Emma Watson, known for her iconic role as Hermione Granger in the Harry Potter film series, has been handed a six-month driving ban after being caught speeding in Oxfordshire, England.
The 35-year-old actress was recorded driving at 38 mph in a 30-mph zone in Banbury last July while behind the wheel of her blue Audi.
She was fined £1,044 ($1,400) at a hearing held at High Wycombe Magistrates’ Court, which she did not attend. Her lawyer told the court that while Watson is currently studying at Oxford University, she is “in a position to pay the fine.”
Zoe Wanamaker Also Banned for Speeding on M4
Also receiving a six-month ban is Zoe Wanamaker, 76, who portrayed Madame Hooch, the flying instructor in Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone.
Wanamaker was caught driving at 46 mph in a 40 mph zone on the M4 motorway in Berkshire last August. Like Watson, she was also fined £1,044 and did not appear in person for the hearing.
Both cases were heard separately but resulted in identical penalties, underscoring the strict enforcement of traffic laws, regardless of an individual’s celebrity status.
Court Issues Driving Bans Despite Low-Level Speeding
Although the infractions might seem minor, the court issued bans due to accumulated penalty points and to reinforce road safety standards.
Neither actress offered a public statement following the verdicts.