‘Harry Potter’ star Emma Watson banned from driving for six months

Two former "Harry Potter" stars have been banned from driving after separate speeding offenses in England.

Emma Watson, 35, received a six-month driving disqualification after being caught speeding in Oxford last year. The actress and activist drove her blue Audi at 38 mph in a 30-mph zone on July 31, 2024.

Watson did not attend the hearing held at High Wycombe Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday. Judge Arvind Sharma fined her £1,044 (about $1,400) and added three penalty points to her license. The added points pushed her total to 12, triggering the automatic six-month ban under UK law.

Shortly after Watson’s ruling, the court addressed a similar case involving Zoë Wanamaker. Wanamaker played Madam Hooch in the first "Harry Potter" film.

The 75-year-old actress was caught driving at 46 mph in a 40-mph zone in Berkshire, southeast England, in August 2024. She also received a six-month ban and a fine of the same amount.

Both actresses already had nine penalty points on their licenses. The three new points for each made them subject to automatic disqualification, as per UK driving laws.

Watson’s representatives have not responded to CNN’s request for comment. Wanamaker’s representative declined to comment.

Former Co-Stars, Parallel Outcomes

The twin rulings create an unusual moment of symmetry for the two performers. Their careers first crossed paths in the early 2000s on the set of "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone." Now, decades later, they face the same legal penalty on the same day.

“It’s certainly uncommon for two related public figures to appear in unrelated but similar traffic cases back-to-back,” said UK legal analyst Fiona Harris. “While there's no legal connection between the cases, the coincidence is striking.”

From Hogwarts to Headlines

Watson gained international fame for her role as Hermione Granger across all eight “Harry Potter” films. Since the franchise ended in 2011, she has expanded her influence beyond acting.

Her post-Potter career includes major film roles in “Beauty and the Beast” and “Little Women,” directed by Greta Gerwig. She is also known for her work as a UN Women Goodwill Ambassador and her involvement in the HeForShe campaign.

“She’s grown into a leading voice for gender equality,” said media critic Alan Peters. “But like anyone else, she's not above the law.”

Wanamaker, a highly respected British stage actress, earned recognition long before and after her brief role in "Harry Potter." Her work with the Royal Shakespeare Company and on the West End has earned her multiple awards.

A Reminder on Road Safety

The UK has a points-based driving penalty system. Accumulating 12 or more points within three years typically results in a driving ban. Speeding, depending on severity, can lead to three to six points and hefty fines.

According to the UK’s Department for Transport, speeding remains a leading cause of road accidents. In 2023, speed-related crashes contributed to 26% of all fatal road incidents.

“This serves as a reminder that even minor speeding can have legal consequences,” said road safety expert James Cartwright. “No one is immune to the system, no matter their status.”

Public Reaction

The story quickly made waves on social media, where fans shared mixed reactions. Some expressed disappointment, while others noted that the law was applied fairly.

“Not the best headline for Emma,” wrote one user on X (formerly Twitter), “but at least justice was consistent.”

Another added: “It’s weirdly poetic that Madam Hooch and Hermione got banned the same day.”

Moving Forward

It’s unclear whether Watson or Wanamaker plan to appeal the rulings. However, legal experts say six-month bans are unlikely to be reversed unless major errors occurred during proceedings.

The actresses will have their licenses reinstated after the disqualification period ends, provided no further offenses occur.

For now, both stars will be off the road perhaps reflecting on the odd symmetry of their shared day in court.

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