Golfer Tiger Woods has received a five-year driving ban as part of a plea deal in his Florida driving under the influence case. The golf superstar appeared before a judge at the Martin County Courthouse in Stuart on Wednesday for a change-of-plea hearing.
The judge reduced Woods' charges to reckless driving and careless driving. He was fined $1,000 for the first charge and $500 for the second, with both penalties carrying the concurrent five-year driving prohibition. "If you drive for any reason at all, you will be going back to jail," the judge stated during the hearing.
Woods, 50, was accompanied by his attorney, Douglas Duncan, and his girlfriend, Vanessa Trump. The hearing was moved up from its original September 8 date following a motion filed Tuesday.
Previously, Woods had pleaded not guilty to misdemeanor charges of driving under the influence with property damage and refusal to submit to a lawful test, along with a citation for reckless driving. These charges stemmed from a rollover crash near his Jupiter Island home on March 27.
According to an arrest affidavit, officials observed signs of impairment in Woods, including bloodshot and glassy eyes and lethargic movement. He denied consuming alcohol, and breathalyzer tests supported this denial. Woods told officers he was distracted by his cell phone and radio before his Land Rover collided with a truck carrying a pressure washer trailer. The vehicle sustained approximately $5,000 in damage.
At the scene, Woods failed field sobriety tests and indicated he had taken prescription medications earlier in the day. Officers found two pills, later identified as hydrocodone, during a search. He was arrested and taken to the Martin County Jail.
Following the incident, Woods announced on social media on March 31 that he was seeking treatment for his well-being and recovery. He spent nearly three months in a rehabilitation facility in Switzerland, with a brief absence to support his girlfriend during her battle with breast cancer.
This marks the fourth significant car-related incident in Woods' career and his second DUI arrest. He has gradually returned to public appearances in recent months, including a pre-recorded video honoring fellow golfer Notah Begay and a PGA Tour press conference in June, his first public speaking engagement since his arrest.