Actress-turned-student Emma Watson fined over £1,000 and banned for six months after speeding conviction

Actress Emma Watson has been banned from driving for six months after a speeding offence landed her in court. The 35-year-old, best known for her role as Hermione Granger in the Harry Potter films, was caught driving at 38mph in a 30mph zone in Oxford in July last year. Already carrying nine penalty points, this latest offence pushed her over the limit.

The incident came before High Wycombe Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday, where the star—now a creative writing student at Oxford University—was ordered to pay £1,044 in fines, court costs, and a victim surcharge. Watson did not attend the five-minute hearing.

The ban is a blow to the actress, who stepped away from the spotlight in recent years to focus on personal development and academic pursuits. She returned to education in 2023, enrolling at Oxford after a decade-long break from formal studies.

Watson has long been an influential figure beyond film, rising to prominence not only for her performances in The Perks of Being a Wallflower, Beauty and the Beast, and Little Women, but also for her advocacy. In 2014, she became a UN Women Goodwill Ambassador, leading gender equality campaigns and speaking at major international forums.

Despite her celebrity status, Watson has largely kept a low profile in recent months. However, she made headlines earlier this year when an alleged stalker disrupted a fashion show in an apparent attempt to find her. That incident raised concerns over celebrity safety and personal boundaries.

Though the driving offence may appear minor, it highlights the strict penalties facing repeat motoring offenders in the UK. Accruing 12 or more points typically results in an automatic disqualification, even for well-known public figures.

With the new academic term at Oxford approaching in September, Watson will now need to rely on public transport or others for travel. It’s a marked contrast from her fast-paced years in Hollywood and a reminder that even high-profile figures are not above the law.

Watson has yet to comment publicly on the driving ban, and her representatives have not issued a statement. As she continues her academic journey, the spotlight may dim momentarily—but her name remains etched in pop culture and advocacy circles alike.