Companhia of Engenharia of Tráfego (CET) announced the suspension of the municipal car rotation in the city of With this, drivers can circulate freely on the Centro Expandido, regardless of the end of the vehicle’s license plate.
The restriction normally returns on January 12, 2026, a Monday. Essa decision was published in Diário Oficial of Cidade and aims to adapt traffic rules to the lower volume of travel historically observed at this time.
- Monday: final plates 1 and 2
- Tuesday: final plates 3 and 4
- Wednesday: final plates 5 and 6
- Thursday: final plates 7 and 8
- Friday: final scores 9 and 0
This table reflects the standard rotation scheme, which will not be applied during the suspension period.
Rules that remain active during suspension
The suspension applies exclusively to passenger cars. Restrictions on heavy vehicles remain in full force, maintaining control over freight traffic in the capital. The specific rotation for trucks follows the calendar based on the end of the plate.
Furthermore, Zona from Máxima Restrição to Circulação from Caminhões (ZMRC) and Zona from Essas zones limit the circulation of heavy and charter vehicles in critical areas of the city to preserve road fluidity.
The city hall highlights that these measures aim to balance the availability of private cars with the need to organize heavy transport.
Normal operation of the municipal rotation
The municipal rotation, known as Operação Horário of The affected area includes Minianel Viário, delimited by the Tietê and Pinheiros marginal roads, as well as roads such as the avenues of Bandeirantes,
This restriction covers a wide perimeter that concentrates much of the capital’s daily traffic. The main objective of the operation is to reduce congestion and improve air quality by reducing vehicle emissions.
Historically, rotation was implemented in 1997 as a permanent urban mobility management measure in São Paulo.
Area affected by vehicle restriction
The Centro Expandido encompasses several structural roads in the city of São Paulo. Entre them, the marginals Tietê and Pinheiros stand out, which form the main circulation corridor.
Other important avenues include dos Bandeirantes, Salim Farah Maluf, Juntas Provisórias and Complexo Viário Maria Maluf. Essas routes connect central regions to outskirts and support a high volume of vehicles on weekdays.
Precise fencing ensures that the restriction takes effect where the impact on traffic is most significant.
Fines and guidelines for drivers
Disrespecting the rotation when in force constitutes a medium infraction, according to Código of Trânsito Brasileiro. The penalty includes a fine of R$130.16 and an increase of four points on the Carteira Nacional of Habilitação (CNH).
During the suspension, there are no fines related to the end of the license plate. However, other traffic violations remain subject to fines.
Drivers can obtain up-to-date information on road conditions through the city hall’s channel SP156.
Year-end suspension history
The suspension of rotation during the festive period is a recurring practice in the capital of São Paulo. Nos In recent years, CET has observed significant drops in the flow of vehicles due to travel, recess and school holidays.
This temporary measure adapts the rules to the reality of seasonal traffic. In previous similar periods, there was a reduction of up to 30% in the volume of cars on main roads.
The gradual resumption in January accompanies the progressive return to urban routine.
Other traffic measures during the festive period
In addition to suspending car rotation, the city hall is temporarily deactivating lanes and reversible roads in several regions. Essas operations vary by location, but generally follow the same calendar of December 22nd to January 9th.
Ciclofaixa of Lazer will also not activate on specific dates during the holidays. Essas adjustments contribute to greater fluidity on the roads during recess.
Traffic is expected to be calmer, making it easier to travel to celebrations and trips.
Planning for the return of restriction
From January 12, 2026, the rotation returns to the full schedule. On the first Monday of the year, the rules apply for end plates 1 and 2 at peak times.
Drivers must plan routes considering the gradual return of vehicle volume. CET monitors conditions and can issue alerts through official channels.
This transition aims to minimize impacts at the beginning of the school and work year.
Benefits of temporary suspension
With fewer vehicles on the streets, the suspension facilitates urban travel during the end of year celebrations. Famílias and tourists move more freely on the Centro Expandido.
The measure also contributes to the temporary reduction of residual congestion. Autoridades observe improvement in mobility in similar periods.
However, the main restriction for heavy vehicles preserves safety on large roads.
Traffic information channels
The city hall maintains SP156 as the main channel for queries about traffic in São Paulo. The service responds to complaints, incidents and suggestions 24 hours a day.
CET applications and websites provide real-time data on vehicle flow. Esses tools help with route planning throughout the year.
Drivers are advised to consult official sources to avoid misinformation.
