Social media flooded with Harry Potter memes after Emma Watson gets a 6-month driving ban: ‘Gryffindor loses 12 points’
The 35-year-old, known for playing Hermione Granger in the Harry Potter films, was reportedly caught driving at 38mph in a 30mph zone in Oxfordshire last July.
British actor Emma Watson’s six-month driving ban has become a hot topic on social media, with users reacting swiftly to news that the actor had been penalised for a speeding offence in the UK. Known globally for her role as Hermione Granger in the Harry Potter film series, the 35-year-old actor was found to be driving at 38mph in a 30mph zone in Banbury, Oxfordshire last July.
At the time of the incident, the actor already had nine penalty points on her driving license. The recent offence led to an automatic disqualification, along with a financial penalty. According to reports, the High Wycombe Magistrates' Court, in its hearing this week, ordered Emma to pay a total of £1,044. She was not present at the hearing, and her representatives attended in her place. Her lawyer told the court that she is in a position to pay the fine.
The development has triggered significant discussion online. While some fans were surprised by the news, others pointed out that traffic offences—especially when repeated—should carry consequences, regardless of a person’s public profile.
A large section of social media users appeared to praise the judicial system for holding the Perks of Being a Wallflower star accountable. Many highlighted that the ban was a result of cumulative offences, not just a one-off incident slightly over the speed limit. The case has been viewed as a rare instance where a celebrity was not given leniency, reinforcing the idea that the law applies equally to everyone.
The fine and ban, though routine in traffic cases involving repeated violations, have stood out primarily because of Emma’s fame and a rather unblemished public image. As the story continues to circulate online, it has opened up conversations around road safety, celebrity privilege, and the importance of enforcing penalties consistently—regardless of status.
Watson, who made a rare public appearance at the Cannes Film Festival earlier this year, has not issued a public statement about the court ruling as of now.
