Women in Iran will now be officially permitted to obtain motorcycle licences, Iranian media confirmed on Wednesday, marking a significant step in clarifying longstanding legal ambiguities surrounding two-wheeled vehicles.
Previously, the law did not explicitly prohibit women from riding motorcycles or scooters. However, in practice, female citizens were routinely denied licences, leaving them legally accountable in the event of traffic accidents. This regulatory uncertainty has now been addressed by First Vice President Mohammad Reza Aref, who signed a resolution last Tuesday to clearly define the relevant provisions of the country’s traffic laws.
According to the ILNA news agency, the cabinet approved the resolution in late January 2026. Under the new regulations, traffic police are mandated to organise practical training for female riders, supervise examinations, and issue motorcycle licences to women without exception.
Analysts suggest that recent social movements in Iran played a crucial role in prompting this change. What began as protests over the economic crisis eventually evolved into a broader anti-government movement. The government has acknowledged that over 3,000 people were killed during the unrest, although the majority of fatalities reportedly involved security forces and bystanders.
Thirty-three-year-old advertising professional Saina told reporters that she has been commuting to her office by scooter for the past six months. “This change has come very late,” she said. “Women have already been riding motorcycles for months. I don’t think this is the primary issue facing our society.”
Since the 1979 Islamic Revolution, Iranian women have been subject to strict dress codes, including mandatory headscarves in public and wearing modest, loose-fitting clothing. In recent years, however, these regulations have faced increasing challenges, and interest in motorcycle riding among women has grown steadily.
The table below summarises the key aspects of the new regulations concerning women’s motorcycle licences:
| Aspect | Description |
|---|---|
| Authorising authority | Iran’s First Vice President & Cabinet |
| Resolution publication | Last week of January 2026 |
| Traffic police responsibilities | Provide practical training, supervise exams, issue licences |
| Target population | Female motorcyclists |
| Social context | Recent social movements and dress code debates |
| Licence enforcement | Officially in effect immediately |
While the new policy grants Iranian women the legal right to ride motorcycles safely, social and cultural barriers remain. Experts view this reform as a significant milestone for women’s freedom of movement and personal autonomy in Iran.