Women in Iran can now officially apply for and receive licences to ride motorcycles, according to reports by local media on Wednesday, bringing clarity to a long-standing legal grey area surrounding the use of two-wheelers by women.
Although Iranian law had never clearly banned women from riding motorcycles or scooters, authorities had consistently declined to issue licences to female riders in practice.
As a result of this ambiguity, women involved in road accidents were often held legally liable, even in cases where they were the victims.
The development followed the signing of a new resolution on Tuesday by Iran’s First Vice President, Mohammad Reza Aref. The measure, which seeks to clarify existing traffic regulations, had earlier been approved by Iran’s cabinet in late January, according to the Ilna news agency.
Under the new resolution, traffic police are required 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 reported.
The policy shift comes against the backdrop of widespread unrest across Iran. What began as protests over economic hardship evolved last month into nationwide demonstrations challenging the government.
Authorities have acknowledged that more than 3,000 people were killed during the turmoil, while maintaining that the majority of those who died were security personnel and bystanders.
Since the 1979 Islamic revolution, Iranian women have lived under strict social regulations, including dress codes that have complicated motorcycle use. Women are required to cover their hair with headscarves in public and wear modest, loose clothing, conditions that have historically discouraged or restricted riding.
In recent years, however, many women have openly defied these rules, leading to a noticeable increase in the number of female motorcyclists on Iranian roads.
This shift became more pronounced following the 2022 death of Mahsa Amini, who died in custody after being arrested for allegedly breaching dress regulations.
Amini’s death triggered widespread protests led by women calling for expanded freedoms and greater rights, further intensifying public pressure on authorities to review long-standing restrictions.
What you should know
Iran’s decision to formally allow women to obtain motorcycle licences represents a significant policy clarification rather than a sudden legal reversal.
For years, the absence of clear rules left female riders vulnerable to punishment and legal liability. The change reflects mounting social pressure following repeated protests over women’s rights and personal freedoms, particularly after the death of Mahsa Amini in 2022.
While dress codes and other restrictions remain in place, the new regulation signals a limited but notable adjustment by the Iranian government in response to evolving social realities.
