Emma Watson, the award-winning British actress known for portraying Hermione Granger in the “Harry Potter” series, has been given a six-month driving ban. She was pulled over for speeding and this was the result. On July 31 of last year, Watson did just that, zooming through an Oxford, England, university town in her electric-blue Audi. She made the mistake of being clocked speeding at 38 mph in a 30-mph zone. This most recent infraction earned the same three penalty points that severely overloaded her driving record.
At 35, Watson has grown up from a childhood wizarding world sensation. Today, she continues to excel in a multifaceted career that includes her work as a filmmaker, academic, and activist for women’s rights. In spite of her notoriety, she would be held accountable for her reckless shootings through the windshield of her car. She had nine penalty points on her license before the speeding incident.
The original debate was discussed with her former “Harry Potter” co-star, Zoë Wanamaker. Like her, Wanamaker was subject to punishment for speeding on the state’s dime. In a prosecution in 2013, Wanamaker was caught traveling in Berkshire, southeast England, at 46 mph in a 40-mph zone. This was only a month after Watson’s suspension. District Judge Arvind Sharma supported the extra penalty points for both actresses at today’s hearing.
Under UK law the build up of penalty points from Watson’s most recent offence meant he automatically faced a six month driving ban. The change exemplifies the legal underpinnings for encouraging safe roadway design.
Watson’s post-‘Potter’ career features significant roles in films such as Disney’s ‘Beauty and the Beast’ and Greta Gerwig’s adaptation of ‘Little Women.’ And much like her off-screen activities, her advocacy efforts underscore a tremendous commitment to social causes, especially the advancement of women’s rights, leading to remarkable contributions.
