Paul Pelosi, 86, has been banned from driving for six months after pleading no contest to misdemeanor hit-and-run and an unlawful turn charge. The incident occurred on July 3 in Yountville, California, when Pelosi struck an unoccupied parked vehicle and left the scene. This marks his return to court following a prior DUI conviction.
Napa County Superior Court Judge Scott R.L. Young sentenced Pelosi to one year of probation and imposed the maximum six-month driving ban allowed under the relevant California Vehicle Code provisions. Pelosi must also complete a 10-day work program and report for booking by November 20. He has paid $11,191.14 in restitution to the owner of the damaged Tesla and was ordered to cover court fines and fees.
According to the criminal complaint, Pelosi was driving a burgundy Maserati convertible and left the scene without leaving identification information as required by law. Deputies located Pelosi about half a mile away, and he reportedly stated he intended to return to the scene.
This is not the first legal incident for Pelosi involving a vehicle. In 2022, he pleaded guilty to misdemeanor DUI in a separate Napa County crash. That conviction resulted in a DUI education program, use of an ignition interlock device, probation, restitution, and fines.
Further reporting indicates a long driving history, including a fatal crash in 1957 where his 19-year-old brother died. While Pelosi was driving at the time, a jury cleared him of wrongdoing. He has also accumulated traffic violations in four Bay Area counties for offenses including speeding, running a red light, driving against traffic, and cellphone use.
Prosecutors noted that the public attention surrounding this case led to their announcement, as misdemeanor hit-and-run cases involving only property damage typically do not result in a news release.