São Paulo enforces truck restrictions and mobile phone driving fines

Traffic authorities in São Paulo are enforcing strict regulations regarding vehicle circulation and driver behavior to improve road safety and urban mobility.

In the city, the Companhia de Engenharia de Tráfego (CET) manages the Zona de Máxima Restrição à Circulação (ZMRC). This zone restricts large trucks in the Expanded Center and major thoroughfares to prevent congestion and protect pedestrians and cyclists. Access is generally limited to Urban Cargo Vehicles (VUC) with a maximum length of 7.2 meters and a width of 2.2 meters. Prohibited hours for larger trucks are Monday to Friday from 5:00 to 21:00, and Saturdays from 10:00 to 14:00, except for essential operations.

Separately, Detran-SP reported that between January and July 2026, the state recorded 122,771 fines for mobile phone use while driving. The most frequent violation involved handling the device, such as typing or scrolling, which is classified as a very serious infraction resulting in a R$ 293.47 fine and seven points on the driver's license. Other violations include talking on the phone (medium infraction) and holding the device in one hand while driving (very serious infraction).