Buenos Aires cracks down on illegal parking attendants with tougher penalties

Buenos Aires's city government has enacted a tougher stance against illegal street parking attendants, commonly known as "trapitos." City Mayor Jorge Macri announced the reform of the Contravencional Code, which significantly increases penalties for individuals who offer parking assistance without authorization.

"If you are a trapito, I will arrest you," Macri declared in a social media video celebrating the passage of the "anti-trapito" law. The reform, a joint initiative between the city's ruling party and La Libertad Avanza, aims to curb the perceived "mafia" and "extortion" associated with the activity. Previously, penalties were limited to community service or modest fines.

The new legislation mandates sanctions ranging from 10 to 30 days of arrest or 20 to 45 days of community service for unauthorized "trapitos." Fines have also been substantially raised, potentially reaching up to $6.6 million Argentine pesos (approximately $7,000 USD) depending on the fixed unit value. Penalties can be doubled if aggravating factors like threats or intimidation are involved, or if the activity is found to be part of an organized group.

Furthermore, the reform imposes penalties on event organizers if illegal parking assistance occurs near stadiums. These fines could range from 10,000 to 40,000 fixed units, translating to between $9.5 million and $38 million Argentine pesos. The bill, initially proposed by the executive branch, underwent several modifications in the legislature, with significant input from the libertarian bloc.