Our Health Library information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Please be advised that this information is made available to assist our patients to learn more about their health. Our providers may not see and/or treat all topics found herein. You can drive with an arrhythmia as long as it doesn't cause symptoms that make it dangerous for you to drive. If you have an arrhythmia or an ICD (implantable cardioverter-defibrillator) that makes it dangerous for you to drive, your doctor might suggest that you stop driving, at least for a short time. This information is about driving private vehicles. For commercial driving, the government has specific regulations about driving when you have certain medical conditions. Your doctor might suggest that you not drive if you have symptoms like confusion, dizziness, lightheadedness, or loss of consciousness. If these symptoms happen when you are driving, you could cause an accident. Limits on driving depend on many things. These include:footnote 1, footnote 2, footnote 3 If your arrhythmia has made you pass out (lose consciousness), your doctor might recommend not driving until: Arrhythmias that might restrict the ability to drive include: If you get an ICD, you will not drive for a short time after you get the device implanted. Depending on the reason you got the ICD, you may not be able to drive for one week to a few months. If you get a shock from the ICD, your doctor may ask that you don't drive for a short time. Your doctor will let you know when you can drive again. Your doctor might follow these guidelines:footnote 4 You can drive if you have a pacemaker and you don't have any symptoms such as fainting. But right after you get a pacemaker, your doctor may ask you not to drive for at least a week after the device is implanted. This gives you time to heal. Current as of: June 25, 2023 Author: Healthwise Staff Next Section: Previous Section: Current as of: June 25, 2023 Author: Healthwise Staff Clinical Review Board: All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals. This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Learn how we develop our content. To learn more about Healthwise, visit Healthwise.org. © 1995-2023 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.Topic Contents
Heart Rhythm Problems and Driving
Overview
Is it okay to drive if you have an arrhythmia?
Is it okay to drive if you have an ICD?
Is it okay to drive if you have a pacemaker?
Related Information
References
Citations
Credits
Clinical Review Board: All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.
Our Health Library information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Please be advised that this information is made available to assist our patients to learn more about their health. Our providers may not see and/or treat all topics found herein. Current as of: June 25, 2023 Author: Healthwise Staff Clinical Review Board: All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.Heart Rhythm Problems and Driving