'Harry Potter' star Emma Watson banned from driving for 6 months after speeding offense

Harry Potter actress Emma Watson has been banned from driving for six months after she was caught speeding in her Audi S3, according to British news outlets.

The 35-year-old star, who played Hermione Granger in the film franchise, drove 38 mph in a 30 mph zone in Oxford, England, on July 31 last year, BBC reported. The offense was caught on a speed camera on a restricted road in the city.

Watson was charged via mail and pleaded guilty to the offense on March 3. On Wednesday, the actress was sentenced for the violation at a lower court in Wycombe. She did not attend the 5-minute hearing.

In addition to the six-month driving ban, the actress was also fined £1,044 (roughly $1,400 U.S.), which she has to pay within 28 days.

This is Watson’s fourth driving offense in less than two years, according to the Daily Mail. She received three points on her license for this July 2024 speeding offense, in addition to nine points from driving offenses in January 2024 and October and November of 2023.

At the time of the speeding incident, Watson was driving her Audi S3, which was towed away by police last year after it was illegally parked while she met with her mom for lunch at a pub across the street, the Mirror reported.

The actress has been studying for a doctorate at Oxford University.

Watson rose to fame in the eight Harry Potter films that premiered from 2001 until 2011. J.K. Rowling's beloved books are now being turned into an HBO television series, set to debut in 2027. The role of Hermione Granger will be played by 11-year-old Arabella Stanton.

Coincidentally, in a separate hearing at the same court on July 16, another Harry Potter star was also handed the same sentence for speeding.

Zoë Wanamaker, who played Madam Hooch in Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, was also banned from driving for six months and fined £1,044 for driving 46 mph in a 40 mph zone in August 2024 in Berkshire, England, according to the Mirror.

Like Watson, the 76-year-old also had nine points on her license before the speeding offense. Wanamaker did not attend the sentencing.