Emma Watson banned from driving while a student at the University of Oxford

Emma Watson, the Harry Potter star turned University of Oxford student, has been banned from driving after speeding in Oxford.

She pleaded guilty to driving at 38mph in a 30mph zone on Banbury Road in Oxford. An automatic camera caught her speeding on 31st July, 2024. During this time, Emma Watson was studying a Master’s in creative writing at the University of Oxford.

Emma Watson had already racked up nine points on her licence for three previous offences, according to This is Oxfordshire. The court banned her from driving for six months. and fined her £650. This fine was smaller than it could have been, because she pleaded guilty. Emma Watson also has to pay a £264 surcharge and £120 of court costs. She has received three more points on her licence.

University of Oxford buildings on Banbury Road
(Credit: David Howard)

Another Harry Potter star was banned from driving at the same court on the same morning. Zoë Wanamaker, who portrayed Madam Hooch, drove at 46mph in a section of the M4 that had a 40mph speeding limit. She had been caught speeding by cameras four times in 11 months, and already had 12 points on her licence. The court also banned Zoë Wanamaker from driving for sixth months. She must pay a £660 fine, plus £364 in court costs and surcharges.

Emma Watson was charged by post earlier this year, then pleaded guilty on 3rd March. She requested to have a full court hearing, but then didn’t attend the hearing in High Wycombe on 16th July.

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Her lawyer said in court that Emma Watson “fully understands her position and will accept her punishment”.

When Emma Watson broke the speed limit, she was driving a blue Audi S3, that reportedly cost about £30,000.  The same car was towed in Stratford-upon-Avon in February 2024, after Emma Watson allegedly left the vehicle in a no-parking zone while watching a production of  Shakespeare’s The Merchant of Venice.

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Feature image credit: Piovanotto Marco/ABACA/Shutterstock.