The Impact of the “Hoy No Circula” Program on Mexico City Traffic
Every Saturday in Mexico City, a significant initiative aimed at curbing pollution and reducing traffic congestion takes center stage. The Sabatino program, enforced by the Mexico City Ministry of Environment (Sedema), ensures that certain vehicles are restricted from circulating on designated days. This program is essential for improving the air quality we breathe, especially in one of the largest cities in the world.
The restrictions under the Sabatino program are strategically designed to limit the number of cars on the streets. It is no secret that road congestion leads to a dramatic rise in pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. The areas affected by these restrictions include not only the 16 boroughs of Mexico City but also conurbation municipalities in the State of Mexico, such as:
- 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
Understanding the Restrictions: Which Cars are Affected?
To understand how to comply with the Sabatino restrictions, it’s crucial to recognize the specifics of the regulations. As noted in the image above, the restrictions are not uniform. Every Saturday sees slight variations depending on various factors, including license plate numbers and vehicle hologram classifications .
Here’s a simplified breakdown of how the restrictions can apply on Saturdays:
- Vehicles allowed to circulate every Saturday
- Vehicles required to remain off the streets every Saturday
- Vehicles that alternate between Saturdays
These measures are effective only during specific hours of the day—from 05:00 AM to 10:00 PM . During nighttime hours, drivers are free to travel without fear of fines , providing a sense of flexibility in an otherwise restrictive environment.
One crucial point to remember is that the restrictions are not static; they may change from one Saturday to the next based on the calendar . For example, vehicles with hologram 1 may not be allowed to circulate on specific Saturdays, particularly if their license plates end in an even number.
For instance, on September 13, 2025 , vehicles with hologram 1 and license plates ending with an even number will be required to remain at home because it is a “par” or even day. In the subsequent week, the odd-numbered plates will be similarly restricted.
Moreover, it is essential to note the exceptions to these rules. Certain categories of vehicles are exempt from the restrictions, such as:
- Electric vehicles or those powered by natural gas or hybrids
- Vehicles with special disabled license plates
- Urban transport services, including funeral cars
- Vehicles serving school or passenger transit
- Emergency vehicles related to public safety and civil protection
Violating these restrictions can have financial repercussions. Drivers caught disregarding the Sabatino program face fines ranging from 20 to 30 times the unit of measurement and update ( Uma ), totaling between 1,924.40 pesos and 2,886.60 pesos . It emphasizes the importance of staying informed and following the rules established by authorities.
This initiative serves not only to decrease vehicle emissions but also to promote a healthier lifestyle for residents. By minimizing traffic and fostering better air quality, the Sabatino program represents a critical step toward sustainable urban living in Mexico City.