The weekend arrives again with the activation of the vehicle restriction program that Mexico City implements every Saturday. Today, No Circula on Saturdays implies a different operational complexity than that applied on weekdays, as the restriction criteria constantly vary depending on specific factors that can change our availability of mobility from one week to the next.
In general terms, this is an environmental policy measure promoted by the CDMX Environment Secretariat, [SEDEMA](https://www.sedema.cdmx.gob.mx), aimed at reducing air pollution levels in the region. The strategy requires motorists to know exactly what the applicable requirements and restrictions are, under what criteria they operate, and what consequences arise from non-compliance . Only in this way is it possible to avoid administrative penalties that could result in unexpected expenses .
This program is executed in the territory of the sixteen municipalities that make up Mexico City, as well as in the adjacent municipalities of the State of Mexico that make up the metropolitan area :
• Atizapan of 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
What Cars and License Plates Does Hoy No Circula Saturday Affect?
The implementation of the Saturday restriction program does not uniformly affect all vehicles circulating in the area. It generates clear differentiations according to specific characteristics of the car, particularly considering the assigned environmental hologram and the numerical series of its license plate .
The system works fundamentally from the environmental hologram and the final digits of the license plate. However, the Saturday Hoy No Circula presents additional complexities that differentiate it from the weekday restriction program.
Under the Saturday restrictions scheme, three different modalities operate:
• Vehicles authorized to operate without limitation on any Saturday
• Vehicles subject to permanent restriction on all Saturdays
• Vehicles subject to alternating restriction in successive weeks
The validity of these restrictive measures is limited to the period included between 05:00 and 22:00 . During night hours, the restriction system is suspended, allowing circulation without regard to license plates or vehicle classification.
To correctly anticipate restrictions , it is essential to accurately identify two components: the environmental hologram number assigned to the vehicle and the terminal digits of the license plate .
Owners whose vehicle displays a classification 2 hologram face a situation of constant restriction: their cars remain immobilized on all Saturdays of the month. Conversely, owners of vehicles identified with a 0 or 00 hologram can enjoy freedom of movement every Saturday without exception.
Drivers of vehicles classified as hologram 1 find themselves in a dynamic situation, operating under a weekly alternation scheme where restriction conditions change from one Saturday to the next.
On Saturday, November 1, 2025 , which corresponds to the first Saturday of the month, vehicles classified with hologram 1 whose license plates end in an even number will face restrictions. Subsequently, on the following Saturday, vehicles with hologram 1 and license plates ending in an odd number will be the ones that must be parked.
There are specific categories of vehicles that are completely exempt from these limitations:
• Automobiles powered by electric energy , compressed natural gas, or hybrid propulsion systems
• Vehicles with official reduced mobility documentation
• Units intended for urban public transportation service , including funeral services
• Vehicles dedicated to the transportation of minors in an educational context or to passenger transportation services
• Vehicles assigned to public security agencies or civil protection entities
Failure to comply with these provisions results in financial consequences. The administrative penalty is established between 20 and 30 times the value of the Measurement and Update Unit (UMA), translating to penalties that range from 1,924.40 pesos to 2,886.60 pesos .
In conclusion, understanding and adhering to Mexico City’s No Circula restrictions is crucial for local motorists. By staying informed on the latest criteria and ensuring compliance, drivers can avoid hefty penalties while contributing to the city’s effort to combat air pollution and improve overall air quality.