July 2026: The initiative to expand the driving range for vehicles registered in the Qeshm and Kish Free Trade Zones has entered a new phase. While the operation of these vehicles was recently authorized throughout Hormozgan Province, a proposal has now been put forward to extend this privilege to four southern provinces. In this regard, Member of Parliament Alaeddin Boroujerdi has proposed allowing these vehicles to circulate in Fars, Hormozgan, Kerman, and Bushehr provinces—a plan aimed at facilitating travel, strengthening inter-provincial connectivity, and boosting the economy. Simultaneously, officials from the Qeshm Free Trade Zone have announced plans to sign memoranda of understanding with Fars and Kerman; a move that, if implemented, will expand the operational scope of free-zone vehicles beyond Hormozgan.
Traffic Restrictions for Older Free-Zone Vehicles in Hormozgan
July 2026: According to Colonel Taghi Heidari, the Head of the Hormozgan Traffic Police, vehicles bearing old-style license plates or temporary transit permits issued in the Qeshm and Kish free zones are exempt from this scheme.
He stated: "Once the necessary legal formalities and regulatory requirements within the free zones have been completed, vehicles covered by the scheme will be permitted to circulate freely and without restriction throughout Hormozgan Province, in accordance with the issued guidelines."
The Hormozgan Traffic Police Chief noted: "Only vehicles with permanent free-zone license plates from Kish and Qeshm—specifically models from 2011 onwards—will be authorized to drive within the province following the completion of the required legal procedures and compliance with regulations."
Emphasizing that the scope of this plan is restricted to the geographical boundaries of Hormozgan Province, he added: "The movement of vehicles bearing Qeshm and Kish Free Zone license plates outside the province's legal boundaries—as defined in the regulations—is prohibited."
Colonel Heidari warned: "Should vehicles with Qeshm and Kish Free Zone license plates enter or travel through other provinces without legal authorization, they will be classified as contraband and impounded in accordance with the law."
He stated: "The Hormozgan Traffic Police will disseminate all relevant information through official channels to ensure that owners of vehicles with Free Zone license plates are familiar with the new rules and regulations."