Reasons for Driving Restrictions

Types of driving restrictions

A driving restriction is a limitation of your driving privileges. Depending on your situation, one of the following restrictions may be placed on your driving record:

Work or education restriction

You may be limited to driving only to and from school or work, and during the course of your employment. In some instances, your employer may be asked to verify your employment in writing.

Medical restriction

You may be required to use special equipment, or your driving times or area may be limited. Medical restrictions include:

• Corrective lenses required
• Adaptive equipment required (hand control, spinner knob, or left foot accelerator)
• Outside mirrors required on both sides of the vehicle
• Prosthetic aid required
• Automatic transmission required
• Daylight driving only permitted
• Driving limited to a certain geographical area
• No driving on expressways, beltways, or interstate highways

Alcohol or drug restriction

You are prohibited from driving or attempting to drive a motor vehicle after consuming alcohol, or any other mood altering substance, in any amount. 

If an Ignition Interlock restriction is imposed, you must install and maintain an alcohol breath-analyzed ignition interlock device with a camera in your vehicle. You must breathe into the device every time you start your vehicle. Learn more about the Ignition Interlock Program.

If you are under 21 years of age you are restricted from driving or attempting to drive a motor vehicle while having a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) level between .02 grams/100ml and .08 grams/100ml.

When your license is restricted

Once it is determined that your driving privilege must be restricted, you will receive a letter that explains the type of restriction and how you can obtain a new, restricted driver's license. The restriction will be marked on the front of your driver's license.

If you do not comply with the restriction rules, your driver's license will be suspended, or other actions may be taken to further limit your driving privileges.

What happens if you violate a restriction

If you violate a driving restriction, the MVA is required to suspend or revoke your license. The timing depends on whether the restriction is alcohol-related:

• Alcohol-related restriction: The MVA's Administrative Adjudication Division (AAD) may act immediately — sometimes before you go to court or pay a fine.
• All other restrictions: The MVA's AAD acts only after receiving information from the court that you either paid the fine, thereby admitting guilt, or were found guilty by the judge.

If you do not comply with your restriction, your license may also be suspended or further limited for non-compliance.

If you receive a suspension or revocation notice

If the MVA notifies you that your license is being suspended or revoked for violating a restriction, find out what your options are and what to do next.