Emma Watson, the best known for playing Hermione Granger in the Harry Potter films, is once again in the spotlight but this time, not for her work. The 35-year-old actress has been banned from driving for six months after she was caught speeding in Oxford, England.
Speeding Offence Caught on Camera
The incident happened in July 2024, when Watson was seen driving at 38 mph in a 30 mph zone. A year later, the High Wycombe Magistrates’ Court delivered its ruling on Wednesday, July 16, suspending her license due to the traffic violation.
Because Watson already had nine penalty points on her record from earlier offences, this latest violation triggered an automatic six-month driving ban.
Court Fines and Legal Representation
In addition to the suspension, the actress has been ordered to pay a £1,044 fine. Although Watson did not attend the hearing in person, her lawyer Mark Haslam represented her and told the court, “She is in a position to pay the fine.”
The entire hearing lasted just five minutes.
Mixed Reactions Online
The news quickly spread online, drawing a mix of reactions from netizens. Some fans were surprised to see Watson, who has always maintained a positive public image, face legal trouble. Others, however, praised the court’s decision, saying it proves that “every citizen is treated equally, regardless of their fame.”
Some users noted that Watson was penalized after several violations, and applauded the enforcement of traffic laws without bias. One comment read, “Justice was served. She broke the rules like anyone else would.”
Memes and Jokes Flood Social Media
The situation also led to a wave of memes and jokes across social media. One fan joked, “Gryffindor loses 12 points! Emma Watson banned from driving for six months due to speeding.”
Another meme showed Watson on a broomstick with the caption, “Emma Watson for those 6 months.” A third user referenced Harry Potter flying lessons, saying, “If she were paying attention in Madam Hooch’s class, this wouldn’t have happened.”
There were also sarcastic comments criticizing UK driving laws, with one person saying, “If driving over 8 mph the speed limit gets a ban from driving, I’d be in prison for life in the UK. Joke country.”
Watson Yet to Respond
As of now, Emma Watson who is currently pursuing a master’s degree in creative writing at the University of Oxford has not made any public statement about the court’s decision.
