Key Points
- Official Authorization: First Vice President Mohammad Reza Aref signed the resolution on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, after cabinet approval in late January.
- Mandatory Training: The Law Enforcement Command is now legally required to provide practical riding training and examinations specifically for female applicants.
- Insurance Resolution: The move solves a long-standing “legal grey area” where female riders were denied insurance coverage and held liable for accidents due to the lack of a valid license.
- Social Context: This reform follows a wave of nationwide anti-government protests, which Tehran acknowledges resulted in over 3,000 deaths.
Full Report: Iran Ends Decades of Ambiguity Over Women’s Motorcycling
On Wednesday, February 4, 2026, the Iranian government formally entered the implementation phase of a resolution that allows women to obtain motorcycle driving licenses. The move, signed into effect by First Vice President Mohammad Reza Aref, ends years of discriminatory practices where authorities routinely refused to issue permits to women despite the absence of an explicit constitutional ban.
For decades, Iranian women who chose to ride motorcycles or scooters operated in a legal vacuum. While they were permitted to hold standard driver’s licenses for cars, the “Note under Article 20” of Iran’s traffic laws was often interpreted by police to apply only to men. This led to a cycle of legal hardship; unlicensed women were frequently held responsible for road accidents regardless of fault, and insurance companies consistently denied claims involving female riders.
Implementation and Training Protocols
Under the new directive, the Iranian traffic police are instructed to establish a formal framework for licensing. This includes:
- Dedicated Instruction: The government has recommended the use of qualified female instructors to conduct practical training sessions.
- Supervised Examination: Licensing exams for women will be conducted under the direct supervision of the traffic police to ensure they meet the same national safety standards as men.
- Infrastructure Development: The Ministry of Industry, Mine and Trade has been called upon to support the development of safety gear and motorcycle modifications tailored for female riders.
Zahra Behrouz Azar, the Deputy for Women and Family Affairs, stated that the coordination for this issue is now officially finalized, emphasizing that motorcycle travel is a vital solution for women facing urban traffic congestion and air pollution.
A Response to Nationwide Unrest
The timing of this decision is being viewed by international observers as a significant concession following months of civil unrest. The protests, which began as a response to economic inflation, quickly evolved into a broader movement for women’s rights and greater social freedoms.
The Iranian government recently acknowledged that these incidents led to over 3,000 deaths, including security forces and bystanders. In the wake of this instability, the move to grant motorcycle licenses is seen as a strategic step toward addressing long-standing grievances regarding gender-based discrimination.
Impact on Mobility and Civil Disobedience
Since the 1979 Islamic Revolution, women in Iran have navigated strict social constraints, particularly regarding public dress codes. However, recent years have seen a surge in “civil disobedience,” with thousands of women taking to the streets on motorcycles as a form of protest. This trend accelerated dramatically following the 2022 death of Mahsa Amini.
By formalizing the right to ride, the government is not only recognizing a legal reality but also addressing a public safety concern. With official licenses, women will finally have access to legal protections, insurance coverage, and the ability to travel independently for work and education without the constant fear of police impoundment.
