Emma Watson and Zoë Wanamaker, both known for their roles in the Harry Potter film franchise, were recently penalized for speeding violations in England. Both actresses were given six-month driving bans after being caught exceeding speed limits in separate incidents.
Watson was found driving 38 mph in a 30 mph zone in Oxford last July, which was 26% above the limit. Though absent from her court hearing, the High Wycombe Magistrates’ Court imposed a $1,400 fine and added three penalty points to her license, which previously held nine points. This led to the mandatory six-month disqualification.
On the same day, Wanamaker appeared before the same court, facing charges for driving 46 mph in a 40 mph zone on the M4 near Newbury last year. Sharing a similar prior record, Wanamaker received the same fine, three penalty points, and a driving ban duration.
The judge, Arvind Sharma, emphasized that prior offenses affect sentencing outcomes and applied the law consistently regardless of the defendants’ public profiles. The cases highlight how accumulating points for traffic offenses can lead to severe penalties such as driving disqualification.
