Tiger Woods accepts no-contest plea to reckless-driving charge, license suspended for five years

Tiger Woods entered a plea of no contest to a reckless-driving charge in Stuart, Florida, and a judge ordered a five-year suspension of his driver’s license. The plea resolves a case that began after his SUV collided with a truck and rolled over on a beachside road near his Jupiter Island residence in March. Although deputies initially suspected driving under the influence, a breath test was negative and toxicology experts said there was insufficient evidence of impairment.

State attorney Thomas Bakkedahl said the decision to accept the plea was based on the evidence, noting that “I did what I think is right.” Woods also pleaded no contest to refusing a urine test and was fined $1,500. Judge Darren Steele warned that any future violation could result in jail time.

No injuries were reported, and police said Woods’ Land Rover caused about $5,000 in damage to the other vehicle. According to court records, Woods told a deputy he was looking at his phone and changing the radio station when the collision occurred. The golfer has not returned to tournament play since the incident and previously sought treatment at an inpatient facility.

Woods, who attended the hearing with his girlfriend Vanessa Trump, did not speak to reporters after leaving the courthouse. He later appeared publicly on June 23 to introduce the PGA Tour’s 2028 schedule changes, remaining chairman of the tour’s Future Competition Committee.