Tehran Traffic Police Clarifies Stance on Women’s Motorcycle Licensing
In a developing national conversation, the issue of issuing motorcycle licenses to women has taken center stage, generating significant debate over its legal foundations. While some legal experts assert there is no inherent legal barrier preventing such licenses, others contend that specific legislative amendments are required to formally authorize the practice.
Police Role is Executive, Not Legislative
Brigadier General Seyed Abolfazl Mousavi-Pour, Head of the Tehran Metropolitan Traffic Police, provided official clarification on the matter. He stated that the traffic police are not the decision-making body regarding this issue. “Our duty is to execute and uphold traffic laws and discipline,” Mousavi-Pour emphasized. “We are the executors of the law, and if this matter is passed into law, we will undoubtedly implement it.”
A Warning Against Current Unlicensed Operation
Addressing women who currently operate motorcycles without a license, the police chief drew a clear distinction. He clarified that such action is not merely a traffic violation but constitutes a legal offense. “My colleagues will deal with these individuals because, currently, none of these women possess a license, and we cannot act contrary to the law,” he stated.
Commitment to Lawful Implementation
General Mousavi-Pour further explained that the pathway for women to ride motorcycles lawfully is through official legislation. “Whenever the issuance of motorcycle licenses for women becomes law and women obtain these licenses, they can drive motorcycles,” he said. He also called for future compliance with all regulations, including the mandatory use of helmets.
A Note on Safety Statistics
When questioned on whether women are more law-abiding drivers than men, the official noted that a direct comparison had not been formally studied, acknowledging that the proportion of female drivers is currently lower. However, he pointed to existing data, stating, “Statistics show that the accident rate for women is also lower than for men.”
