Women in Iran can now formally obtain motorcycle licences, ending years of legal uncertainty, local media reported on Wednesday.
While Iranian law did not explicitly ban women from riding motorcycles or scooters, authorities had long refused to issue licences. As a result, women often faced legal responsibility in road accidents, even when they were victims.
The change follows a resolution signed on Tuesday by Iran’s First Vice President Mohammad Reza Aref, according to the Ilna News Agency. Iran’s cabinet approved the resolution in late January.
Under the updated rules, traffic police must provide practical training for female applicants, conduct examinations under police supervision, and issue motorcycle driving licences to women.
Iran formally allows women to ride motorcycles https://t.co/K3Hy8V6qGD pic.twitter.com/TFJiGUUMqp
— Insider Paper (@TheInsiderPaper) February 4, 2026The decision comes after a wave of protests across Iran. Demonstrations initially began over economic issues before expanding into nationwide anti-government unrest last month.
Authorities have acknowledged that more than 3,000 people died during the protests. Officials said most of the casualties were members of the security forces and bystanders.
Since the 1979 Iranian Revolution, women in Iran have faced strict social restrictions. Dress codes have posed particular challenges for women riding motorcycles.
Women must wear headscarves in public and dress in modest, loose-fitting clothing. In recent years, however, many women have openly defied these rules. The number of women riding motorcycles has risen sharply in recent months.
The trend accelerated after the 2022 death in custody of Mahsa Amini, who was arrested for allegedly violating dress regulations. Her death triggered widespread protests led by women demanding greater freedoms.
