Learn About Restricted Driver's License Options

Understanding Restricted Driver's Licenses: The Basics

A restricted driver's license is a type of license that allows a person to drive a vehicle, but with specific limitations on when, where, or under what circumstances they can operate that vehicle. These restrictions are put in place by state motor vehicle departments, typically to address safety concerns or as part of legal consequences. Unlike a standard unrestricted license, a restricted license comes with conditions that the driver must follow.

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The concept of restricted licenses has existed in the United States for several decades. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, many states use restricted licenses as a graduated approach to managing risk on roadways. Each state has its own rules about who may receive a restricted license and what those restrictions look like.

Restricted licenses appear on a driver's license document with specific codes or notations. For example, a license might show "Corrective lenses required" or "No driving between midnight and 5 a.m." The physical license card typically displays these restrictions in a readable format, and law enforcement officers can see them during traffic stops.

There are several general categories of restricted licenses. Some relate to medical conditions, others to age-based driving rules, and still others to legal consequences such as DUI convictions. Understanding which category applies to your situation is important because each type has different rules and requirements.

Practical Takeaway: Before exploring specific restriction types, locate your state's motor vehicle department website and look for information about "restricted licenses" or "license restrictions." This will give you details about what restrictions exist in your state and how they are coded on licenses.

Age-Based Restrictions for Teenage Drivers

Many states have graduated driver licensing (GDL) systems that impose restrictions on teenage drivers. These programs recognize that young, inexperienced drivers have higher crash rates than older drivers. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), drivers between ages 16 and 19 are nearly three times more likely to be in a fatal crash compared to drivers ages 20 and older.

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GDL systems typically have multiple stages. The first stage is the learner's permit, which requires a supervising adult to be present. The second stage is often called the intermediate license or restricted license, which removes some supervision requirements but maintains other restrictions. The final stage is a full, unrestricted license.

Common age-based restrictions include nighttime driving limitations, passenger restrictions, and mobile device prohibitions. For example, a teenage driver may be restricted from driving between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m. during their first year with a restricted license. Passenger restrictions might limit how many non-family members can ride in the vehicle, or prohibit passengers entirely.

The passenger restrictions are based on research showing that the presence of other teenagers increases crash risk for teen drivers. A study published in the journal Pediatrics found that the crash risk for teenage drivers increased significantly with each additional teenage passenger in the vehicle.

Different states have different thresholds for when restrictions are lifted. In some states, a teenage driver can move to an unrestricted license at age 18. In others, restrictions may last until age 17 or may extend to age 18 or 19 depending on how long they have held their license without incidents.

Practical Takeaway: If you are a teenager or parent of one, obtain a copy of your state's GDL rules. Contact your state's Department of Motor Vehicles and request information about the specific stages, age requirements, and restrictions for each stage in your state.

Medical and Vision-Related Restrictions

Vision and medical conditions can result in restricted licenses. These restrictions are designed to make driving safer by limiting operation to situations where the driver can manage their condition or where the condition poses the least risk.

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Vision restrictions are among the most common. A driver may be required to wear corrective lenses (glasses or contact lenses) while driving. This restriction appears on the license if an eye test shows the driver needs vision correction to meet safety standards. Some states require drivers to wear specific types of correction—for example, some restrictions specify that only glasses are allowed, not contact lenses.

Other vision-related restrictions may include limitations on driving in darkness or at night, since some people's vision difficulties worsen in low light conditions. A driver might be restricted to daylight-only driving if their vision condition makes nighttime driving unsafe. Some drivers receive restrictions on highway driving or high-speed driving.

Medical conditions can also lead to restrictions. For example, a driver with a seizure disorder might be restricted from driving for a period of time following a seizure, or until they show a certain duration of being seizure-free. Drivers with certain cardiac conditions might receive restrictions on driving in heavy traffic or during peak hours.

Hearing-related restrictions exist in some states. A driver who is deaf or hard of hearing may be required to use side mirrors or have broader mirror coverage. Some states restrict certain hand-controlled vehicle operations or require that a driver use specific hearing assistive devices.

The process typically involves medical testing and documentation. A driver may need to provide medical records or take a driving test with an examiner. Some states require periodic medical recertification to maintain a restricted license, meaning a driver must prove their condition remains stable or unchanged.

Practical Takeaway: If you have a medical or vision condition, contact your state's DMV to learn what restrictions, if any, your state may impose. Ask whether you need medical documentation, what tests you must complete, and whether the restriction is temporary or ongoing.

Restrictions Related to DUI and Driving Violations

Driving under the influence (DUI) convictions often result in restricted licenses. Instead of a full license suspension, some states offer restricted licenses that allow a person to drive to work, school, medical appointments, or alcohol treatment programs. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately 1.5 million drivers are arrested annually for DUI in the United States.

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A restricted license for DUI offenses may require the installation of an ignition interlock device. This device measures a driver's breath alcohol content before the engine will start. If alcohol is detected, the vehicle will not start. The driver must pass the test each time they want to drive. Some states mandate ignition interlock devices for first-time DUI offenders; others require them only for repeat offenders or for higher blood alcohol content levels.

The purpose of an ignition interlock device is to prevent drunk driving while allowing a person to maintain some driving privileges. The driver pays for the device installation and monthly monitoring, which typically costs between $60 and $100 per month. Random rolling retests may be required while driving—the driver must provide another breath sample while the vehicle is in operation, or the device will log a violation.

Another common restriction after a DUI is mandatory alcohol education or treatment program completion. A driver may be restricted from driving until they enroll in and complete a substance abuse treatment program. Some states impose restrictions requiring the driver to take a defensive driving course or attend DUI impact panels where they hear from accident victims.

Other traffic violations can also lead to restricted licenses. For example, excessive speeding, reckless driving, or multiple moving violations within a certain time period may result in restrictions rather than suspension. A restricted license in this case might limit driving to daylight hours or prohibit driving in high-traffic areas.

License suspension lengths vary. A first DUI offense may result in a 3 to 12-month suspension in many states, though a restricted license may be available after a portion of that time. Repeat offenses typically result in longer suspensions and more stringent restrictions.

Practical Takeaway: If you have received a DUI or serious traffic violation, obtain a copy of your court order or citation. Contact your state's DMV to learn what restrictions are mandatory, what options for restricted licenses exist, and what requirements you must meet to restore full driving privileges.

How Restricted Licenses Are Obtained and Maintained

The process for obtaining a restricted license varies depending on the type of restriction and the state. For age-based restrictions, the process is generally automatic—a teenage driver who follows the GDL stages in their state will naturally transition to a restricted license at the appropriate age by renewing their license at the DMV.

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For medical or vision restrictions, the process typically begins with an eye exam or medical evaluation. A driver might schedule a vision test at their DMV, which is often available at no cost or for a small fee. If the test shows