Iran formally allows women to ride motorcycles, in historic shift
In a country where women’s public presence is heavily regulated, the right to operate a vehicle is a powerful indicator of shifting social boundaries
Women in Iran can now formally obtain a licence to ride a motorcycle, local media reported on Wednesday, ending years of legal ambiguity surrounding two-wheelers.
Previously, the law did not explicitly prohibit women from riding motorbikes and scooters, but in practice authorities refused to issue licences.
Due to the grey area, women have been held legally responsible for accidents even when they are victims.
Iran’s First Vice-President Mohammad Reza Aref signed a resolution on Tuesday aimed at clarifying the traffic code, which was approved by Iran’s cabinet in late January, the country’s Ilna news agency reported.
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 said.
The change follows a wave of protests across Iran that were initially sparked by economic grievances but which grew last month into nationwide anti-government demonstrations.