Tiger Woods Receives Five-Year Driving Ban After Florida Crash Plea Deal

Posted : 03 September 2026

Tiger Woods has been handed a five-year suspension of his driver's licence after reaching a plea agreement over a rollover crash in Florida earlier this year. The 15-time major champion entered a no-contest plea to reduced charges, allowing him to avoid jail time.

The original case involved a more serious driving-under-the-influence allegation following the March 27 crash on Jupiter Island. Prosecutors ultimately dropped the DUI charge and proceeded with reckless and careless driving charges as part of the agreement. Woods was also fined, with the combined penalties reported at $1,500.

During Wednesday's hearing at the Martin County Courthouse in Stuart, Judge Darren Steele issued a stern warning to Woods. He told the golfer that driving during the five-year suspension would result in him being sent straight back to jail.

The accident happened when Woods attempted to pass a truck towing a trailer on a residential road. His Land Rover clipped the trailer before overturning onto its side. No one was injured in the incident, although authorities reported that Woods displayed signs of impairment.

A breath test found no alcohol in Woods' system, but he declined to provide a urine sample. Officers also found two hydrocodone pills in his possession. Prosecutors later said the DUI case would have been difficult to prove because there was insufficient evidence establishing that Woods was impaired by the medication.

State Attorney Thomas Bakkedahl said toxicologists reviewing the case concluded that Woods' long-term use of pain medication could have resulted in a tolerance to hydrocodone. Prescription records also indicated that the medication had been legally prescribed, making a DUI conviction difficult for prosecutors to secure.

Woods attended the hearing with his girlfriend, Vanessa Trump. Donald Trump subsequently described the outcome as fair and said Woods would now need someone else to drive him during the suspension.

Following the crash, Woods stepped away from public life and traveled overseas for treatment. He later returned to the public spotlight at the Travelers Championship in June, where he remained involved in discussions about the future structure of professional golf despite not competing.

The legal episode adds another setback to a career already affected by serious injuries. Woods has not played in an official PGA Tour event since 2024, while his ongoing physical issues have continued to limit his competitive schedule.

Tiger Woods Receives Five-Year Driving Ban After Florida Crash Plea Deal

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