Saudi Arabia: New Saudi traffic law does not prevent women from driving says top official

By Mariam Al Hakeem, Correspondent

Riyadh: There is no provision in the new traffic law, which came into force on Monday, that prevents women from driving vehicles, said Major General Fahd Al Bishr, Director General of Saudi Traffic Department.

"The new law speaks only about the vehicle driver and there is no mention of either man or woman. Concerning women driving, we are not bothered about it," he said.

Addressing a press conference at the traffic department headquarters on the eve of enforcing the new traffic law, which replaces Saudi Arabia’s 40-year old traffic law, he said allowing women to drive or not has nothing to do with the Traffic Department. "It is purely an issue concerned with the legislative authorities," he said.

If Saudi Arabia officially lifts the ban on women driving, it could be years before the full impact is seen. Practical hurdles stopping women obtaining licences and insurance must be overcome.

---Gulf news