Many people in Oklahoma wonder: What restrictions can the state put on my driver’s license? If I get a traffic ticket, or get in an accident, can my license be restricted?
This post will discuss the various types of restrictions that Oklahoma can place on your driver’s license. This post will not discuss restrictions on commercial driver’s licenses (CDLs); I discuss CDLs elsewhere on this blog.
Below is a list (as of October 13, 2023) of the types of restrictions that Oklahoma may place on your driver’s license:
(1) 1. Corrective lenses. If you need glasses or contact lenses.
(2) 2. Left outside rearview mirror. If you have limited vision in your left eye, or impaired hearing.
(3) 3. Restriction 1 or 2
(4) 4. Automatic transmission. If you have a physical condition that requires you to operate an automatic transmission.
(5) 5. Turn indicators, power steering, or steering knob. If you have limited use of either hand.
(6) 6. Food, fruit, or candy within reach of driver. If you have insulin-dependent diabetes.
(7) 7. Adequate artificial limbs
(8) 8. Detailed restriction – If you have any special type of restriction that appears in your driver’s license file.
(9) 9. Learner’s Permit. A licensed driver who is at least twenty-one (21) years of age has to be in the front seat, and you may only drive between the hours of 5:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m.
(10) 0. Motorcycle only – If you’re over 14 and under 16, you may only drive a motorcycle. Your motorcycle may have a piston displacement of no more than 300 cubic centimeters, and you may only drive between 4:30 am and 9:00 pm. You may not carry a passenger. You have to wear a helmet. You may not drive on a highway with a minimum speed limit. If your motorcycle has a piston displacement of less than 150 cubic centimeters, you may not go faster than 35 mph.
(11) A. Motorcycle Learner’s Permit. If you’re driving a motorcycle, you must be in view of a licensed motorcycle driver at least 21 years old. This applies no matter how old you are.
(13) G. Inquire of Oklahoma driver license file until age 17 or older
(19) R. Ignition interlock device. This is for people who have been convicted of driving under the influence. If you have been convicted of driving under the influence, you may avoid losing your license, if you install an ignition interlock device on your vehicle. If you have this device, the device will administer a breathalyzer test, and you will not be able to start your vehicle if you have detectable alcohol in your system. For more information on ignition interlock devices, read my earlier blog post here.
(20) V. Medical variance
Provisional Driver’s Licenses – where you may only drive certain places
A number of people have asked me if there is a special type of driver’s license that only allows you to drive to certain locations. These types of driver’s licenses do exist in Oklahoma, and they are for people whose license has been suspended, and they meet all the requirements for reinstating their license, but can’t afford to pay the reinstatement fee. These are called “provisional driver’s licenses.” Under a provisional driver’s license, you may drive:
· Between your home and your workplace or place of potential employment
· Within the scope of your employment
· Between your home and a college, university, or technology center
· Between your home and your child’s school or day care
· Between your home and place of worship
· Between your home and any court-ordered program or treatment program.
To get a provisional driver’s license, you have to pay a $25.00 enrollment fee, plus the first monthly payment of $5. Then, for as long as you have the provisional license, you’ll have to pay at least $5 per month, by money order, until you have satisfied all of the debt owed on your reinstatement fee. After you’ve paid off your reinstatement fee, you can have the restrictions lifted, and you’ll be eligible for an unrestricted driver’s license again.
For more information on when Oklahoma may suspend your driver’s license, read my earlier blog post here. For further information on getting your suspended license reinstated, read my post here.
Intermediate Driver’s License (also called Graduated Driver’s License)
If you’re over 16 but under 18, you will have to have an intermediate driver’s license before you can get an unrestricted license.
If you have an intermediate license, you may drive only between the hours of 5:00 am and 10:00 pm. But you can drive at any time if:
· You’re driving to and from activities related to school, church, or work, or
· A licensed driver at least 21 years old is in the front seat.
Also, you cannot carry more than one passenger unless:
· All of your passengers are members of the household of your custodial parent or guardian, or
· A licensed driver at least 21 years old is in the front seat.
To get an intermediate license, you must
· Have held a learner permit for six months. If you have not completed driver’s education, you must also be at least 16 ½ years old.
· Have had at least 50 hours of behind the wheel training, with 10 hours at night. The person giving you the behind the wheel training must be at least 21 years old and have had a driver’s license for at least two years.
· Your learner’s permit must not have been expired for more than three years
· You must have no traffic convictions for the past six months.
· You must pass the written test and the driving test.
Farm Permit
A new type of restricted driver’s license (which became effective November 1, 2023) is called the “farm permit.”
A farm permit is available to any person
· Between 14 and 17 years of age
· Who has taken the driving test
· Can provide evidence that the person lives or works on a farm.
If you have a farm permit, and are between 14 and 16, you may drive:
· While going to and from and farm job, employment, or other farm-related work
· To and from school, using the most direct and accessible route between your home and the school, or
· At any time if an adult with a driver’s license is in the front seat.
If you have a farm permit, and are over sixteen, then, for a period of six months, you may drive:
· Between 5:00 am and 9:00 pm, or
· When going to and from or in connection with any farm job, employment, or farm-related work, or
· When going to and from school activities, or
· When going to and from a religious worship service held by a religious organization; or
· At any time if an adult with a driver’s license is in the front seat.
After this six-month period, your license will be unrestricted.
Additional restrictions on farm permits
· If you’re under 16, you can’t drive any non-sibling minor passengers
· If you’re over 16, then, for a period of six months, you can’t drive with more than one passenger under 18 who is not a member of your immediate family
· If you’re under 16, you can’t drive on an interstate or turnpike highway, and you can’t drive in a city with a population of over 100,000.
· You can’t use a cell phone when driving except to report illegal activity or summon medical or other emergency help.
· Before you’re 16, you must have at least 50 hours of behind the wheel training, with 10 hours at night. The person giving you the behind the wheel training must be at least 21 years old. If you don’t have this training, you can’t get an unrestricted license until you’re 17.
· If you’ve been involved in two or more accidents that were your fault, your farm permit will be suspended.
· If you’re under 16, and are convicted or two or more moving traffic violations on separate occasions, you can’t get an unrestricted license until you’re 17.
· If you’re between 16 and 17, and are convicted or two or more moving traffic violations on separate occasions, you can’t get an unrestricted license until you’re 18.
Conclusion
On many occasions, Oklahoma may restrict certain privileges associated with your driver’s license. This post is not exhaustive, and the laws on restricted driver’s license change frequently. For the most up-to-date information, contact Service Oklahoma.