Endorsements / Restrictions
Endorsements and restrictions change the circumstances in which an individual may operate a motor vehicle.
Motorcycle Endorsement
The driver has satisfactorily completed motorcycle skills and knowledge testing required by the State of Indiana. This endorsement allows the driver to legally operate a motorcycle on Indiana roads.
Driver's License Restrictions
These restrictions are applied to a learner's permit or driver's license based on the results of the vision screening test at an Indiana license branch or other issues that may affect driving ability. Some restriction letters were updated in 2012. For instance "Restriction A - Glasses or contact lenses" was revised to "Restriction B - Glasses or contact lenses." While the letter is different on some licenses, the description remains the same and you do not need to request a new license.
Restriction B - Glasses or contact lenses
The driver must wear glasses or contact lenses when driving.
Restriction C – Mechanical Aid (Adaptive Devices)
The driver may drive only in vehicle equipped with the adaptive device.
Restriction D – Prosthetic Aid
The driver may drive with a prosthetic aid.
Restriction F - Outside rearview mirror
The driver must use an outside rearview mirror when driving.
Restriction G - Daylight driving only
The driver may only drive during daylight hours.
Restriction J - Other
The driver must follow specific restrictions based on driving ability. A driver may be required to meet one or more of the following restrictions:
- Accompanying Driver
- Annual Drive Test
- Annual Medical Review
- Automatic Transmission
- Biennial Vision Screening
- Bioptic Lenses/Annual Skills Test or Annual Vision Screening
- CDL Skills Test Evaluation/Federal Waiver
- Driver Education Permit
- Deaf or Hearing Impaired
- Fender Mount Spot Mirrors
- For Training Purposes Only
- Less Than 5, 10 or 20 Miles From Home
- Must Stay Compliant With Medication
- No Interstate or Highway Driving
- Power Steering
- Training Purposes/Night Evaluation
A driver with a motorcycle endorsement may have one of the following restrictions applied to his or her license. To remove a restriction, the holder of the motorcycle endorsement must pass a skills test on the designated motorcycle.
- Three-wheel motorcycle only
- Under 50 cc only
- Side car only
Learner's permit holders must follow all current state laws regarding age when practice driving can begin and observe front seat passenger and time of day driving restrictions.
Restriction 2 - Habitual traffic violator (HTV) conditional
This restriction is applied following certain HTV Suspensions.
Restriction 3 - Photo Exempt
This restriction is placed on a driver’s license or permit when a customer requests a photo-exempt driver’s license or permit due to religious or medical reasons. To remove the exemption, the driver must visit a BMV license branch and have his or her photo taken for a new driver’s license or permit.
Restriction 5 - Conditional
This restriction applies when a court grants a driver restricted driving privileges during a suspension. The driver may only operate a motor vehicle under the conditions specified by the court. After the restriction expires, the driver may apply for an amended or renewed driver’s license to have the restriction removed from the credential.
Restriction 6 - Interlock ignition device
A court can require an interlock ignition device for a driver convicted of operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated or in lieu of a suspension when there is probable cause to believe a driver was operating a vehicle while intoxicated prior to conviction. The restriction remains in place for the period determined by the court. After expiration, the restriction will automatically be removed from the driver's record when the driver applies for an amended or renewed driver's license.
Restriction 7 - Seat belt exempt
A driver must bring to a BMV branch a physician's statement indicating that he or she should be exempt from wearing a seat belt. The statement must be on the doctor's office letterhead or prescription form. A copy must be attached to the application. The original will be returned to the driver and must be carried with the driver at all times. A new and doctor's statement is required each time the license is renewed.
To remove the restriction, the driver must visit a license branch and state that he or she is no longer exempt from wearing a seat belt. An amended driver's license will be issued without the restriction. If the driver is renewing their driver's license and does not provide a doctor's statement indicating that he or she is seat belt exempt, the restriction will be removed.
Restriction 8 - Medical condition
These medical restrictions apply to a base license and are in addition to any other driver's license restrictions. To be removed, the driver must provide a doctor's statement indicating the medical condition no longer exists.
Medical condition restrictions include:
- Diabetes
- Epilepsy, seizures, or other medically diagnosed neurological condition
- Loss of limb or limb impairment
- Cardiovascular conditions
- Respiratory dysfunctions
- Hypertension
- Rheumatic, arthritic, orthopedic, muscular, neuromuscular, or vascular diseases
Restriction 9 - Temporary lawful resident
This restriction indicates that the holder of a license or identification card has temporary lawful status in the United States. Before obtaining a driver's license, the individual must present a BMV branch associate with U.S. federal government documentation proving his or her identity or lawful status. For this restriction to be removed, the driver must provide the BMV branch staff with valid evidence of US citizenship or Permanent Residence in the United States.
