Following her fourth traffic violation in two years, British actress Emma Watson, well-known for her role as Hermione Granger in the Harry Potter movies, received a driving ban. Earlier this week, following Watson’s appearance in court and guilty plea to the repeated offences, the authorities confirmed the suspension.
Court Issues Ban
Upon reviewing Emma Watson’s driving history, which is marked by numerous speeding penalties and road traffic offences, the court issued a stern ruling. She was banned from driving by magistrates for “persistent disregard for road safety laws.”
Watson, 35, attended the hearings on video link and did not contest the allegations. “Nobody is above the law, and the serial nature of these offences requires action,” the judge stated, asserting that her celebrity status did not exempt her from legal action.
Police
Watson has been halted at least three times already by law enforcement officials. They always issued warnings or speeding fines and improper lane usage. She continued to accumulate offences despite repeated warnings, which eventually led to her current ban.
Watson had recently been fined for speeding over the limit in a residential area just four months ago, police reports show. Reports state police saw her vehicle speeding 15 mph over the official limit.
Driving Ban
Fan reaction on social media was not universally in agreement. Some came to Watson’s defence, citing the pressures of fame and constant travel, while others accepted the court’s verdict. Some analysts have called for celebrities to be held more accountable, arguing that fame does not exempt one from the law.
“Emma Watson is a great actress, but all should drive carefully on the roads,” one commenter posted. This encourages improved behaviour in the future.
Emma Watson Promise
Watson apologised and admitted her consistent offences in a short statement provided by her representative. She said, “I accept complete responsibility for my actions.” “I will use this time to reflect and make better decisions because I understand how serious these violations are.”
Watson’s lawyers state that she will not contest the driving ban and intends to comply with all legal requirements. She will be required to complete a driver improvement course within the six-month ban before receiving her driving license back.
Emma Watson
Watson remains active in advocacy and filmmaking despite the devastating setback. She continues to serve as a UN Women Goodwill Ambassador and has completed shooting a period drama.
Watson plans to focus on her existing pursuits and charitable work while she is not travelling the globe. Her team reassured fans that this tragedy would not affect her next shooting schedule.
