Emma Watson, the actress best known for playing Hermione Granger in the Harry Potter films, has been banned from driving for six months following a series of speeding offences in the UK.
The 34-year-old was caught speeding at 38 miles per hour in a 30mph zone in Oxford on July 31, 2024. This marked her fourth speeding offence within a two-year period. With this latest incident, she reached a total of 12 penalty points on her licence—enough to trigger an automatic driving disqualification under UK traffic laws.
Watson did not appear in person for the court hearing at High Wycombe Magistrates' Court but entered a guilty plea through her legal representative. She was fined £660 for the latest speeding offence, with additional costs and surcharges bringing the total to £1,044. The court confirmed that her ban would begin immediately and last for six months.
The actress’s lawyer said she understood the seriousness of the matter and accepted the decision. There were no arguments made for exceptional hardship, which could sometimes allow a ban to be avoided in special circumstances.
Previous Violations and Increased Public Scrutiny Over Celebrity Road Safety
Watson’s latest offence adds to a pattern of past driving violations. In late 2023 and early 2024, she committed three earlier speeding offences, resulting in nine penalty points. Combined with the recent speeding charge in Oxford, her licence reached the 12-point limit that leads to disqualification.
In a separate incident earlier this year, Watson’s Audi was towed after being found parked obstructively in Stratford-upon-Avon. While that did not add points to her licence, it raised additional concerns about her driving habits.
The case has sparked broader conversations about road safety and accountability, particularly for high-profile individuals. Public figures like Watson often become role models for young fans, and incidents like these tend to draw extra attention. Traffic safety advocates argue that repeated violations, even at relatively low speeds, still pose a risk and deserve appropriate consequences.
Interestingly, another well-known actress, Zoë Wanamaker—also connected to the Harry Potter franchise—was banned from driving at the same court session. Wanamaker had also accumulated 12 penalty points after being caught driving at 46mph in a 40mph zone. She received a similar six-month ban and was also fined.
Under UK driving laws, any driver who accumulates 12 or more points within a three-year period is subject to an automatic disqualification unless exceptional circumstances apply. The rule aims to deter repeated offences and promote safer driving habits.
Watson is currently enrolled in a doctorate program at Oxford University and has not made any public comments about the ban. Whether the disqualification affects her daily activities or schedule remains unknown.
