Emma Watson, renowned for her portrayal of Hermione Granger in the Harry Potter film series, has been banned from driving for six months after being caught speeding. The incident occurred on July 31, 2024, when Watson was recorded driving at 38mph in a 30mph zone in Oxford. The actress, who had nine penalty points on her driving record prior to this offense, appeared in court, where it was confirmed.
At a brief hearing on Wednesday at High Wycombe Magistrates' Court, Watson was ordered to pay £1,044 in fines and costs. The 35-year-old did not attend the five-minute session, with her representatives yet to comment on the case. Watson, who graduated from Brown University with a degree in English literature in 2014, has also been pursuing a master's degree in creative writing at Columbia University.
Watson, who gained fame at the age of 11 with the release of Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone in 2001, went on to star in all eight films of the franchise. Post-Harry Potter, she appeared in movies like Beauty and the Beast, The Bling Ring, and The Perks of Being a Wallflower, with her last film role being in Greta Gerwig's Little Women (2019). She also launched a sustainable gin brand in 2023 with her brother.
In a separate case, Zoe Wanamaker, who played Madam Hooch in the Harry Potter films, was also fined and banned for six months for a speeding violation on the same day at the same court. Wanamaker, 76, was caught driving 46mph in a 40mph zone on the M4 in Newbury, Berkshire. She was also fined £1,044, with both women now facing additional penalty points on their driving records.
Both Watson and Wanamaker were disqualified for six months due to the accumulation of 12 points on their licenses.
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