Iranian Women Get Freedom To Ride Motorcycles After Decades Under New Law

Last Updated:February 04, 2026, 19:13 IST

Iran's First Vice President Mohammad Reza Aref signed a resolution aimed at clarifying the traffic code to allow women to get licences to ride motorcycles.

While Iran did not explicitly ban women from riding motorcycles, authorities refused to issue licences to them. (AI-Generated Image)

In a big move, Iran’s clerical regime has passed a law formally allowing women to obtain a licence to ride motorcycles, ending years of legal ambiguity surrounding two-wheelers, as per local media on Wednesday.

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". This change came after a wave of protests engulfed Iran, triggered by economic stagnation and falling national currency.

Why This Law?

Previously, while Iran did not explicitly prohibit women from riding motorbikes and scooters, authorities refused to issue licences, due to which women were held legally responsible for accidents even when victims. Without licenses, women cannot obtain insurance and may be liable for full blood money in accidents.

However, women on scooters and motorcycles had become a common sight on the streets, according to Iran International. Several women have been seen riding two-wheelers to school, work or social clubs. Women have also competed internationally since 2016.

Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei had uled that women’s cycling “in public view of men is haram because it attracts attention." Several clerics also agree that riding prevents wearing the hijab properly – mandated under Iran’s strict dress code – and exposes body movements.

Impact Of This Law

Saina, a 33-year-old advertising agency employee, told AFP that the change to the traffic laws comes “too late" because “women have been riding motorcycles for months already". She said the law was “not the main problem in our society."

Since Iran’s 1979 Islamic revolution, women have faced a number of societal restrictions, with dress codes posing a challenge for those riding motorcycles. However, women in Iran have defied the strict hijab rules, particularly after the 2022 death of Mahsa Amini, which triggered nationwide protests.

The government’s first serious effort to allow women to obtain motorcycle licenses was initiated last year, and Iran’s Presidential Council Advisor Kazim Dilhosh announced on August 28, 2025, that a bill proposing an amendment to Article 20 of the Traffic Violations Law aimed at resolving this issue had been submitted to parliament, as per reports.

(with agency inputs)

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