DMV EHT is a restriction code that limits how you can drive

EHT stands for "Except Hand Truck" or sometimes "Except Hand Controls Truck," depending on your state's DMV system. It is a restriction placed on your driver's license that means you are not allowed to operate a hand truck or certain commercial vehicles with manual hand controls. This restriction appears as a code on your license and tells law enforcement and employers what vehicles you are legally permitted to drive.

The restriction is most common in commercial driving contexts. If you hold a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) or are working toward one, an EHT code means your license does not cover vehicles that require hand-operated steering, braking, or acceleration systems. You would need a separate endorsement or a different class of license to operate those vehicles legally.

If you see EHT on your license and you are not sure why it is there, it was likely added during your original license issuance or renewal based on information you provided about your physical abilities or the type of vehicle you were tested on.

Key Takeaways

  • EHT is a restriction code meaning you cannot legally drive vehicles with hand controls or hand trucks without additional endorsement.
  • The restriction most often appears on commercial driver's licenses or licenses for drivers who have taken tests in automatic-transmission vehicles.
  • You can request the restriction be removed by visiting your local DMV office and providing proof you can operate hand-controlled vehicles safely.
  • Driving a restricted vehicle type without the proper endorsement can result in fines, license suspension, or both.
  • Different states use slightly different names for this restriction, so check your state DMV's handbook to confirm what EHT means in your jurisdiction.

Why the EHT restriction gets added to your license

The EHT restriction is added for one of two main reasons. First, if you took your driving test in an automatic-transmission vehicle, many states automatically restrict your license to automatic transmissions only. Some states extend this to hand controls as well, depending on how they classify vehicle types. Second, if you disclosed a physical condition or disability during your license process or renewal, the DMV may have added the restriction based on your reported abilities.

Commercial driver's license holders see this restriction most often. If you tested for a CDL in a vehicle without hand controls, the state may restrict you from operating vehicles that require them. This protects both you and the public by ensuring you only drive vehicles you have demonstrated you can handle safely.

You can also request the restriction yourself if you know you cannot safely operate hand-controlled vehicles. This is actually a safety measure — it prevents you from being cited if you are involved in an accident while driving a vehicle type you are not licensed for.

How to remove the EHT restriction from your license

To remove an EHT restriction, you will need to visit your local DMV office in person. Bring your current driver's license and be prepared to explain why you want the restriction removed. In most cases, you will need to demonstrate that you can safely operate hand-controlled vehicles.

The DMV may require you to take a behind-the-wheel test in a vehicle with hand controls. This test is similar to your original driving test and covers basic vehicle operation, safety, and road awareness — but performed in a hand-control vehicle. Some states allow you to bring your own vehicle if it has hand controls installed; others require you to use a DMV-approved testing vehicle.

Contact your state DMV before you visit to ask what documentation or proof they need. Some states accept a letter from a driving instructor or occupational therapist confirming you can operate hand controls. Others require only the behind-the-wheel test. Knowing this in advance saves you a trip.

What happens if you drive with a restricted license

Driving a vehicle type that your license restricts you from operating is a violation of your license terms. If you are pulled over while driving a hand-control vehicle with an EHT restriction, you can be cited for driving with restrictions violated. The penalty varies by state but typically includes a fine and points added to your driving record.

In some states, this violation can also trigger a license suspension or require you to retake your driving test. If you are involved in an accident while driving a restricted vehicle, your insurance may deny your claim, leaving you personally liable for damages. Employers who hire commercial drivers also check license restrictions, and operating a restricted vehicle type can result in termination.

The restriction exists to protect you and others on the road. If you genuinely cannot operate hand controls safely, the restriction keeps you from being in a situation where you might cause an accident. If you can operate them, removing the restriction is straightforward and worth the effort.

EHT restrictions and commercial driving jobs

If you work or want to work as a commercial driver, the EHT restriction directly affects which jobs you can take. Many trucking companies, delivery services, and transportation employers require drivers to have unrestricted CDLs. A job posting might specify "no restrictions" or "all endorsements required," which would exclude you if you have an EHT code.

Some employers will hire you with restrictions and assign you only to vehicles you are licensed to drive. Others will not hire you at all. Before you explore for a commercial driving position, check the job description and ask the employer whether they accept drivers with an EHT restriction. If the job requires hand-control operation and you have the restriction, you will need to remove it first.

The process to remove the restriction before explore for a job is the same as described above — visit your DMV, request a test in a hand-control vehicle, and pass the behind-the-wheel evaluation. Plan for this to take several weeks, as DMV testing appointments often have waiting periods.

How EHT differs from other license restrictions

Your license may carry several different restriction codes, and each one limits a different aspect of your driving. AT (Automatic Transmission) restricts you to automatic vehicles only. COR (Corrective Lenses) requires you to wear glasses or contacts while driving. HR (Hearing Aid Required) means you must wear a hearing aid. EHT specifically restricts hand-controlled vehicles.

Some restrictions are medical or safety-related and cannot be removed — for example, if you are legally blind in one eye, a vision restriction will remain on your license. Other restrictions, like EHT and AT, can be removed by demonstrating you can operate the vehicle type safely. Check your license to see all restrictions that explore to you, and contact your DMV if you have questions about what any code means.

If you have multiple restrictions, you may need to pass separate tests to remove each one. For example, if you have both AT and EHT, you would need to demonstrate automatic-transmission driving and hand-control driving in separate tests to remove both codes.

State-by-state differences in EHT codes

Not all states use the exact same restriction codes or the same names for them. Some states call this restriction "EHT," others use "HT" (Hand Truck), and a few use longer descriptions like "No Hand Controls." Your state DMV handbook will list all restriction codes used in your state and what each one means.

The process to remove the restriction also varies slightly. Some states require a full behind-the-wheel test; others accept a written statement from a certified driving instructor. Some states charge a fee for the test or the license reissuance; others do not. Before you visit the DMV, look up your state's specific rules on the DMV website or call your local office.

If you have moved to a new state and your old license has an EHT restriction, you may be able to transfer it to your new state's license, or you may need to remove it and reapply. Check with your new state's DMV about how they handle out-of-state restrictions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does EHT mean on my driver's license?

EHT stands for "Except Hand Truck" or "Except Hand Controls Truck." It is a restriction that prevents you from legally operating vehicles with hand-operated steering, braking, or acceleration controls. You can drive standard vehicles, but not those with hand controls.

Can I remove the EHT restriction myself?

You cannot remove it yourself, but you can request removal at your DMV office. You will likely need to pass a behind-the-wheel test in a hand-control vehicle to prove you can operate one safely. Contact your state DMV first to confirm what proof or testing they require.

Will I get a ticket if I drive a hand-control vehicle with an EHT restriction?

Yes. Driving a vehicle type your license restricts you from operating is a violation. You can be fined, receive points on your record, and potentially face license suspension. Your insurance may also deny a claim if you are in an accident while driving a restricted vehicle type.

Do I need the EHT restriction removed to get a commercial driving job?

It depends on the employer and the job. Some employers hire drivers with restrictions and assign them only to unrestricted vehicle types. Others require all drivers to have unrestricted licenses. Check the job posting or ask the employer before you explore.

How long does it take to remove an EHT restriction?

The timeline depends on your state DMV's testing availability. You will need to schedule an appointment, which may take several weeks. The test itself takes about 30 to 45 minutes. Once you pass, the restriction is usually removed within a few days to a week when your new license is issued.