SANTA BARBARA, Calif. - Heather Locklear has evaded DUI charges by pleading to a lesser offence.

A court official in Santa Barbara says an attorney for the actress entered a no contest plea to a misdemeanour reckless driving charge in court Friday.

Locklear was given three years of informal probation, will pay a fine and attend a driver's education program, said Lee Carter, Santa Barbara senior deputy district attorney.

Tests revealed no alcohol in Locklear's system following her September arrest, but prosecutors charged her in November with driving under the influence of prescription drugs.

Locklear's attorney, Blair Berk, declined to comment Friday.

The actress, whose credits include "Dynasty," "Melrose Place," did not appear.