Saudi Arabia's Grand Mufti: ban on women drivers 'protects society from evil' The absolute monarchy is the only country in the world where women are barred from driving, a regulation that has drawn condemnation from the international community. Prince Mohammed stressed that the ban was "a matter to be decided by the legislative authority," Yusef told AFP. Saudi Arabia has an all-appointed consultative Shura Council, with no elected parliament. The council makes recommendations to the government, but the king remains the absolute legislator. "We expect a royal decree that gives us this right," Yusef said. At least 16 women were stopped by police during a driving protest day last month, and were fined and forced along with their male guardians to promise to obey the kingdom's laws. In addition to the driving ban, Saudi women are forced to cover themselves from head to toe and need permission from a male guardian to travel, work and marry.