Women in Iran can now officially obtain motorcycle driver’s licences, marking a significant shift after years of legal uncertainty and unofficial bans on female riders.
Local media reports say Iran’s First Vice President, Mohammad Reza Aref, has signed a new resolution clarifying the country’s traffic regulations, effectively opening the door for women to ride motorcycles legally.
According to Ilna News Agency, the measure—approved by Iran’s cabinet in late January—directs traffic authorities to begin issuing licences to women.
“The resolution obliges traffic police to provide practical training to female applicants, organise an exam under the direct supervision of the police, and issue motorcycle driver’s licences to women,” Ilna quoted officials as saying.
Although Iranian law had never explicitly prohibited women from riding motorcycles or scooters, authorities routinely refused to issue licences, creating a legal grey area that often left female riders vulnerable.
In many cases, women were reportedly held legally responsible for road accidents even when they were the victims, simply because they lacked official permits.
The policy change comes amid heightened social pressure following months of unrest across Iran. Protests initially driven by economic grievances escalated into nationwide anti-government demonstrations.
Tehran has acknowledged that more than 3,000 people died during the unrest, while maintaining that most of the casualties were security personnel and bystanders.
Since the 1979 Islamic Revolution, Iranian women have faced strict social regulations, including mandatory dress codes that require headscarves and modest, loose-fitting clothing—rules that have made motorcycle riding particularly challenging.
Despite these restrictions, the number of women riding motorcycles has risen sharply in recent months, with many openly defying traditional norms.
That trend intensified after the death in custody of Mahsa Amini, a young woman arrested for allegedly violating Iran’s dress code. Her death sparked widespread protests led largely by women demanding greater personal freedoms and legal rights.
Observers say the new licensing policy represents a small but symbolic step toward easing long-standing limitations on women’s mobility and independence in Iran.
