a rideshare service, or wait until you can replace your glasses. The cost of a replacement pair is far less than a traffic fine and the risk of an accident.
Finding a DPS office to request restriction removal
Texas has over 130 DPS Driver License offices across the state. To find the one nearest you, visit the DPS website at dps.texas.gov and use the office locator tool, or call 1-888-589-6556 and ask for the address and hours of your local office.
Bring your current license, your supporting documents (eye exam, doctor's letter, or test results), and be prepared to wait. Many offices operate on a first-come, first-served basis, and wait times vary by location and time of day. Some offices allow you to make an appointment online; check your local office's page to see if that option is available.
If you cannot visit an office in person, you cannot remove a restriction by any other method. There is no mail-in or online process for restriction removal in Texas.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive if I have a restriction but forgot my glasses?
No. If your license has a corrective lenses restriction (B), you must wear your glasses or contacts every time you drive. Driving without them violates the restriction and is a traffic offense. If you cannot see well enough to drive safely, do not drive — call someone else or use a rideshare service.
How long does it take to get a new license after a restriction is removed?
The new license is mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days after the restriction is removed at the DPS office. You can drive legally during that time using your old license, even though it still shows the restriction, because the DPS system has been updated. However, it is safer to carry the new license once it arrives.
What if my doctor says my condition has improved but DPS does not accept the letter?
DPS has specific standards for medical documentation. The letter must be from a licensed physician, optometrist, or specialist and must state clearly that you can safely drive without the restriction. If your first letter is rejected, ask the DPS examiner what information is missing and have your doctor provide an updated letter that addresses those points. You may also request a second opinion from another doctor if needed.
Can a restriction be added to my license after I already have it?
Yes. If you are convicted of certain traffic violations or if you fail a vision or medical retest during a renewal, DPS can add a restriction to your existing license. You will be notified by mail if this happens, and the restriction takes effect on your next renewal or when ready, depending on the reason.
Do restrictions transfer if I move to another state?
No. Restrictions are specific to Texas licenses. If you move and get a license in another state, that state will conduct its own vision and medical screening. You may or may not receive the same restrictions, depending on that state's rules. However, if you move back to Texas, you will need to follow Texas rules again.