Restriction A on a Florida driver’s license means you must wear corrective lenses, such as glasses or contact lenses, any time you drive. The code appears on the front of your license and stays there until the state confirms you can meet its vision standards without them.1FLHSMV. Driver License Restrictions, Endorsements and Designations
Why the Restriction Is on Your License
Florida requires a minimum visual acuity of 20/70 in at least one eye to hold a license. If you only reach that standard with glasses or contacts, the state adds Restriction A.2Florida Senate. Florida Statutes § 322.163Florida Administrative Code. Rule 15A-1.0034FLHSMV. Vision Standards
The screening usually happens at the driver license office when you apply or renew. Testing worse than 20/40 at that screening generally sends you to an eye specialist for a fuller exam. A licensed physician, optometrist, or ophthalmologist reports results back to the state on its vision form when acuity is 20/50 or worse in either eye.5Florida Administrative Code. Rule 15A-1.0134FLHSMV. Vision Standards
What Happens If You Drive Without Your Glasses or Contacts
Driving without your required corrective lenses is a moving violation in Florida. A citation carries a $60 fine, and a conviction adds three points to your driving record.2Florida Senate. Florida Statutes § 322.166Florida Senate. Florida Statutes § 318.187Florida Senate. Florida Statutes § 322.27
Points stack up. Reach 12 points in a 12-month period and the state can suspend your license for up to 30 days, with longer suspensions available for heavier totals over longer windows.7Florida Senate. Florida Statutes § 322.27
How to Get Restriction A Removed
You have to prove you can meet the state’s vision standards without lenses. That commonly happens after a procedure like LASIK, but any documented improvement that clears the threshold on its own qualifies.5Florida Administrative Code. Rule 15A-1.013
Once you can pass unassisted, surrender your current license and apply for a replacement with the updated vision results. The replacement fee is $25. When the application is accepted, the new license is issued without the Restriction A code, and you can legally drive without glasses or contacts.8Florida Senate. Florida Statutes § 322.179Florida Senate. Florida Statutes § 322.21
Vision Checks at Renewal
Renewals can be handled in person, by mail, or online. If a fresh vision test still shows you need corrective lenses to meet the standard, Restriction A stays. If your vision has improved, use the replacement procedure above rather than assuming the renewal alone will drop the code.10Florida Senate. Florida Statutes § 322.18
Drivers 80 and older must pass a vision test at every renewal. That requirement can be satisfied remotely by submitting the state’s vision form completed by an authorized medical professional. Without acceptable vision verification, the state will not issue the renewal.10Florida Senate. Florida Statutes § 322.18