On July 16, 2025, Emma Watson, who played Hermione in Harry Potter, got a six-month driving ban for speeding. The 35-year-old was caught going 38 mph in a 30-mph zone in Oxford, England, on July 31, 2024. She was fined £1,044 ($1,400) at High Wycombe Magistrates’ Court. The same day, Zoë Wanamaker, who played Madam Hooch in the first Harry Potter movie, got the same ban and fine for driving 46 mph in a 40-mph zone in Berkshire in August 2024.
Wow, Hermione and Madam Hooch banned from driving? That’s craz*!
Why They Lost Their Licenses
Both stars had nine points on their driving licenses from past tickets. In the UK, 12 points mean a six-month ban. The court added three points for their new speeding tickets, hitting 12. Neither showed up to court, but Judge Arvind Sharma gave them the bans and fines.
Three more points and they’re out? That’s tough! I didn’t know speeding could do that.
Who Are They?
Emma Watson is super famous for playing Hermione Granger in all eight Harry Potter films. She’s 35 now and also works on women’s rights and movies like Beauty and the Beast. Zoë Wanamaker, 76, played Quidditch referee Madam Hooch in Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone and is a big theater star.
Hermione and Madam Hooch in trouble? It’s like Hogwarts news all over again!
UK Speeding Rules
In the UK, speeding gets you points:
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Small speeding (like Watson’s 8 mph over) gives three points and a fine.
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12 points in three years means no driving for six months.
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Both hit 12 points, so they can’t drive until January 2026.
Their £1,044 fines include court costs. An X post from @MailOnline said, “Harry Potter stars banned for speeding—Hogwarts would be shocked!”
12 points and no driving? That’s strict! I bet they’re upset about this.
What Happens Next?
Watson and Wanamaker can’t drive for six months, so they’ll need buses or taxis. Watson’s busy with activism and films, and Wanamaker does theater, so this might make things hard. They’ll likely stay quiet about it, but their Harry Potter fame keeps people talking. They can drive again in January 2026 but need to be careful.
No driving for six months? That’s gotta be annoying for such big stars!
Why This Is a Big Deal
It’s funny that two Harry Potter stars got banned for speeding at the same time. Watson’s huge fame makes this big news, and Wanamaker’s role adds a fun twist. It shows even celebrities get in trouble for speeding. The UK’s tough driving rules don’t care if you’re famous. An X post from @TheSun said, “From Hogwarts to no driving—Emma and Zoë hit the brakes!” This might remind everyone to slow down.
This is such a wild story! Two Harry Potter stars banned together? What do you think about this? Tell me!