An IoT-Driven Smart Parking Framework with RFID-Based Vehicle Authentication

The rapid urbanization and exponential growth in vehicle ownership have intensified parking challenges in metropolitan areas, leading to congestion, fuel wastage, and environmental degradation. Traditional parking systems are inefficient, relying on manual supervision and lacking real-time monitoring capabilities. This paper presents an Internet of Things (IoT)-enabled smart parking framework that integrates Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology for secure vehicle authentication and Infrared (IR) sensors for slot occupancy detection. An Arduino-based microcontroller serves as the central controller, automating gate operations, monitoring slot availability, and updating information to both local displays and a cloud server. A GSM module is incorporated to notify users of slot status via SMS, further improving convenience. Experimental validation demonstrates reduced entry times, improved detection accuracy, and minimized human intervention. The proposed framework offers a cost-effective, scalable, and sustainable solution for intelligent parking management, contributing towards the development of smart cities.