British actresses Emma Watson and Zoe Wanamaker, both known for their roles in the Harry Potter film franchise, have been fined and banned from driving for six months following separate speeding violations ruled on by the same UK court.
Emma Watson’s Offense
Emma Watson, best known for portraying Hermione Granger, was found guilty of driving at 61 km/h in a 50 km/h zone while behind the wheel of her Audi S3 in Oxford in July 2024. Already having accumulated nine points on her licence, this latest offense pushed her total to 12 points — the legal threshold in the UK that triggers an automatic disqualification from driving for at least six months.
Watson, 35, did not attend the brief five-minute hearing at the magistrates court in High Wycombe, where she was issued a €1,152 fine in addition to the ban. The decision could affect her ongoing studies, as she has been pursuing a master’s degree in creative writing at the University of Oxford since 2023.
Zoe Wanamaker’s Violation
In a coincidental twist, Zoe Wanamaker — who played Madam Hooch in Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone — was also penalized at the same court for a separate speeding offense. The 76-year-old was caught driving her Volvo at 74 km/h in a 70 km/h zone in Newbury, Berkshire, in August 2024. Like Watson, Wanamaker had nine existing points on her licence and was likewise fined €1,152 and handed a six-month driving ban.
Neither actress appeared in court for their respective hearings.
Background on UK Driving Law
In the UK, drivers who accrue 12 or more points on their licence within a three-year period are subject to disqualification from driving. Courts may impose additional fines depending on the severity of the offense.
