Iranian Police Announce 'Severe Action' Against Luxury Vehicle Violations

Following criticisms from Ali Khamenei, the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic, regarding the prevalence of expensive cars in Iran, some traffic officials have announced the police's readiness to take severe action against potential violations by owners of these vehicles. According to ISNA news agency, Colonel Parviz Hosseini, head of traffic police in Tehran, emphasized on Tuesday, April 7, that luxury cars driving at high speeds in the city will be confiscated. He stated, 'Some drivers of luxury cars are speeding through the streets and highways of the capital and flee the scene after police order them to stop, which has led to a judicial order for the confiscation of these vehicles.' Meanwhile, Timour Hosseini, head of traffic police in Tehran province, referred to Khamenei's remarks as a 'command' and 'mandatory.' He told Fars news agency that Hossein Ashtari, commander of the Iranian police, 'must communicate the necessary measures for implementing the command' from Khamenei, after which the command will be executed. On Sunday, Khamenei addressed the Iranian police forces, stating, 'Some young people, intoxicated by the pride of wealth, are parading in the streets with expensive cars and creating insecurity.' He further emphasized that 'the police force must have a plan to address various aspects of insecurity and confront them.' These statements come in the wake of two severe accidents involving Porsche and BMW vehicles on Shariati Street and Hemmat Highway in Tehran last week, which resulted in the deaths of five people. This incident received widespread attention on Persian-language social media and domestic media. Now, the head of Tehran's traffic police warns that, in light of the Supreme Leader's comments, actions against violations by these vehicles will be intensified. According to Colonel Parviz Hosseini, the most common nighttime violations include lighting system deficiencies, weaving, speeding, or heavy vehicles operating in speed lanes, with two hazardous violations such as speeding and erratic driving leading to vehicle confiscation. He finally reported that, on average, 400 to 500 vehicles are confiscated nightly due to violations.