You can drive after a PET scan only if you received no sedation during the procedure

A PET scan (positron emission tomography scan) is an imaging test that takes pictures of your body to help doctors diagnose disease. The scan itself does not impair your ability to drive. However, many PET scans are performed with sedation — usually a mild sedative like midazolam — and sedation is what makes driving unsafe.

If your scan was done without sedation, you can drive yourself home when ready. If you received any sedation, you cannot drive for the rest of the day, even if you feel alert. This is not a judgment call. Sedation affects your reaction time, judgment, and ability to operate a vehicle safely, whether you notice it or not.

The radioactive tracer used in a PET scan does not make you unsafe to drive. The tracer leaves your body through urine and sweat over the next few hours, but it does not cause drowsiness, dizziness, or impaired coordination. Sedation is the only reason to avoid driving after a PET scan.

Key Takeaways

  • PET scans without sedation carry no driving restriction — you can drive home when ready after the scan ends.
  • If you received sedation during your scan, you must not drive for the remainder of that day, regardless of how you feel.
  • You must arrange a ride before your appointment if sedation is planned, because the facility will not release you to drive alone.
  • The radioactive tracer used in PET imaging does not impair driving ability; sedation is the only factor that does.
  • Tell your doctor about any medications you take, because some drugs interact with PET sedatives and increase the driving restriction period.

How to know whether your PET scan will include sedation

Your doctor or the imaging center will tell you before your appointment whether sedation is planned. Call the facility where you are having the scan and ask directly: "Will I receive sedation during my PET scan?" The answer depends on the type of scan, the part of your body being scanned, and your medical history.

Most routine PET scans do not require sedation. You lie still on a table while the scanner moves around you — the procedure is painless and takes 30 to 60 minutes. Sedation is more common if you are claustrophobic, if the scan requires you to stay very still for a long time, or if you have anxiety that makes it hard to cooperate during imaging.

If sedation is planned, the facility will require you to bring someone to drive you home. They will not release you otherwise. If you do not have a ride arranged, tell the imaging center before your appointment so they can discuss alternatives — sometimes the scan can be rescheduled or done without sedation.

What happens to your body after PET scan sedation

Sedation used in PET scans typically wears off within 30 to 60 minutes after the scan ends, but your reflexes and judgment remain impaired for several hours. This is why the restriction lasts the entire day, not just until you feel awake. You may feel completely normal and still have slowed reaction time — the two do not always match.

The sedative stays in your bloodstream longer than you notice its effects. Your body metabolizes it gradually, and during that time your ability to make quick decisions and respond to hazards on the road is reduced. Driving under these conditions increases your risk of a crash, even on familiar routes or short distances.

If you took any medications before your scan — especially other sedatives, pain relievers, or antihistamines — the sedation may last longer or feel stronger. Tell the doctor or nurse about all medications and supplements you take before the procedure. Some combinations require an extended driving restriction or a longer observation period before you leave the facility.

The radioactive tracer does not affect driving safety

The tracer injected during a PET scan is radioactive but in a very small dose. It does not cause drowsiness, dizziness, nausea, or any symptom that would impair driving. The tracer circulates through your bloodstream, concentrates in certain tissues, and then leaves your body over the next few hours through urine and sweat.

You are not a hazard to other drivers because of the tracer. You do not need to stay home or avoid driving because of radiation exposure. The only reason to avoid driving after a PET scan is if you received sedation during the procedure.

Arranging transportation before your appointment

If your scan will include sedation, arrange your ride before the day of your appointment. Ask a family member, friend, or colleague to pick you up at a specific time. Give them the facility's address and phone number in case the scan runs late.

Do not plan to use a rideshare service like Uber or Lyft as your only backup. While you can use these services, you still need someone to accompany you in the vehicle — you cannot sit alone in a car with a stranger while sedated. A family member or trusted friend is the safest option.

If you have no one available to drive you, tell the imaging center when you schedule the appointment. Some facilities have social workers or patient advocates who can help you find transportation resources. Others may be able to reschedule your scan for a day when you can arrange a ride, or discuss whether the scan can be done without sedation.

What to tell your doctor before the scan

Before your PET scan, your doctor needs to know about any medications you take regularly, any allergies to medications, and any medical conditions that might affect sedation. This includes blood pressure medications, heart medications, diabetes medications, sleep aids, pain relievers, and any over-the-counter drugs or supplements.

Tell your doctor if you have sleep apnea, a history of bad reactions to sedation, liver or kidney disease, or if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. These factors may change whether sedation is safe for you or how long the driving restriction lasts.

Ask your doctor directly: "When can I drive after this scan?" Write down the answer. If sedation is planned, confirm that you understand you cannot drive for the rest of that day, and make sure your ride is arranged before you arrive at the facility.

What to do if you feel drowsy or impaired after going home

If you drove home after a scan without sedation and then feel drowsy or dizzy, pull over to a safe location and call someone to pick you up. This is rare — it usually means either sedation was given without your knowledge (which should be reported to the facility) or you are having a reaction to the tracer (which is also very rare and should be reported to your doctor).

If you received sedation and someone drove you home, rest for the remainder of the day. Do not drive, operate machinery, or make important decisions. Avoid alcohol. If you feel unwell or your symptoms do not improve by the next morning, contact your doctor.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive myself to the PET scan appointment if sedation is planned?

Yes, you can drive to the appointment. The restriction applies only after the scan is complete and sedation has been given. You must arrange for someone else to drive you home afterward.

How long after a PET scan without sedation can I drive?

You can drive when ready. There is no waiting period. The radioactive tracer does not impair driving ability, and without sedation there is nothing in your system that affects your reflexes or judgment.

What if I did not know I was getting sedation until after the scan?

Tell the facility staff when ready. They will not release you to drive alone. You must call someone to pick you up. If this happens, report it to your doctor, because sedation should always be discussed and consented to before the procedure.

Does the PET scan tracer stay in my body and affect driving the next day?

No. The tracer leaves your body within a few hours and does not cause any lingering effects on driving ability. By the next day, the tracer is mostly gone. Only sedation given during the scan affects your driving safety, and only on the day of the procedure.

Can I take a taxi or rideshare alone after sedation?

You should not sit alone in a vehicle with a stranger while sedated. Arrange for a family member or friend to accompany you in the rideshare, or have them drive you in their own car. If you must use rideshare, have someone sit with you for the ride home.