Methods, systems, and devices are described for access class barring (ACB) operations for device-to-device (D2D proximity service communications. An ACB parameter may be defined and assigned to UEs that is associated with discovery or communication operations for normal and high priority user equipments (UEs). The UE may identify a resource for D2D proximity service communications and, when not barred, send a radio resource control (RRC) connection message requesting the available resource. An establishment cause may be defined and included in the RRC connection request message that corresponds to the ACB parameter.