Tiger Woods pleads no contest to reckless driving, receives $1,500 fine and five-year license suspension

Tiger Woods entered a no-contest plea to charges of reckless driving and refusal to submit to a lawful test during a court appearance in Martin County, Florida, on Sept. 2. The plea resulted in a $1,500 fine and a five-year suspension of his driver’s license.

Woods’ attorney, Douglas Duncan, said the plea was intended to bring closure to the case and allow the family to move on. County Judge Darren Steele warned that any attempt to drive during the suspension would lead to immediate jail time.

State Attorney Thomas Bakkedahl explained that the plea deal was reached because prosecutors could not prove impairment; Woods had refused a urine test, and toxicologists concluded there was insufficient evidence of impairment despite his possession of hydrocodone pills. The attorney added that the decision was meant to send a message that anyone, regardless of public profile, should not drive while impaired.

The incident stemmed from a March 27 rollover accident on Jupiter Island, where Woods’ SUV collided with a trailer, flipped, and he exited the vehicle through a passenger window. Police reported failed field-sobriety tests and found two hydrocodone pills in his pocket. Woods recorded a 0.00 reading on two breath-alcohol tests but declined a urinalysis. He later announced plans to seek treatment and focus on his health.