Golfer Tiger Woods pleaded no contest to a reckless driving charge in a Stuart, Florida, courtroom on Wednesday, September 2, 2026. The plea stems from a March 27 rollover car crash near his home on Jupiter Island. As part of a plea agreement with prosecutors, Woods received a five-year suspension of his driver’s license.
Woods was originally arrested in March and charged with driving under the influence (DUI) with property damage and refusal to submit to a lawful test. Authorities reported that a breathalyzer test showed no alcohol in his system, but Woods refused a urine test used to detect drugs or medication. A probable cause affidavit stated that two hydrocodone pills were found in Woods' pocket at the time of his arrest.
During the hearing on Wednesday, prosecutors amended the first charge to reckless driving, second offense, and changed the second charge to a careless driving citation. The judge ordered the five-year license suspension for both charges to run concurrently. The judge stated the suspension was for public safety and informed Woods that he would be returned to jail immediately if he were caught driving for any reason.
The incident occurred on March 27 when Woods attempted to pass a truck in front of him. According to authorities, Woods' SUV clipped the back of the truck's trailer, causing the golfer's vehicle to tip on its side. No one was reported injured in the crash. During the court appearance, Woods was accompanied by his girlfriend, Vanessa Trump.
The scale of the penalty is notable for a traffic-related offense, involving a five-year ban that will remain in effect until September 2031. While the specific financial costs of the legal proceedings and potential civil damages were not reported, the court’s decision establishes a precedent for reckless driving involving a second offense and a refusal to submit to drug testing. The ruling makes clear that the state prioritizes public safety over individual convenience.
This case may influence future policy or legal strategies regarding how Florida courts handle DUI charges that are plea-bargained down to reckless driving. By requiring a five-year suspension without exceptions, the court has set a firm standard for cases where medication is suspected but not confirmed by chemical testing. Moving forward, Woods must comply with the terms of his plea agreement, which includes the absolute driving ban, as the court has signaled there will be no leniency for future violations.