No Magic Fix: Emma Watson and Zoe Wanamaker Banned From Driving Over Speeding Offences

Two stars from the Harry Potter film series, Emma Watson and Zoe Wanamaker, have been banned from driving for six months each after being caught speeding in separate incidents in the UK.

Emma Watson, known globally for her role as Hermione Granger, was clocked driving at 38 miles per hour in a 30 mph zone near Banbury, Oxfordshire, on July 31, 2024 a date that also happens to be celebrated as Harry Potter’s fictional birthday. Watson’s speeding was captured by an automated camera, and the case was brought before the High Wycombe Magistrates’ Court nearly a year later, on July 16, 2025.

The court found that Watson had already accumulated nine penalty points on her license from previous speeding offences over the past two years. With this latest incident bringing her total to 12 points, an automatic six-month driving ban was imposed. She was also fined £1,044 (approximately $1,400).

Watson, who is currently pursuing a master’s degree in creative writing at Oxford University and recently launched a gin brand, did not attend the hearing in person. Her case was handled in a single brief session.

On the same day, actress Zoe Wanamaker, who played Madam Hooch in Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, was also banned from driving after a separate speeding offence. Both actresses were sentenced at the same High Wycombe court session.

News of the bans has attracted widespread attention from fans and the public alike. Many have expressed disappointment but have also acknowledged the need for accountability, regardless of celebrity status.

Court officials emphasized that traffic laws apply to all drivers equally and that accumulating multiple speeding offences will trigger strict penalties, including driving suspensions.

Both Watson and Wanamaker will be eligible to drive again after completing their six-month bans.