The city of São Paulo has announced the suspension of its municipal vehicle rotation system, known as rodízio, during the holiday season this year. The suspension will take effect from December 23, 2024, and will last until January 10, 2025, with the vehicle restrictions set to resume on January 13, 2025. This measure is aimed at accommodating the expected decrease in traffic as many companies close for the holiday period.
The rodízio traditionally restricts vehicle circulation based on license plate endings during rush hours, which are from 7 AM to 10 AM and 5 PM to 8 PM, Monday through Friday. Under this system, the restrictions are divided as follows: on Mondays, vehicles with license plates ending in 1 and 2 are prohibited from entering the restricted zones; Tuesdays are designated for plates ending in 3 and 4; Wednesdays for 5 and 6; Thursdays for 7 and 8; and Fridays for 9 and 0. This regulation applies to the expanded central area of São Paulo, especially around key thoroughfares and the Minianel Viário, which includes major roads such as the Tietê and Pinheiros margins.
Despite the suspension intended for light vehicles, heavy vehicle rotation restrictions will remain unchanged. Specific regulations, such as the Zona de Máxima Restrição à Circulação de Caminhões (ZMRC) and the Zona de Máxima Restrição ao Fretamento (ZMRF), will continue to be enforced. This is important, as it ensures the city maintains certain controls over larger vehicles to promote smoother traffic flow.
According to the São Paulo City Hall announcement, the rationale behind the suspension largely stems from the expected decrease in traffic volumes associated with the holiday season, allowing residents and visitors to travel more freely within the city during this period.
It’s worth noting the financial penalties associated with violations of the rodízio regulations: any driver found disobeying the rules will face fines of R$ 130.16, alongside four points added to their driving license. The city emphasizes the importance of adhering to these rules even as the rotation is temporarily lifted for light vehicles.
The Companhia de Engenharia de Tráfego (CET), responsible for managing traffic flow throughout São Paulo, has also initiated its operation estrada program close to the start of the holiday season. This initiative began on December 20 and aims to provide safety for both drivers and pedestrians, as well as to maintain traffic fluency, especially around major road arteries leading toward seaside and inland destinations.
The CET estimates approximately two million vehicles will be traveling on São Paulo's roads during the peak holiday period, which spans from December 20 to January 2. Motorists are advised to avoid traveling during peak hours on December 27, from 5 PM to 10 PM, as heavy congestion is likely.
Overall, the suspension of the rodízio during the holiday season reflects the city’s adaptive approach to managing urban mobility, providing both flexibility for citizens during vacation periods and continued enforcement where necessary to maintain order for heavy vehicular traffic.
Residents are encouraged to keep these dates and rules in mind as they make plans for travel during the festivities, ensuring they remain compliant with local traffic regulations when the rodízio resumes operations on January 13.
