Emma Watson Handed Six‑Month Driving Ban
Emma Watson, 35, best known for portraying Hermione Granger in the Harry Potter franchise, has been banned from driving in the UK for six months.
Details of the Offence
The speeding violation occurred on 31 July 2024 in Oxford, where Watson was reportedly driving her blue Audi S3 at 61 km/h (≈38 mph) in a 48 km/h (30 mph) restricted zone — exceeding the limit by around 6 mph. Despite it being her fourth speeding offence in two years, Watson entered a guilty plea by post on 3 March 2025 and did not attend the in‑person hearing.
Court Proceedings and Penalty
The hearing lasted only five minutes, and she was not present, with her solicitor representing her in court.
Accumulation of Penalty Points
Prior to the July 2024 incident, Watson had already accumulated nine penalty points on her licence from earlier speeding offences and a separate incident in February 2024
In Summary
Emma Watson’s ban resulted from a 38 mph speeding violation in a 30 mph zone, combined with previously accumulated nine penalty points. The court delivered a six‑month driving disqualification, along with a £1,044 fine, via a hearing she did not attend. Her case underscores how the UK’s “totting‑up” system automatically disqualifies drivers who reach 12 points within three years.
