The Iranian government has officially authorized the issuance of motorcycle licenses to women, ending decades of legal ambiguity that effectively barred female riders from the road.
The landmark change was solidified Tuesday when Iran’s First Vice President, Mohammad Reza Aref, signed a resolution aimed at clarifying the national traffic code. According to the state-linked Ilna news agency, the resolution was approved by the cabinet in late January and explicitly mandates traffic police to provide practical training and examinations for female applicants.
While Iranian law did not previously contain a specific statute prohibiting women from operating motorcycles or scooters, authorities had systematically refused to issue the necessary permits. This legal "grey area" left women vulnerable to significant legal risks; in the event of road accidents, female riders were often held legally responsible for damages or injuries even when they were the victims, due to their lack of a valid license.
Under the new resolution, the police are now obliged to "provide practical training to female applicants, organize an exam under the direct supervision of the police, and issue motorcycle driver’s licenses to women," Ilna reported.
The policy shift follows a period of intense social pressure and nationwide anti-government demonstrations that began last month. While initially sparked by economic concerns, the protests evolved into a broader movement demanding increased personal freedoms.
Since the 1979 Islamic Revolution, women in Iran have navigated strict societal restrictions, including mandatory dress codes that require hair to be covered by a headscarf and the wearing of loose-fitting clothing in public. Despite these challenges, the number of women seen riding motorbikes in cities like Tehran has risen sharply in recent months.
Public defiance of traditional restrictions has accelerated significantly following the 2022 death of Mahsa Amini, a young woman who died in the custody of the morality police after being arrested for an alleged dress code violation. Her death ignited a global movement for women's rights in Iran, pushing the government to reconsider several long-standing social prohibitions.
While the new resolution provides a legal framework for licensing, female riders will still be expected to adhere to national modesty laws while operating their vehicles.
