Driver License Endorsements and Restrictions in Texas
Texas is a state in the US with the second-largest number of registered drivers, behind California. Before anyone can drive in Texas, they have to own a valid driver's license. Getting a driver's license in Texas for the first time can be a long and demanding process. You will go through the driver's education class, digest the content of the Texas driver's handbook, take a behind-the-wheel test, physical test, and finally, a driving test. Only after passing these stages will your license be handed over to, you.
Due to many cars and drivers on the road, the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) in Texas put certain restrictions in place. These restrictions are placed on driver's licenses to protect them from causing havoc to themselves and other drivers and road users. Driving a vehicle is dangerous, and personal limitations like vision and hearing impairments may negatively affect the odds of safe driving, hence the need for restrictions on licenses.
These license restrictions are usually temporary and can be cleared easily. Some restrictions pass with time, while others will require some action to get erased. Most of the limits are for younger drivers and commercial drivers, as those classes of drivers are more susceptible to accidents. The elderly and people with special conditions may also have restrictions on their licenses. Remember that these restrictions are placed to make you a better driver.
Codes connote restrictions in Texas, and these codes give information about what each restriction is about. When a restriction is placed on your license, the clerk at the county will explain what the limits are. They also explain how to get them off your license. Following the clerk's advice, you can get the restrictions out of your license in no time.
Texas Restriction Codes and Their Implication
- A: The candidate must drive with a corrective lens which can be a contact lens or lenses on a frame
- B: Driver must have another licensed driver who is 21 years of age or older in the front seat
- C: A driver with this restriction can only drive during the daytime
- D: Drivers with this restriction must not drive above 45 MPH
- E: Drivers with this restriction must not drive on the expressway
- F: These drivers must have a current driver's license
- H: Driver must not handle a vehicle heavier than 26,000 lbs
- I: Holders must not operate motorcycles with a power rating of more than 250 cc
- J: Holders must have another licensed 21-year-old or older with a motorcycle in sight
- K: Commercial drivers with this restriction must only operate within the state that issued the license
- L: Drivers with this restriction are not allowed to drive vehicles without air brakes, and it applies only to Commercial Driver's License (CDL)
- M: Holders are only restricted to interstate driving and are only applicable to Commercial Driver's License
- N: Interlock is required on the ignition. The interlock must be on every vehicle registered by a person driving after being guilty of Driving While Impaired (DWI). First-time offenders must have it in place for six months
- O: Occupation or essential need-based license
- P: Restriction is stated on the license
- Q: Driver must have another Licensed Operator in Front Seat (LOFS) who is 21 years or more or is restricted from driving Class B vehicles. Class B vehicles have a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of 26,001 lbs and above
- R: Holders must have a Licensed Operator in Front Seat (LOFS) who must be 21 years or more and are restricted from driving Class C vehicles. Class C vehicles are single vehicles or combinations that are not regarded as Class A or B vehicles.
- S: Drivers with this restriction must drive with hearing aids or a rearview mirror outside
- T: Holders are restricted to driving an automatic transmission car
- U: This restriction requires driving with the appropriate prosthetic devices
- V: Holders are restricted to driving cars only with applicable devices
- W: Drivers with this restriction can only drive cars with power steering
More about: Registration Renewal Texas
Removing License Restrictions
Although the restrictions on the license are for the safety of the holder and the general public, some of them may be limiting, not giving you the freedom to enjoy your ride. Some of these restrictions can be removed, while others cannot. The restrictions are diverse, and the methods for removing them vary.
Removing the restrictions that result from being a youth (LOFS) can only be removed with time. When the time is right, the Department of Public Safety (DPS) will remove the restrictions. Some restrictions may not be removable, while some can only be removed after meeting specific requirements. Restriction T, for example, can be removed if you prove to the DMV that you can safely drive a manual transmission car. The applicant has to come for a driving test in Texas with a manual transmission car to do that.
Drivers with restrictions D or E can get the restriction removed if they sharpen their skills as a driver by attending driver's school. Some other restrictions will be lifted without your involvement - restrictions like the ignition interlock. The Department of Public safety will remove the restrictions when they deem fit that you have satisfied the conditions not to be a threat to public safety.
