Saturday. A day for rest . While we take the chance to unwind, our cars must also take a break due to the “Hoy No Circula” program implemented by the Ministry of Environment of Mexico City (CDMX). For those unfamiliar, this initiative aims to improve air quality in the region by mandating that certain vehicles refrain from circulating on designated days. Failure to comply can lead to significant fines, making it vital for car owners to understand the restrictions.
The objective of “Hoy No Circula” is straightforward: it encourages residents to leave their polluting vehicles at home. The restrictions are enforced specifically within the 16 boroughs of Mexico City and select municipalities in the State of Mexico, which include:
- Atizapán de Zaragoza
- Coacalco de Berriozábal
- Cuautitlán
- Cuautitlán Izcalli
- Chalco
- Chicoloapan
- Chimalhuacán
- Ecatepec de Morelos
- Huixquilucan
- Ixtapaluca
- La Paz
- Naucalpan de Juárez
- Nezahualcóyotl
- Nicolás Romero
- Tecámac
- Tlalnepantla de Baz
- Tultitlán
- Chalco Valley
Which Vehicles Are Affected on Saturdays?
Now, let’s examine which vehicles must adhere to these restrictions. Understanding this can be a bit complex, as the affected cars vary based on a rotating schedule . Each Saturday can bring different restrictions, which are determined by vehicle holograms and license plate numbers.
It’s crucial to note that the “Hoy No Circula” restrictions don’t last all day; they are only in effect from 5:00 AM to 10:00 PM . Therefore, residents can drive unrestricted during the night hours, providing some flexibility for weekend plans.
So, what factors must be considered? First, car owners should consult the designated schedule. For the month of July, certain cars with hologram 2 are prohibited from driving on any Saturday. Conversely, vehicles with holograms 0 and 00 may operate without constraints. The situation for hologram 1 vehicles is a bit more intricate, as they will be restricted on alternate Saturdays based on the last digit of their registration plate.
In this specific case, if Saturday, July 26, 2025 , falls on the fourth Saturday of the month, only vehicles with holograms 1 and registration plates ending in odd numbers would face restrictions.
To successfully navigate the “Hoy No Circula” program, car owners must check the following in this order: the calendar for the restrictions, the vehicle hologram, and finally, the license plate number.
There are exceptions to the rule, allowing certain vehicles to operate freely regardless of the assigned restrictions. These include:
- Electric, natural gas, or hybrid vehicles
- Vehicles with disabled person plates
- All urban transport services, including ambulances and funeral vehicles
- Vehicles dedicated to school or passenger transportation
- Emergency vehicles used for public safety or civil protection
Driving during restricted hours can lead to hefty fines, ranging from 20 to 30 times the Unidad de Medida y Actualización (UMA) , which translates to approximately 1,924.40 to 2,886.60 pesos .
Understanding and adhering to the “Hoy No Circula” program is essential for anyone driving in Mexico City. By keeping track of your vehicle’s hologram and the applicable rules, you can ensure both compliance with the law and contribute to cleaner air in the region.