Heather Locklear in plea deal for reckless driving

LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - Actress Heather Locklear pleaded no contest on Friday to a reduced charge of reckless driving in a plea deal stemming from her arrest in September on charges of driving under the influence of prescription drugs.

Santa Barbara Assistant District Attorney Lee Carter said Locklear, 47, was sentenced to three years informal probation and a maximum fine of $900. She also must attend a drivers education program.

Carter said the former star of the television shows "Melrose Place" and "Dynasty" did not appear in court in Santa Barbara. The plea was entered by her lawyer on Friday. Under California law, "no contest" is the equivalent of a guilty plea.

Locklear was arrested in September in the celebrity enclave of Montecito, near the coastal town of Santa Barbara, when police found her car parked on a highway blocking a traffic lane.

Tests showed she had prescription medication in her system but no alcohol or drugs. She was originally charged with driving under the influence.

The actress had checked into an Arizona medical facility in June for treatment for anxiety and depression.

(Reporting by Jill Serjeant)