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Vehicle Registration in São Paulo Is Suspended at the End of the Year and Promises Improvements in Traffic Between December and January.
Those who intend to circulate in São Paulo during the end of the year will have more freedom on the roads. The City Hall announced the suspension of the Vehicle Registration for passenger cars between December 22, 2025 and January 9, 2026, a measure that directly impacts the automotive sector and aims to ensure improvements in traffic during the holiday season.
The decision was announced by the Municipal Secretary of Mobility and Traffic and applies to light vehicles circulating in the capital. Thus, drivers will be able to travel without plate restrictions during the usual registration hours, making it easier for shopping, traveling, and end-of-year commitments.
Suspension of the Registration Brings Relief to São Paulo’s Traffic
The suspension of the Vehicle Registration occurs at a strategic time. Traditionally, the volume of cars decreases in the city due to school vacations and travel, which already contributes to smoother traffic.
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With the temporary lift, the City Hall’s expectation is to reinforce improvements in traffic, reducing bottlenecks and offering more flexibility to drivers who remain in the capital. Therefore, the impact is likely to be positive for those who depend on cars in their daily life.
Trucks Continue with Restrictions During the End of Year
Despite the suspension for passenger vehicles, the rules do not apply to everyone. Trucks and heavy vehicles remain subject to the usual circulation restrictions.
This group includes the Maximum Restriction Zone for Truck Circulation (ZMRC) and the Maximum Restriction Zone for Chartering (ZMRF). Thus, even during the end of the year, the control over heavy transport continues as a way to preserve road fluidity.
When the Registration Will Resume Normal Operations
The City Hall has already set the date for the resumption of the registration. The traditional rules will return to effect on Monday, January 13, 2026.
As of this date, drivers must pay attention to the last digit of the plate and the restriction hours. Therefore, those circulating after this period need to plan ahead to avoid fines and points on their driving license.
Where the Registration Is Usually Applied in São Paulo
During the normal operation of the Vehicle Registration, cars are prohibited from circulating in the so-called City Ring Road. This area concentrates some of São Paulo’s main roads.
Among the restricted sections are the Tietê and Pinheiros expressways, the avenues dos Bandeirantes and Afonso D’Escragnole Taunay, in addition to the Maria Maluf Road Complex. The area also includes Tancredo Neves Avenue, Rua das Juntas Provisórias, the Grande São Paulo Viaduct, and the avenues Professor Luís Inácio de Anhaia Melo and Salim Farah Maluf.
Municipal Registration Restriction Hours
The registration operates in two periods of the day. In the morning, the restriction occurs from 7 AM to 10 AM. In the late afternoon, the block takes place from 5 PM to 8 PM.
These hours coincide with peak traffic times in São Paulo. Therefore, the registration aims to reduce the number of vehicles circulating simultaneously, promoting improvements in traffic during the most critical moments.
Registration Table by Day and Plate End
In normal periods, the registration follows a fixed division throughout the week. On Mondays, plates ending in 1 and 2 are prohibited.
On Tuesdays, the restriction applies to plates ending in 3 and 4. On Wednesdays, plates 5 and 6 come into play, while Thursdays restrict plates ending in 7 and 8. Finally, on Fridays, the registration affects plates ending in 9 and 0.
Fines and Penalties for Violating the Registration
Drivers circulating in prohibited locations and times are subject to penalties. The infraction incurs a fine of R$ 130.16, in addition to four points on the driving license, as determined by the Brazilian Traffic Code.
Thus, after the suspension ends, adhering to the registration becomes essential to avoid financial losses and issues with the driving license.
Official Channels for Traffic Information
To monitor the traffic situation in São Paulo, drivers can use the service SP156. The channel gathers information on incidents, complaints, removals, and suggestions related to urban mobility.
Thus, even during the end of the year, it is possible to plan trips better and take advantage of the improvements in traffic provided by the temporary suspension of the Vehicle Registration.
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