13 Jan 2018 | 07:10 PM UTC
Turkmenistan: Ban on women drivers and black cars
Authorities enforce ban on women drivers and black cars since mid-December 2017
Event
Beginning in mid-December 2017, Turkmen authorities have been enforcing an unwritten ban on women drivers and black-colored cars. Traffic police are reportedly warning women drivers that they will be fined if they are caught driving again. Women caught a second time by police have had their driver’s licenses revoked and their vehicles impounded. Additionally, it is reported that police are enforcing a ban on black and other dark-colored vehicles. Drivers of dark-colored vehicles are being instructed by traffic police to re-paint their vehicles a lighter color or risk having them impounded.
Context
No official explanation has been provided by the authorities to justify the current bans on female drivers and black cars. In 2015, the Turkmen government banned the import of black cars. In 2014, cars with dark tinted windows or black disc brakes or spoilers were banned.
Advice
Individuals in Turkmenistan are advised to adhere to all local laws and customs and follow any instructions issued by local authorities. Potentially affected individuals should consider making arrangements for alternative means of transportation.
