Tiger Woods changes plea in DUI case, driver's license suspended for 5 years

Tiger Woods appeared in court in Florida Wednesday to change his plea in his driving under the influence case, and as a part of the plea agreement he agreed to 5-year driver’s license suspension.

Golfer Tiger Woods arrives for a plea conference hearing in a DUI case stemming from a rollover crash in Florida in March, Sept. 2, 2026, in Stuart, Fla.
Marco Bello/Reuters

The legendary golfer initially pleaded not guilty to driving under the influence with property damage and refusal to submit to a lawful test.

As part of the plea agreement, the prosecution amended the first charge to reckless driving, second offense, and the second charge to a careless driving citation. The judge imposed a five-year driver’s license suspension on both charges, to run concurrently.

Tiger Woods appears in court in Stuart, Fla., September 2, 2026.
Court Pool Feed

The license suspension “is for the safety of the public,” the judge told Woods in the courtroom. “There are no exceptions. If you were to drive for any reason at all, you would go immediately back to jail.”

Accompanying Woods in court was his girlfriend Vanessa Trump, the ex-wife of Donald Trump Jr.

Golfer Tiger Woods leaves the courthouse with Vanessa Trump after his scheduled appearance before a judge in Stuart, Florida, September 2, 2026.
Marco Bello/Reuters

Woods was arrested in March following a rollover car crash in Jupiter Island, Florida, in which no one was injured, Martin County officials said.

The March 27 accident unfolded when Woods tried to pass a truck in front of him, authorities said. Woods clipped the back of the truck’s trailer, causing the golfer’s SUV to tip on its side, authorities said.

Tiger Woods is shown in the back of a patrol car during his arrest in Juniper, Florida, on March 27, 2026.
Martin County Sheriff’s Office

Two hydrocodone pills were found in Woods’ pants pocket, the probable cause affidavit said.

A breathalyzer showed no alcohol in his system, but Woods refused to take a urine test, which is used to detect drugs or medication, authorities said.