Sometimes, California drivers have RSTR printed on their licenses. What does RSTR mean on a California driver’s license?
Generally, seeing RSTR on a license means that the driver has some kind of restriction on their driving privileges. Individuals with driving restrictions must follow all of them to avoid legal consequences.
If you have been charged with or convicted of a DUI, your Los Angeles DUI lawyer 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 notice an RSTR code listed, you must know what it means.
If you do not, log onto the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) website or contact your Los Angeles DUI lawyer to determine what these codes mean. Violation of your California driver’s license restrictions could result in severe consequences.
What Are Some Common Types of Drivers License Restrictions?
You can find many different types of restrictions on your California driver’s license. Some of the more common types of restrictions could include requirements to:
- Wear an artificial limb while operating a motor vehicle
- Use corrective lenses while operating a motor vehicle
- Only drive with a hearing aid
- Driving during only daylight hours
- Stop driving after a certain time of day
- Only operate certain types of motor vehicles with mechanical aids such as special brakes or hand controls
- Submit vision evaluation forms annually
- Only operate motor vehicles with automatic transmissions
- Only operate motor vehicles equipped with both left and right outside rearview mirrors
- Submit medical evaluation forms annually
Additionally, some drivers can only operate specific vehicles, like motorcycles. The Department of Motor Vehicles tracks all driver needs and reports information through restriction codes.
Why Does Your License Have Restrictions?
You might have restrictions placed on your California driver’s license for many reasons. The most common restrictions in California involve those requiring daytime driving only and bioptic lenses.
Suppose you require the use of bioptic lenses. In that case, 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 using a bioptic device or lens.
Additionally, provisional licensing restrictions often apply to California teenage driver’s licenses. These restrictions may prohibit teen drivers from operating a motor vehicle between 11:00 PM and 5:00 PM and transporting passengers under 20.
Can You Get a Restricted License After a DUI?
Individuals with previous convictions for driving under the influence (DUI) may be eligible for a restricted license. Restricted licenses give drivers who drove under the influence of alcohol the opportunity to drive when they need to:
- Go to work
- Conduct work-related activities
- Attend religious services
- Attend court-ordered DUI school
- Complete medical appointments
A restricted license may only allow drivers to operate vehicles during specific hours. For example, a restriction might allow drivers to operate their motor vehicles between 8 AM and 6 PM.
If you operate a vehicle outside of one of these times with a restricted license, you could be found in violation of California laws regarding driving with a suspended license, increasing the time you have to wait to get back your unrestricted driving privileges.
Who Qualifies for Restricted Licenses in CA?
Only some people who have a suspended or revoked license will be eligible for a restricted license. In fact, under California Vehicle Code §13352.4, the DMV can only provide restricted driver licenses 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
Therefore, 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
- Provide proof that you have enrolled in a DUI program
The court will not count hours completed in a previous DUI program if you completed the program before your current violation. Your enrollment, participation, and completion of a DUI program must all occur within the same violation.
You must also prove that you require a restricted license. You must also 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 have to work or attend other listed services. You apply for a restricted license after a DUI with professional help.
What Happens if You Are Not in Compliance With License Restrictions?
If you have restrictions on your California driver’s license and the police find you 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:
- A license suspension or lengthened suspension period
- Fines and administrative fees
- Formal or informal probation
- Jail or prison time
- Community service hours
- Attendance at a DUI program
- Completion of a substance abuse treatment program
It’s essential that you follow all program requirements if you have a restricted driver’s license.
Can You Get a Restricted License With an IID?
You may get a special restricted license if you install an ignition interlock device (IID) on your vehicle after a conviction for driving under the influence. This license restriction allows you to continue with normal driving activities as long as you:
- Install an IID
- Pay a reissue fee
- Enroll in a DUI program
- Provide an SR-22 form
California’s drunk driving laws can have severe effects on your driving privileges, but alcohol education programs and IID installation can allow you to continue driving.
Some drivers wonder what an ignition interlock device does. IIDs function as personal breathalyzers, checking your blood alcohol content (BAC) each time you turn on your car to ensure it’s safe to drive.
Learn About Restrictions on a California Driver’s License
What does RSTR mean on a California driver’s license? These letters generally denote that a driver has some kind of restriction on their license.
If you face accusations of non-compliance with California driver’s license restrictions, or if you are facing and need to take steps to secure a hardship license following a conviction, you need a strong legal advocate on your side.
You can learn more when you contact us.
