STUART, Florida — Golf legend Tiger Woods has reached a plea agreement in connection with a March rollover crash in Florida, avoiding jail time but losing his driving privileges for five years.

Woods appeared before a Martin County judge on September 2 alongside his girlfriend, Vanessa Trump, as he changed his original plea in the case. Rather than face the more serious driving-under-the-influence allegation, Woods entered a no-contest plea to a reduced reckless-driving charge and a charge related to refusing to submit to lawful testing.  

The agreement brings an end to a case that began after Woods’ SUV was involved in a crash on Jupiter Island on March 27. Authorities said his Land Rover clipped the trailer of another vehicle and overturned. Neither Woods nor the other driver was seriously injured.  

DUI charge dropped

Woods was initially accused of driving under the influence with property damage. According to authorities, he showed several possible signs of impairment following the crash. A breathalyzer test detected no alcohol, while Woods declined to provide a urine sample for drug testing. Deputies also reported finding two hydrocodone pills in his possession.  

Prosecutors ultimately agreed to reduce the original case rather than proceed with a DUI trial. Florida’s state attorney said the DUI allegation had become particularly difficult to prove, citing questions surrounding Woods’ prescription medications and documented medical history.  

Under the agreement, Woods received concurrent five-year suspensions of his driver’s license. He was also ordered to pay fines totaling about $1,500, including $1,000 connected to the reckless-driving charge and $500 associated with the refusal-to-test offense.  

The judge made the restrictions clear during the hearing, warning Woods that there would be no exceptions to the driving ban and that driving during the suspension could result in jail time.  

Vanessa Trump by his side

Woods arrived at the Martin County Courthouse with Vanessa Trump, who remained behind him during the brief proceeding. The appearance marked one of the couple’s more visible public appearances together as Woods dealt with the legal fallout from the crash.  

After the hearing, Woods and Trump left the courthouse together. The 50-year-old golfer did not answer questions from reporters gathered outside and remained largely silent throughout the proceedings.  

Another difficult chapter for a golf icon

The legal case comes during a challenging period in Woods’ career. The 15-time major champion has dealt with extensive injuries and numerous surgeries throughout his career, including severe leg injuries suffered in a 2021 automobile crash.

Woods has not competed in an official PGA Tour event since the 2024 British Open. Following his March arrest, he stepped away from golf and received inpatient treatment outside the United States before returning later in the year.  

Despite his absence from competitive golf, Woods remains one of the sport’s most influential figures. He is tied with Sam Snead for the PGA Tour record of 82 victories and has won 15 major championships.

With the plea agreement now resolving the Florida case, Woods faces a lengthy period without the ability to legally drive while his future in professional golf remains uncertain.