2009 is starting off right for Heather Locklear! Prosecutors have dismissed DUI charges against actress and mom of one after her attorney pleaded no contest on her behalf to misdemeanor reckless driving charges at a court hearing in Santa Barbara, CA this morning. Heather was not in court.

TMZ reports the judge then ordered her to pay a $700 fine, placed her on three years probation, and sent her to a mandatory 12-hour drug education course.

Cops arrested Heather last September after observing her in her car, weaving all over the roadway. She admitted that she had taken prescription drugs -- which was later confirmed by a blood test. She had not been drinking.