Rio de Janeiro launches digital parking pilot near Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas

The Rio de Janeiro municipal government began a pilot of the Rio Rotativo Digital system on Friday, July 17, covering seven zones around the Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas. The pilot provides 667 parking spaces, including reserved spots for elderly, people with disabilities and motorcycles. The fee remains R$ 2 for up to two hours and can be renewed up to a six‑hour total. Drivers pay through the Jaé digital wallet, using PIX or credit‑card credits, after selecting the “Rio Rotativo” option, confirming the location via GPS or QR code, and entering the license plate.

Electronic enforcement relies on license‑plate‑reading cameras and field checks; registered parking‑assist personnel may collect data but cannot issue fines, which stay the exclusive responsibility of the traffic authority. The system operates daily from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. Mayor Eduardo Cavaliere highlighted the move as a modernization effort to eliminate paper tickets and curb informal “flanelinha” activity, with revenues earmarked for operation, enforcement and sustainable mobility projects.