Virtual machine self-service restrictions

The embodiments contemplate a system and method for a restriction of virtual machines for a group of one or more users. A predefined policy may include a restriction related to the group, as well as a measure of enforcement to initiate in the event of a violation of the restriction. The measure of enforcement may include a warning message or denial of resources. The restriction may be resource-based, time-based, machine-based, or a combination. The restriction may be a group-level restriction, in which the entire group actions are monitored, or a user-level restriction, in which the user's actions are monitored. In the event a user is assigned to more than one group, the policies of each group are assigned a priority level. The priority level dictates the restriction as well as the measure of enforcement.