Paris Hilton could have her probation revoked, possibly resulting in jail time, if she is found to have been driving with a suspended license, because it would violate conditions of her previous sentence for reckless driving, authorities said today.
The hotel heiress and star of The Simple Life was ticketed for misdemeanour driving with a suspended licence after her blue Bentley Continental GTC was pulled over on Sunset Boulevard on Tuesday, Los Angeles County sheriff's Sergeant Duane Allen Jr said.
She was stopped about 11pm after authorities saw the car speeding with its headlights off, Allen said.
"Our office is waiting to obtain a copy of the citation," said Nick Velasquez, a spokesman for the Los Angeles city attorney's office. "Once we're able to verify that Ms Hilton was driving the vehicle, we will request that the court revoke her probation and set a probation violation hearing."
Hilton could face up to 90 days in jail if a judge finds she violated her probation, he said.
"That is certainly one of the possibilities," Velasquez said. "The judge would make that determination."
In January, Hilton pleaded no contest to alcohol-related reckless driving stemming from a September 7 arrest in Hollywood and was sentenced to 36 months' probation, alcohol education and $1,500 (€1,100) in fines.
A call to Hilton spokesman Elliot Mintz seeking comment on the possible city attorney action was not immediately returned.
Earlier, Mintz commented on the incident that led to the citation.
Hilton was on her way home from buying DVDs in Hollywood after spending the day at home for a photo shoot, Mintz said.
Mintz said Hilton did not realise the car's headlights were not on because she had just left a parking structure that was brightly lit. She was told by police she was stopped for not having the headlights turned on. Speeding was not mentioned, Mintz said.
"When she called me, she asked if her license was suspended," Mintz said early today. "If that's the case, she and I are unaware of it."