Understanding REST Codes on Texas Licenses

What REST Codes Mean on a Texas Driver's License

REST codes are restriction codes that appear on Texas driver's licenses and identification cards. The letters R, E, S, and T stand for different types of restrictions that may limit how a person can drive or use their license. These codes provide important information about the conditions under which someone is permitted to operate a motor vehicle in Texas.

When you look at a Texas license, REST codes appear in a specific section of the document. Each code corresponds to a particular restriction. Understanding what these codes mean helps you know what driving limitations apply to your license or what restrictions someone else's license may have. The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) uses these codes as a standardized way to communicate license conditions to law enforcement officers and other relevant parties.

REST codes are different from endorsements, which indicate what a driver is permitted to do (such as drive a commercial vehicle). Restrictions, by contrast, indicate what a driver cannot do or under what conditions they cannot drive. A single license may have multiple REST codes, meaning the driver has several restrictions to follow.

The presence of a REST code on your license means you must follow that restriction every time you drive. Violating a restriction—such as driving without required corrective lenses when that restriction applies to you—can result in traffic violations and fines. Law enforcement can check your license during a traffic stop to verify you are following all applicable restrictions.

Practical Takeaway: When you receive your Texas license, examine it carefully to see if any REST codes appear. Write down these codes and look them up to understand exactly what they require. Keep this information handy so you remember your restrictions while driving.

Common REST Codes and Their Meanings

Several REST codes appear frequently on Texas licenses. One of the most common is "B," which means the driver must wear corrective lenses (glasses or contact lenses) while driving. This restriction is placed on licenses for people whose vision meets the legal standard for driving only when correction is used. If you have a "B" code, you must wear your glasses or contacts every time you drive, even for short trips around town.

Another frequent code is "D," which indicates the driver must use an automatic transmission vehicle. This restriction typically applies to people who have limited mobility or other physical conditions that make operating a manual transmission unsafe. If your license shows a "D" code, you cannot legally drive a vehicle with a manual transmission.

The code "E" means the driver cannot drive a commercial vehicle, even if they hold a commercial driver's license (CDL). This restriction may be placed on a CDL if the driver has certain medical conditions or if restrictions were imposed due to previous violations. A driver with an "E" code on a CDL must use their regular (non-commercial) driver's license for all driving.

Other codes include "F" (outside mirror required), "H" (hand controls required), and "K" (no air brakes). The code "L" indicates the driver must have an interlock ignition device installed, which is often required for people with certain DWI convictions. Each code addresses a specific safety concern or legal requirement related to that individual's driving abilities.

Practical Takeaway: Obtain a complete list of REST codes from the Texas DPS website or by requesting information at your local driver's license office. Keep this reference guide with your registration documents in your vehicle so you can quickly remember what your specific codes mean.

How REST Codes Are Assigned to Your License

REST codes are assigned based on several factors, including medical conditions, vision tests, physical abilities, and legal requirements. When you take your Texas driving test, the examiner evaluates whether you need any restrictions based on your demonstrated driving abilities and your responses to questions about your health and physical condition.

Vision testing is one of the primary reasons for REST code assignment. During the license renewal or initial application process, your vision is tested to meet Texas standards. If you can only meet the vision standard with corrective lenses, a "B" code is added to your license. If your vision does not meet the corrected standard, you may be denied a license or directed to retake the test.

Medical information you provide on your application can trigger REST codes. For example, if you indicate that you have limited mobility or a condition affecting your ability to operate a standard vehicle, the DPS examiner may recommend specific restrictions. These restrictions are meant to ensure both your safety and the safety of other drivers on the road. You have the opportunity to explain your circumstances, and examiners use this information along with observed driving performance to determine what restrictions, if any, are necessary.

Court orders and legal requirements also result in REST codes. If you have been convicted of certain traffic violations or DWI offenses, the court or DPS may impose restrictions on your driving privileges. For instance, an interlock ignition device requirement (code "L") is often mandated by the court following a DWI conviction. Similarly, if you have been convicted of certain violations, your commercial driving privileges may be suspended, resulting in an "E" code on a CDL.

Practical Takeaway: Before your license appointment, honestly assess any physical conditions or health issues that might affect your driving. Inform the examiner about these conditions during your appointment. Providing accurate information helps ensure that appropriate restrictions are placed on your license, protecting yourself and others.

Living with REST Codes: Legal Requirements and Compliance

When a REST code appears on your Texas license, you are legally required to follow that restriction every time you operate a motor vehicle. Violating a restriction is a traffic violation and can result in fines, points on your driving record, and other penalties. Texas traffic law treats restriction violations seriously because they exist to maintain road safety.

If you have a "B" code requiring corrective lenses, you must wear your glasses or contacts. Law enforcement can stop you and cite you if they observe you driving without the required correction. The fine for driving without corrective lenses when required can range from $100 to $200, and you may receive points on your driving record. Multiple violations can lead to license suspension.

For restrictions like "H" (hand controls required) or "D" (automatic transmission), you must ensure that any vehicle you drive is equipped appropriately. Before getting behind the wheel, verify that the vehicle meets your restriction requirements. If you have an "H" code and need hand controls, you should only drive vehicles you have personally equipped or know have the necessary modifications. Renting a vehicle or borrowing someone's car without checking for required equipment could result in a violation.

If you are uncertain whether you are violating a restriction, contact your local DPS office or the Texas Driver's License Division for clarification. Different restrictions have different requirements, and some may have exceptions in certain situations. Understanding the exact meaning of your specific codes prevents unintentional violations.

Penalties for violating restrictions include fines ranging from $50 to over $500 depending on the specific violation, driver safety points added to your record, increased insurance premiums, and potential license suspension. Repeated violations within a certain timeframe can result in more severe consequences, including license revocation.

Practical Takeaway: Create a simple checklist for your specific REST codes and review it before driving. If you have a "B" code, put your glasses on before starting the car. If you have a "D" code, only borrow automatic transmission vehicles. Following your restrictions consistently protects your license and your safety.

Changing or Removing REST Codes from Your License

Some REST codes can be removed or changed if circumstances change. The process for removing a restriction depends on the reason it was placed on your license and whether the underlying condition or legal requirement has changed.

For codes based on medical or physical conditions, you may request a new evaluation if your condition has improved. For example, if you received a "B" code due to vision issues and you have since had corrective surgery that improves your vision to meet Texas standards without correction, you can request that the code be removed. You will need to provide medical documentation supporting the improvement and pass a new vision test during your license renewal or at a special appointment.

If a restriction was placed due to a court order or legal requirement, such as an interlock ignition device requirement, the restriction can typically only be removed once the court-ordered period has ended or the court modifies the order. You cannot remove such restrictions simply by requesting them; you must follow the terms of the court order until it expires or is modified by the court.

To request removal of a REST code, contact your local