Women in Iran can now legally obtain licences to ride motorcycles, ending years of uncertainty over the use of two-wheelers by women, local media reported Wednesday.
Previously, the law did not explicitly forbid women from riding motorcycles or scooters, but in practice, authorities refused to issue licences, leaving women legally vulnerable in accidents even when they were not at fault.
First Vice President Mohammad Reza Aref signed a resolution on Tuesday clarifying the traffic code, following approval by the Iranian cabinet in late January, according to the country’s Ilna news agency.
Under the new resolution, traffic police are required to provide practical training to female applicants, conduct exams under direct supervision, and issue motorcycle licences to women.
The change comes amid broader social shifts following widespread protests across Iran, initially sparked by economic grievances but later evolving into nationwide anti-government demonstrations.
Since the 1979 Islamic Revolution, women in Iran have faced strict societal restrictions, including mandatory dress codes, which have complicated riding motorcycles.
Women must cover their hair with a headscarf and wear modest, loose-fitting clothing.
Despite these rules, the number of women riding motorcycles has risen sharply in recent months.
The movement gained momentum after the 2022 death in custody of Mahsa Amini, who was arrested for allegedly violating the dress code, sparking nationwide protests demanding greater freedoms for women.
