Understanding the Impact of the Hoy No Circula Sabatino Program
Saturday, October 25, presents an opportunity for leisure, yet the reality is different for vehicle owners subject to the Hoy No Circula Sabatino program. Known for its initiative to combat air pollution, this program requires specific vehicles to remain parked throughout the day, significantly affecting weekend plans for many.
Implemented by the CDMX Environment Secretariat (SEDEMA), the program aims to reduce air pollution and improve the quality of the air we breathe. The main principle is straightforward: certain cars with higher levels of polluting emissions are prohibited from circulating during designated times. However, the restrictions are not uniform; different vehicles are affected each weekend.
Territorial Application of the Program
This regulation applies not only in the 16 municipalities of Mexico City but also extends to several neighboring municipalities in the State of Mexico . The affected municipalities include:
- Atizapan de Zaragoza
- Coacalco de Berriozábal
- Cuautitlán
- Cuautitlán Izcalli
- Chalco
- Chicoloapan
- Chimalhuacán
- Ecatepec de Morelos
- Huixquilucan
- Ixtapaluca
- La Paz
- Naucalpan de Juárez
- Nezahualcoyotl
- Nicolás Romero
- Tecámac
- Tlalnepantla de Baz
- Tultitlán
- Chalco Valley
Vehicles Affected by Hoy No Circula
Understanding which vehicles must remain stationary is crucial. The Hoy No Circula program operates on a system that changes each Saturday, meaning not all cars are subject to the same restrictions every week. The classifications can be broken down into three main categories:
- Vehicles with circulation permit every Saturday
- Vehicles with permanent restrictions every Saturday
- Vehicles with alternating restrictions every other Saturday
This program runs strictly from 05:00 to 22:00 , allowing for unrestricted vehicle circulation during night hours. Therefore, it is vital to check the monthly calendar , the type of hologram your vehicle possesses, and the last digit of the license plate before hitting the road.
For instance, vehicles with hologram 2 are prohibited from circulating any Saturday, while those marked with hologram 0 and 00 have no restrictions. Vehicles bearing a hologram 1 face alternating restrictions, impacting their circulation week by week.
On Saturday, October 25, 2025, for instance, vehicles with license plates ending in an odd digit must remain parked, while the following Saturday will impose restrictions on vehicles with license plates ending in an even digit .
There are exceptions worth noting. Certain vehicles can still circulate freely without any restrictions, including:
- Electric, natural gas, or hybrid technology vehicles
- Vehicles with a disability plate
- Urban public transport units (including funeral services)
- School transport or passenger vehicles
- Public security and civil protection units
Failing to comply with these regulations comes with penalties ranging between 20 to 30 times the Measurement and Update Unit (UMA) , equating to economic fines between 1,924.40 and 2,886.60 pesos . This financial consequence underlines the importance of adhering to the Hoy No Circula Sabatino guidelines on Saturdays to avoid both fines and contribute to a collective effort for cleaner air in the region.
As the implementation of the Hoy No Circula program continues, it promotes not just cleaner air but also shared responsibility among citizens for environmental sustainability. Staying informed about vehicle restrictions can allow residents to enjoy their Saturdays while contributing to the city’s commitment to reducing pollution.