US actress Heather Locklear has been charged with driving under the influence of prescription drugs.

Locklear, 47, was arrested in September in the city of Montecito about 90 miles northwest of Los Angeles when a California Highway Patrol officer found her car parked on a highway and blocking a traffic lane.

Lee Carter, senior deputy district attorney for Santa Barbara County, said a toxicology test showed she had prescription medication in her system, but not alcohol or illegal drugs.

Mr Carter said Locklear was charged with a misdemeanour, rather than a more serious crime.

Locklear became a star in the 1980s drama Dynasty, and has since starred in Melrose Place and Spin City.

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