Harry Potter stars Emma Watson and Zoe Wanamaker handed 6-month driving ban over speeding violation

Both the actresses were fined and will be off the road until early 2026

Last updated:
Balaram Menon, Senior Web Editor
Emma Watson
Emma Watson
AP

Actress Emma Watson has been banned from driving for six months following a speeding violation in 2024 that added to an already full slate of penalty points on her licence.

The 35-year-old, best known for her role as Hermione Granger in the Harry Potter film series, was clocked driving 38 mph in a 30 mph zone in Oxford.

According to media reports, the incident, captured by a speed camera last year, was brought before High Wycombe Magistrates' Court this week. Watson did not appear in court, as she is currently enrolled at the University of Oxford and on a break from her acting career.

Due to her accumulating more than nine penalty points, the court imposed the temporary driving ban and ordered her to pay a fine of $1,405.

Zoe Wanamaker also banned in separate case

In an unrelated case heard the same day at the same court, fellow Harry Potter actress Zoe Wanamaker, who portrayed Madam Hooch, was also banned from driving.

Wanamaker, 75, was found guilty of driving 46 mph in a 40 mph zone on the M4 motorway in Berkshire last August.

She received a similar six-month driving ban and was fined approximately $1,400.

Though the two cases involve stars from the same film series, they were handled separately by magistrates at the High Wycombe court. Both actresses will be off the road until early 2026.

Balaram Menon
Balaram MenonSenior Web Editor
Balaram brings more than two decades of experience in the media industry, combining sharp editorial judgment with a deep understanding of digital news dynamics. Since 2004, he has been a core member of the gulfnews.com digital team, playing a key role in shaping its identity. Passionate about current affairs, politics, cricket, and entertainment, Balaram thrives on stories that spark conversation. His strength lies in adapting to the fast-changing news landscape and curating compelling content that resonates with readers.
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