Iran women motorcycle licence approved, enabling legal riding and training after years of restrictions and protests

Iranian authorities have formally authorised women to obtain licences to ride motorcycles, ending a prolonged period of legal uncertainty that restricted female riders across the country.

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The resolution was signed by First Vice President Mohammad Reza Aref on Tuesday and approved by the cabinet in late January.

The new directive mandates traffic police to provide practical training, conduct examinations under police supervision, and issue motorcycle licences to women.

Previously, while the law did not explicitly forbid women from riding motorcycles and scooters, authorities routinely refused to issue licences, leaving women legally liable for accidents even when they were victims.

The change follows nationwide protests that intensified last month, initially triggered by economic grievances but escalating into demonstrations for broader civil liberties.

Iranian authorities have reported over 3,000 deaths during the unrest, involving security personnel and bystanders.

Women in Iran have historically faced significant societal restrictions since the 1979 Islamic Revolution, including strict dress codes.

Riders must cover their hair and wear modest, loose-fitting clothing, but numbers of female motorcyclists have increased sharply in recent years, particularly after the 2022 death of Mahsa Amini in custody.

Amini’s death ignited protests demanding greater freedoms for women.

The government resolution aims to balance enforcement with empowerment, allowing women to participate more fully in public life while remaining subject to safety regulations.

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Analysts view the policy as a significant, symbolic concession amid continuing pressure for gender equality and legal reforms.