Two stars of the Harry Potter film franchise — Emma Watson and Zoe Wanamaker — have both been banned from driving for six months and fined £1,044 each following separate speeding offences in the UK.
In This Article:
- Emma Watson Caught Speeding in Oxford
- Zoe Wanamaker Also Penalised
- Life Beyond Driving for Both Actresses
- Moving Ahead
Emma Watson Caught Speeding in Oxford
Details of the Offence
Actress Emma Watson, best known for portraying Hermione Granger, was clocked driving at 38 mph in a 30 mph zone while behind the wheel of a blue Audi in Oxford on 31 July 2023.
- The offence added to Watson’s already accumulated nine penalty points, resulting in an automatic driving ban.
- A brief five-minute hearing was held at High Wycombe Magistrates’ Court on 17 July 2025.
- Watson did not attend the hearing in person. Her lawyer, Mark Haslam, represented her in court and confirmed she would pay the fine.
- The court ordered a total payment of £1,044, which includes the fine, court costs, and victim surcharge.
Zoe Wanamaker Also Penalised
Speeding Incident on the M4
Zoe Wanamaker, 76, who played Madam Hooch in Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, was also banned from driving for six months due to a speeding offence committed on the M4 motorway near Newbury, Berkshire.
- Wanamaker was recorded travelling at 46 mph in a 40 mph zone on 7 August 2024.
- Similar to Watson, she had nine active points on her license at the time of the incident.
- She received the same penalty: a six-month disqualification and a £1,044 fine.
- Her lawyer, Duncan Jones, stated she accepted the court’s ruling and did not seek special treatment due to her public profile.
Life Beyond Driving for Both Actresses
- Emma Watson has taken a break from acting, focusing on postgraduate studies and her sustainable gin brand.
- A new Harry Potter series is currently in development with a completely new cast.
- Zoe Wanamaker continues her work in theatre and television, remaining active in the UK entertainment scene.
Moving Ahead
Both actresses, admired for their contributions to the magical world of Harry Potter, have faced equal legal consequences for traffic violations, highlighting the principle that celebrity status offers no immunity under the law.
By – Nikita