US actress Heather Locklear has been arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence of prescription medication in California, police say.

The former Dynasty star was pulled over in Santa Barbara following reports she was seen "driving erratically" when leaving a car park. Ms Locklear was taken to the police station where she was tested for alcohol and drugs. The 47-year-old actress was later released from custody. The California Highway Patrol officer noticed Ms Locklear's car was blocking a lane while parked on a highway in Montecito, a patrol spokesman said.

"In talking with her, [the officer] determines that she seems to be under the influence of something," he said. Earlier this year, Ms Locklear checked herself into a medical clinic to seek treatment for anxiety and depression.

Last year, she divorced Bon Jovi guitarist Richie Sambora after 11 years of marriage. They have a 10-year-old daughter together, Ava Elizabeth. The actress first rose to fame as Sammy Jo Dean Carrington in the 1980s soap Dynasty.

She subsequently appeared on Melrose Place and the sitcom Spin City, for which she was twice nominated for a Golden Globe.