Fans shocked after learning exact reason Harry Potter star Emma Watson was banned from driving as laws explained

Fans have been left floored after learning the reason why beloved Harry Potter star Emma Watson has been banned from driving.

Watson is best known for starring in the Harry Potter franchise as a child, while also featuring in films like Perks of Being a Wallflower, The Bling Ring, Beauty and the Beast and Little Women later on in her career.

And it seems as if Watson may now be trying to audition for the next Fast & Furious movie, as the 35-year-old has recently had her driving license revoked for speeding.

The ban is for six months, with Watson also being ordered by a judge to pay a $1,400 fine.

Why has Emma Watson received a driving ban?

Emma Watson has been banned for driving for 6 months (ANGELA WEISS/AFP via Getty Images)

The actress was said to have been caught driving 38mph in a 30mph zone in Oxford, UK, last year on July 31 in a blue Audi.

According to the BBC, Watson already had nine points on her license when she was caught speeding.

The Harry Potter star didn't attend her recent hearing and sent her lawyer on her behalf.

Watson is currently studying at Oxford University and while she's a student, her lawyer told the judge that she 'is in a position to pay the fine'.

People's reaction to the driving ban

In light of Watson only being 8mph over the speeding limit, a lot of people have been left surprised that she was hit with such a hefty punishment.

One person said on Twitter: "If driving over 8mph the speed limit gets a ban from driving I'd be in prison for life in the UK. Joke country."

A second wrote: "8 over? How is that a ban from driving? If it was 10 over, would make sense. Unless driving laws in the UK are different."

Echoing similar sentiments, another person said: "38 in a 30 are you kidding me? I was expecting 100+ on a freeway or something."

UK penalty points system explained

Watson was caught going 38mph in a 30mph zone (Getty Stock Image)

In the UK, the courts can 'endorse' your driving record with penalty points if you end up being convicted of a motoring offence. These points remain on your record for four or 11 years, depending on the offence, says the UK government website.

In regards to getting a driving ban, there are two ways this can happen: if you're convicted of a driving offence or if you get 12 or more penalty points over a three year period.

In light of Watson receiving a six-month ban, it looks as if she racked up 12 or more points over three years.

If you get another disqualification in three years then you'll be banned for 12 months. If you're slapped with a third disqualification in this time frame then the driving ban will be increased to two years.

Watson will have to apply for a new driving license once her six-month ban is lifted.