What is restriction B?
Restriction B is a licensing restriction that may be placed on a Texas driver’s license. It indicates that the driver must wear corrective lenses while operating a motor vehicle. This restriction is added when a driver does not meet the minimum vision standards during the vision exam when applying for a license.
Specifically, restriction B means that the driver is required to wear glasses or contact lenses when driving in order to achieve at least 20/40 vision in one eye. Without corrective lenses, the driver’s vision is more limited, usually 20/70 vision or worse.
The purpose of restriction B is to ensure that drivers on Texas roads have adequate vision to operate a motor vehicle safely. Requiring corrective lenses helps make sure a driver can clearly see road signs, pedestrians, hazards, and other vehicles when behind the wheel.
Why do some drivers have restriction B?
There are a few common reasons why a driver may end up with restriction B on their license:
– Nearsightedness (myopia) – This means the driver can see objects nearby but objects far away are blurry. Glasses or contacts correct this issue.
– Farsightedness (hyperopia) – The driver can focus on far away objects but has trouble focusing on things nearby. Corrective lenses help with focus.
– Astigmatism – This causes blurred vision from an irregular cornea shape. Glasses or contacts compensate for the irregular curvature.
– Eye conditions like cataracts, glaucoma, etc – These eye diseases can impair vision in various ways that can be improved with corrective eyewear.
– Natural vision deterioration with age – As people get older, they lose vision clarity, especially for reading small print and seeing at night. Glasses help counter the effects of aging.
So in summary, restriction B gets added when a vision exam shows a driver needs eyewear correction in order to safely operate a motor vehicle and meet legal visual acuity standards. The specific reason varies by individual.
Can I remove restriction B from my license?
Yes, it is possible to have restriction B removed from your Texas driver’s license. There are a few steps required:
1. Get an updated vision exam – Visit an eye doctor for a current assessment of your vision with and without corrective lenses. You’ll need the results to present to the Texas DMV.
2. Apply for a restriction removal – Bring your updated vision exam results to the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) office. Schedule an appointment and fill out an Application for Removal of License Restriction form.
3. Pass the vision test – At the DPS office, you’ll be given a vision test without wearing any corrective lenses. You need to demonstrate 20/40 vision or better in at least one eye in order to pass.
4. Pay the application fee – There is a $10 fee to apply for removing restriction B. This can be paid at the DPS office.
5. Get a new license – If approved, your restriction B will be lifted and you’ll be issued a new driver’s license without the restriction. This permanent license will arrive by mail in 1-2 weeks.
So in summary, you need to provide updated vision exam results showing your uncorrected vision now meets legal standards, pass the DPS vision test without eyewear, submit the application, and pay the fee. This process removes the correction requirement and gives you an unrestricted license.
Are there any other options?
If your vision still requires correction but you want flexibility with glasses or contacts, you may qualify for a discretionary restriction B1 instead of complete removal.
Restriction B1 is an alternative to the standard B restriction. It means you are only required to wear corrective lenses while driving at night. During daylight hours, you may drive without glasses or contacts as long as you pass the uncorrected daytime vision test.
To qualify for discretionary restriction B1, you’ll need to:
– Get an eye exam showing 20/40 vision or better during the day without lenses
– Pass the DPS daylight vision test without eyewear (20/40 vision minimum)
– Keep wearing corrective lenses for nighttime driving
The application process is the same as removing restriction B. If approved, your license will state you only need lenses for night driving. This gives you more flexibility if you can’t achieve 20/40 vision uncorrected.
Can I renew my license online with restriction B?
Texans have the option to renew a non-commercial driver’s license online every other renewal cycle – so every 8 years if renewing twice. However, you generally cannot renew online if your license has restriction B.
The online renewal has vision requirements that must be self-certified without any in-person verification. Since restriction B indicates you don’t meet minimum vision standards without correction, the online system will not allow license renewal in most cases.
Specifically, the Texas online driver’s license renewal requirements include:
– You must certify your vision is at least 20/40 in one eye with/without correction
– Certify you’ve had an eye exam in past year
– Confirm you don’t wear telescopic lenses to drive
If you honestly cannot self-certify to these vision requirements without correction, you will need to renew your restricted license in person at a DPS office instead.
However, if you’ve had laser vision correction surgery for example and can now pass the vision standards without glasses or contacts, you may be able to renew online. Still, double check eligibility before using the online renewal system with restriction B.
Can I get an unrestricted license if I wear contacts?
Yes, you can qualify for a Texas driver’s license without restriction B if you wear contact lenses instead of glasses. Contacts are considered a valid form of corrective lenses by the Texas DPS.
To remove the restriction, you will need to:
– Get an updated eye exam showing your vision meets 20/40 standards with contacts
– Bring your exam results to the DPS office
– Pass the vision test while wearing your contact lenses
– Submit the restriction removal application and fee
As long as you achieve 20/40 vision or better in at least one eye when wearing your contacts, the vision requirement will be met. The DPS examiner can conduct the vision test while you’re wearing contacts.
This will qualify you for a new permanent driver’s license without restriction B. The license will not mention contact lenses at all – it will simply have no vision restrictions.
The only catch is that you’ll need to continue wearing contacts whenever driving. If you’re caught driving without lenses, it could result in fines since technically your uncorrected vision still requires correction to meet legal standards. But as long as you consistently wear contacts, you can qualify for an unrestricted license.
Conclusion
Restriction B on your Texas driver’s license requires wearing corrective eyewear when operating a motor vehicle. To remove it, you need to get an updated vision exam, pass the DPS vision test without lenses, submit a removal application, and pay the fee.
Alternatively, you may qualify for a discretionary B1 restriction if your night vision still needs correction. And wearing contact lenses allows you to qualify for an unrestricted license as long as they correct your vision to 20/40.
Overall, work with your eye doctor to determine if your vision now meets standards without correction or with contacts. Then go through the proper application process with the TX DPS to remove restriction B and regain an unrestricted license. This will certify your vision abilities meet legal requirements for safe driving.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to remove restriction B in Texas?
It costs $10 to apply for removing restriction B from your Texas driver’s license. This application fee must be paid when submitting the required forms at your local TX DPS office.
How long does it take to get restriction B removed from your license?
The process typically takes 1-2 weeks from the time you apply for restriction removal and pass the vision test. The Texas DPS will manufacture your new license without restriction B and mail it to you within that timeframe. Some DPS locations may be able to print and provide your new license card the same day.
Can you fail the vision test at TX DPS with glasses on?
Yes, it’s possible to fail the vision test even while wearing your corrective eyeglasses. The examiner will likely have you remove glasses for the initial part of the test. Wearing old prescriptions with outdated lens strength could also result in failing if your vision has changed. Make sure to get an updated vision exam before applying for any license changes.
Does restriction B prevent you from driving out of state?
No, having restriction B on your Texas license does not prohibit you from legally driving in other states. Restriction codes vary by state, so restriction B is a Texas-specific designation. However, you must continue following the restriction as required and wear corrective lenses when driving anywhere. Failure to do so could result in fines or other penalties if stopped.
Why won’t my restriction B license renew online?
Texas driver’s licenses with restriction B generally cannot be renewed online. The vision self-certification requirements cannot be met since restriction B indicates your vision is below minimum standards without corrective lenses. You’ll need to renew the restricted license in person at the DPS office instead of using the online system.
How can I read a small eye chart for the DPS test?
If you struggle to read smaller lines on the eye exam chart during vision testing at DPS, let the examiner know in advance. They can likely provide a larger chart with bigger letters if needed. Also, don’t forget to cover one eye at a time as instructed to test each eye separately. Get close enough to read smaller lines by moving up incrementally as directed.
Do I need to wear glasses for both near and far vision to pass the test?
The DPS vision exam only checks your distance visual acuity. You do not need to demonstrate adequate near vision for reading. Prescription glasses that only correct for reading or close work but not distance vision will not necessarily help you pass the driver’s license vision screening. Discuss options with your eye doctor.
What if I can’t afford prescription glasses to qualify for removal of restriction B?
If the cost of eyeglasses is preventing you from getting restriction B lifted, there are some resources that may help:
– State or local health department – Some provide free or discounted vision exams and glasses.
– Vision charities – Organizations like New Eyes or Prevent Blindness may assist with free glasses.
– EyeCare America – Provides no-cost eye care for eligible seniors.
– Chain eyewear stores – Options like America’s Best offer discounted exam and glasses packages.
– Eye doctor payment plans – Ask your optometrist or ophthalmologist about flexible payment options for exams, glasses, or contacts.
Speaking to your eye doctor and exploring low-cost assistance programs can help you get affordable vision correction needed for an unrestricted license.