Restriction B prohibits you from driving without corrective lenses
Restriction B on your driver's license means you must wear eyeglasses or contact lenses whenever you drive. If you have this restriction and drive without the required correction, you are breaking the law — even if you think you can see well enough. The restriction appears on your license card itself, usually printed as "B" in the restrictions field.
This restriction exists because the DMV tested your vision during your license exam and found that you need correction to drive safely. Your uncorrected vision did not meet the standard — typically 20/40 or worse in one or both eyes — but your corrected vision did. The restriction protects you and other drivers by ensuring you have the visual acuity needed to see road signs, pedestrians, and hazards in time to react.
Key Takeaways
- Restriction B requires you to wear glasses or contacts every time you drive, and driving without them is a violation even if you feel you can see.
- The DMV placed this restriction on your license because your vision without correction fell below the legal standard for driving.
- You can remove Restriction B by passing a vision test without correction, or by retesting with correction if your vision has improved.
- Driving with Restriction B but without your glasses or contacts can result in a ticket, fine, and points on your record.
- Some states allow you to challenge the restriction if you believe your vision has improved since your last test.
How the DMV assigns Restriction B
When you take your vision screening at the DMV, the examiner tests both your uncorrected vision and your vision with glasses or contacts if you wear them. If your uncorrected vision is below the legal threshold — usually 20/40 or worse — but your corrected vision meets the standard, the DMV adds Restriction B to your license.
The threshold varies slightly by state, but most require at least 20/40 vision in each eye, or 20/30 in one eye and 20/60 in the other, to drive without restriction. Some states are stricter for commercial licenses. If you already wear glasses or contacts and pass the test with them, the restriction is automatic — you do not have to request it or sign anything special. It straightforward appears on your license as a condition of your driving privilege.
What happens if you drive without your correction
Driving with Restriction B but without your glasses or contacts is a traffic violation. A police officer who stops you can cite you for violating your license restriction, which is separate from any other violation they might write. The penalty varies by state but typically includes a fine ranging from $50 to $200 and points added to your driving record.
In some states, a Restriction B violation counts as a moving violation, which can raise your insurance rates. If you are in an accident while driving without your required correction, your insurance company may deny your claim or reduce your payout, since you were violating the terms of your license. More importantly, driving without the vision correction you need puts you and others at serious risk — you may not see a pedestrian, a stopped vehicle, or a road hazard in time to avoid it.
How to remove Restriction B from your license
You can remove Restriction B by passing a vision test without correction. Schedule an appointment at your local DMV and request a vision retest. During the test, the examiner will check your uncorrected vision. If it now meets the legal standard — usually 20/40 or better — the restriction will be removed and a new license issued.
Vision can improve over time, especially if you have had corrective eye surgery such as LASIK or PRK, or if your prescription has changed significantly. If you have had surgery or believe your vision has improved, contact your DMV to find out the process for retesting in your state. Some states allow you to bring documentation from your eye doctor showing that your uncorrected vision now meets the standard, which may speed up the process. You will likely need to pay a fee for the retest and a new license card.
Restriction B versus other vision-related restrictions
Restriction B is specifically about corrective lenses. Other restrictions address different vision issues. Restriction C requires you to wear a hearing aid if you are deaf or hard of hearing. Restriction D prohibits you from driving at night or in poor visibility. Restriction E limits you to automatic transmission vehicles.
You can have multiple restrictions on the same license. For example, you might have both Restriction B (corrective lenses) and Restriction D (no night driving) if your vision test showed poor uncorrected vision and your examiner determined you have difficulty seeing in low light. Each restriction addresses a specific safety concern identified during your exam or medical review.
What to do if you disagree with Restriction B
If you believe Restriction B was assigned in error, or if your vision has improved since your last test, you can request a retest at the DMV. Bring any documentation from your eye doctor that supports your case — for example, a letter stating that your uncorrected vision now meets the legal standard, or records showing you had corrective surgery.
Some states allow you to appeal a vision restriction through a formal process if you have medical evidence that the restriction is no longer necessary. Contact your state DMV to learn the specific steps. In most cases, the fastest route is straightforward to take the vision test again. If you pass without correction, the restriction is removed when ready or within a few days when your new license arrives.
Keeping your correction with you while driving
If you have Restriction B, keep your glasses or contacts in your vehicle at all times. Store your glasses in a protective case in the glove compartment or cup holder where you can reach them before you start driving. If you wear contacts, keep a spare pair in your car in case one tears or falls out while you are driving.
If you lose or break your glasses while driving, pull over safely and do not continue until you have your correction back on. Driving even a short distance without your required correction is a violation. If you are on a long trip and worried about losing your glasses, consider bringing a backup pair or keeping your eye doctor's contact information handy in case you need an emergency replacement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a ticket for driving with Restriction B but without my glasses?
Yes. Driving without the corrective lenses required by Restriction B is a traffic violation. An officer can pull you over and cite you for violating your license restriction, which typically results in a fine and points on your record. The violation is separate from any other traffic offense you might commit.
Will my insurance cover an accident if I was driving without my glasses and have Restriction B?
Probably not. If you were violating your license restriction at the time of an accident, your insurance company may deny your claim or reduce your payout. They may also use the violation as grounds to cancel your policy or raise your rates significantly.
How long does it take to get Restriction B removed after I pass a vision test?
If you pass the vision test without correction at the DMV, the restriction is usually removed when ready. Your new license card with the restriction removed will be mailed to you within one to two weeks, depending on your state's processing time. You can drive with your corrective lenses until the new card arrives.
Do I need Restriction B if I only wear reading glasses?
No. Restriction B applies only if you need correction for distance vision to drive safely. Reading glasses are for close-up work and do not affect your ability to see the road, signs, and other vehicles. If your distance vision meets the legal standard without correction, you will not have Restriction B.
Can I wear sunglasses instead of my regular glasses if I have Restriction B?
Only if your sunglasses have your prescription in them. If your sunglasses are non-prescription, they do not meet the requirement of Restriction B. You must wear the corrective lenses — whether regular glasses or prescription sunglasses — that you were wearing when you passed your vision test at the DMV.