When you have a California driver’s license, there are many pieces of information contained within your driver’s license. One of these includes driver’s license restrictions – using the code RSTR.
However, if you are unsure whether you have restrictions on your driver’s license, it is important to find out before you operate a vehicle. Failure to adhere to California driver’s license restrictions could have severe consequences. If you have been charged with or convicted of a DUI, your Los Angeles DUI attorney can give you a better idea of whether there are restrictions that apply to your license following the charges against you.
What Does RSTR Stand For?
On California driver’s licenses, RSTR stands for “Restrictions”. These restrictions can take many forms, and many drivers already know when they have such restrictions. If you are looking over your California driver’s license and are noticing an RSTR code listed, it is important that you know what they mean.
If you do not, be sure to log onto the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) website or reach out to your Los Angeles DUI lawyer to find out what these codes mean. Being in violation of your California driver’s license restrictions could come at a serious cost.
What Are Some Common Types of Drivers License Restrictions?
There are many different types of restrictions you could find on your California driver’s license. Some of the more common types of restrictions could include:
- Being required to wear an artificial limb while operating a motor vehicle
- Being required to use corrective lenses while operating a motor vehicle
- Being restricted to driving during only daylight hours
- Being prohibited from driving past a certain time of day
- Only being allowed to operate certain types of motor vehicles with mechanical aids such as special brakes or hand controls
- Only being allowed to operate a motorcycle
- Being required to submit vision evaluation forms annually
- Only being allowed to operate motor vehicles with automatic transmissions
- Only being allowed to operate motor vehicles equipped with both left and right outside rearview mirrors
- Being required to submit medical evaluation forms annually
Why Does Your License Have Restrictions?
There are many reasons you might have restrictions placed on your California driver’s license. In California, the most common restrictions involve those that require daytime driving only and bioptic lenses.
Provisional license restrictions are often included on California teenage driver’s licenses. This may prohibit teen drivers from operating a motor vehicle between the hours of 11:00 PM and 5:00 PM, and from transporting passengers under the age of 20.
If you require the use of bioptic lenses, you must pass the California vision exam at the Department of Motor Vehicles with visual acuity greater than 20/200 in at least one of your eyes with the use of a bioptic device or lens.
What Is a Restricted License?
Individuals who have previously been convicted of a DUI may be eligible for a restricted license. Restricted licenses give drivers who have suspended or revoked licenses the opportunity to drive when they need to go to work, conduct work-related activities, attend religious services, attend court-ordered DUI school, or complete medical appointments.
A restricted license may also only allow drivers to operate vehicles during specific hours. This might include a restriction that allows the driver to operate their motor vehicle only within the hours of 8 AM and 6 PM. If you were operating a vehicle outside of one of these times with a restricted license, you could be found in violation of the California laws regarding driving with a suspended license.
Who Qualifies for Restricted Licenses in CA?
Not every person who has a suspended or revoked license will be eligible for a restricted license. In fact, under California Vehicle Code §13352.4, restricted drivers licenses can only be provided to individuals who meet the following requirements:
- Proof of financial responsibility
- Proof of enrollment and or completion of a DUI program under California Health and Safety Code Section 11836 (b)
- Payment of reinstatement fees,re-issuance fees, and restriction fees as required by the California Department of Motor Vehicles
This means before your application for a restricted driver’s license can be approved, you must provide the California DMV with all necessary driving privileges documentation, pay any required fines, and provide proof that you have enrolled in a DUI program. If you have previously participated in a DUI program, hours completed prior to the current violation will not be considered. Your enrollment, participation, and completion of a DUI program must all occur within the same violation.
You must also be prepared to show proof that you require a restricted license, whether that be to continue to attend work, religious services, or medical appointments. Be prepared to continue to provide documentation, including proof of financial responsibility, for a minimum of three years. Failure to do so risks your driving privileges and restricted license status. Do not be surprised if your driving restrictions are limited to the hours you are expected to work or attend other listed services.
What Happens if You Are Not in Compliance with License Restrictions?
If you have restrictions on your California driver’s license, and you are found to be in non-compliance, you could face serious penalties. Depending on the circumstances of your case, you could face infractions or criminal charges associated with failure to adhere to your California driver’s license restrictions. Some of the various penalties you could face include:
- Suspension or revocation of your driver’s license
- Fines and administrative fees
- Formal or informal probation
- Suspension or revocation of your restricted license
- Jail or prison time
- Community service hours
- Attendance at a DUI program
- Completion of a substance abuse treatment program
Contact a Los Angeles DUI Lawyer for Help Today
If you have been accused of non-compliance with California driver’s license restrictions, or if you are facing do you buy charges and need to take steps to secure a hardship license following a conviction, you need a strong legal advocate on your side.
Reach out to an experienced Los Angeles DUI lawyer for a free consultation so you can start working on your defense strategy as soon as today.
