Iran Formally Allows Women to Drive Motorcycle

Women in Iran can now formally obtain a licence to ride motorcycles, local media reported on Wednesday, following years of legal ambiguity surrounding two-wheelers. The previous law did not explicitly prohibit women from riding motorbikes and scooters but authorities refused to issue licences in practice, leaving women legally responsible for accidents even when victims.

This change comes after Iran’s First Vice President Mohammad Reza Aref signed a resolution on Tuesday that aimed to clarify the traffic code, approved by Iran’s cabinet in late January. Under the new resolution, traffic police are now required to provide practical training to female applicants and organise exams under direct supervision of law enforcement before issuing motorcycle driver’s licences.

This decision follows nationwide anti-government protests sparked initially by economic grievances but which have since evolved into demonstrations against the regime. Tehran has acknowledged that over 3,000 deaths occurred during these unrests, with most fatalities attributed to security forces and bystanders. Since Iran’s 1979 Islamic revolution, women have faced societal restrictions, including dress codes.

Women are required to cover their hair with a headscarf in public and wear modest, loose-fitting clothing; however, over the past few years, many have defied these rules, leading to an increase in motorcycle usage. This trend accelerated following Mahsa Amini’s death in custody in 2022 after being arrested for allegedly violating dress code regulations. Her death sparked widespread protests demanding greater freedoms.

These developments are part of a broader push by Iranian women for more social and legal equality.