Driver License Restrictions
In some situations, the Bureau of Motor Vehicles may place a restriction onto your Indiana drivers license to limit your driving privileges. These drivers license restrictions usually reflect your driving skill or a health condition that may make it too dangerous for you to operate a vehicle under certain circumstances. A good example of such restrictions is restriction A that requires you to wear glasses or contact lenses whenever you are driving. Then there are also Indiana probationary license restrictions that are part of the state's graduated drivers license program. Probationary, or intermediate license restrictions apply only to drivers under 18 years of age.
Driver License Restriction Codes
Here is a list of Indiana drivers license restriction codes, as it appears in the Indiana drivers license manual. If you do not find a specific code in this list, you can always call the Bureau of Motor Vehicles and they shall decipher the code for you.
- A: glasses or contact lenses required
- B: outside rearview mirrors required
- C: daylight driving only
- D Automatic transmission
- U Power steering
- V PP Chauffeur (taxi only)
- K CDL Intrastate only
- P Class C Public Passenger
- L Vehicle without air brakes
- 3 Photo exempt
- 4 Special BMV restriction
- 5 Conditional
- 6 Interlock ignition device
- 7 Seat belt exempt (medical condition)
- 8 Medical condition (require medication)
These restrictions may be placed either on your Indiana learners permit or drivers license at the time when you submit your initial application. Removing a restriction from your license usually involves proving that the condition that called for the restriction in the first place no longer applies. For example, if you have a restriction that allows you to operate only vehicles equipped with automatic transmission and you wish to get rid of it, you must take an Indiana drivers test in a vehicle that is equipped with manual transmission.
Probationary License Restrictions
Probationary license restrictions are part of the Indiana graduated driver's license program. The program covers only those who receive an Indiana driver's license before the age of 18, so if you are already past your 18th birthday, you do not have to concern yourself with these requirements.
The following probationary license restrictions must be observed in Indiana:
- Passenger restrictions. For the first 90 days, no passengers are allowed in the vehicle unless there is a licensed driver at least 21 years of age seated in the front seat next to the driver.
- Seat belts. Everyone present in the vehicle has to wear a safety belt.
Probationary license restrictions are lifted on your 18th birthday, there are no extra testing requirements that you need to fulfill. You don't even need to exchange your license until the next renewal date, but if you wish to have the “provisional” marking off your license, just visit a local BMV branch and have them issue you with a new drivers license.
Drivers Permit Restrictions
If you just passed your Indiana drivers permit test and are operating under a learners permit, you need to observe the following Indiana permit restrictions:
- Drivers under the age of 18 - driving allowed only when supervised by a licensed parent, legal guardian or a licensed driver 21 years old or older.
- Drivers over the age of 18 - driving allowed only while supervised by a licensed driver.
Those who did not take a permit test yet and would like to prepare for it should try Indiana practice drivers tests.
Remember that the BMV treats drivers license restrictions very seriously and if you are caught breaking them, you may lose your driving privileges altogether.
