WANA (Jan 02.2024) – After dusk, the streets of Tehran have a unique atmosphere. It’s not just the traffic that creates it but also the spectacle of luxury cars rented out for the night. People are drawn to the idea of projecting wealth and success, which is why they rent high-end vehicles. This turns the city streets into a stage for showcasing a borrowed lifestyle that leaves a lasting impression.

 

For young Iranians, this display of luxurious cars has become a form of entertainment. For some from the northern part of the capital, it’s about high-value vehicles. At the same time, for those from the south, the modification of their vehicles—smoked windows and meticulously installed systems—sets them apart.

 

But apparently, you can not participate in this drive around with an average car; there is this unwritten rule that you must have a luxurious vehicle in order to be one of them. But not everyone can afford these cars, especially considering the financial situation of the country; even those who once were able to afford luxurious cars now can’t!

 

“Once upon a time, wealthy people used to drive around in certain neighborhoods with luxury cars, but now we see that the level of cars has decreased, and people rent cars to be able to drive around.” Said Commander Hossein Rahimi, Tehran’s Police chief, to an Iranian news agency.

Commander Rahimi says: “Some of the cars that have been confiscated due to the disturbance of the public peace turned out to be rented cars for a day so that a person can drive around in some streets of Tehran.”

 

Yes, you heard that right. To keep up with others and to be able to drive around in the nighttime, some people pay an unbelievable amount of money and rent luxurious cars for a night!

 

Nima Badaghi, an expert at the “Pajan” car rental center, provides details about the process of renting a car:” For example, for renting an x3 car, a check for the amount of the car itself must be given in addition to another 100 million Toman (about 2K) as a deposit. The rental amount is also separate. After the delivery of the car, the check and deposit will be returned. But we keep one and a half million (about $30) to settle if the person is fined or has a violation. Otherwise, the entire amount will be returned to him.”

 

As you can see, the desire for validation through such displays is not limited to the wealthy; it is present across different economic classes, each seeking recognition through various means.

The reasons for the excessive need to display wealth can be interpreted in different ways. Some believe that it results from the concentration of wealth in a few individuals, so everyone wants to be part of this exclusive group, while others see it as an expression of a desire for attention and extravagance.

 

However, the consequences of these displays go beyond mere showcases of wealth. The noise, the disruption, and the traffic jams caused by these rented car parades have roused discontent among residents and businesses.

 

The Traffic Police of Tehran has conducted a program to deal with these violations of peace in night drives around some streets of the city.

 

Mousavipour, the head of the Tehran Traffic Police, says: “This program is carried out and is continuous. Our third and fourth shifts are active and deal with violations.

 

According to Mousavipour, the joint program in this field is implemented continuously with the help of the prevention police and other specialized police.

 

Tehran’s law enforcement grapples with these challenges. They aim to address these disruptions not merely as an issue of street disturbances but as a reflection of deeper societal problems stemming from cultural and economic spheres. These more significant issues cannot be addressed solely by police intervention. Instead, they require reform in cultural values, economic policies, and educational frameworks.

 

While the police strive to restore order, the underlying issues persist. The thirst for such displays will find new avenues if the root causes aren’t addressed.

 

The rented luxury cars that grace Tehran’s streets tell a story beyond their glossy exteriors. They echo the complexities of societal pressures, economic disparities, and a yearning for recognition. Until the fabric of society undergoes profound changes, mere police intervention will merely serve as a temporary fix to a much deeper issue.

Iran