TIGER WOODS AVOIDS DUI CONVICTION AFTER PLEADING NO CONTEST TO RECKLESS DRIVING

Golf legend Tiger Woods has resolved his Florida driving case after entering a no-contest plea to a reckless driving charge stemming from a rollover crash in March.

Woods appeared before a Martin County judge on Wednesday, September 2, 2026, where his original DUI charge was reduced as part of a plea agreement. The 50-year-old golfer had initially pleaded not guilty to driving under the influence with property damage and refusing to submit to a lawful test.

Under the agreement, prosecutors amended the DUI-related charge to reckless driving, second offence. The separate allegation relating to Woods’ refusal to undergo a lawful test was also resolved through a careless driving citation.

The judge imposed a five-year suspension of Woods’ driving licence, with the suspension applying concurrently to both charges. Woods was also ordered to pay fines and court costs as part of the resolution of the case.

During the hearing, the judge warned Woods that there would be no exceptions to the driving ban. He was told that driving during the suspension could result in an immediate return to jail.

The case arose from a March 27 crash on Jupiter Island, Florida, when Woods’ Land Rover collided with a truck before rolling onto its side. No one was injured in the incident, although the truck involved sustained about $5,000 in damage, according to the incident report.

Authorities said Woods had been travelling on a residential road with a 30 mph speed limit when he attempted to pass the truck. Woods told deputies that he had been looking down at his phone and changing the radio station before the collision.

A breathalyser test conducted after the crash detected no alcohol in Woods’ system. However, authorities said he refused to provide a urine sample and that two hydrocodone pills were found in his possession. Deputies also reported signs they interpreted as impairment.

Woods initially faced a DUI charge with property damage as well as a charge connected to his refusal to submit to testing. He subsequently travelled outside the United States for inpatient treatment, according to court records.

The resolution brings an end to the criminal proceedings arising from the March crash, although the incident adds to a history of driving-related cases involving the 15-time major champion.

Despite the legal proceedings, Woods remains an influential figure in professional golf. He has won 15 major championships and 82 PGA Tour titles and continues to be involved in discussions surrounding the future of the sport.

Woods’ five-year driving suspension means he will be unable to legally drive during that period, with the court making clear that violating the order could carry serious consequences.