This Saturday, the Hoy No Circula Saturday scheme will be back in effect, as mandated by the Secretariat of the Environment of Mexico City (SEDEMA). This initiative aims to limit vehicle circulation in a bid to control pollution levels in the Valley of Mexico. If you’re planning to use your car, make sure to double-check the finish of your license plate along with your vehicle’s verification hologram.
Scope of Restrictions
The restrictions imposed by this scheme extend beyond the 16 municipalities of Mexico City (CDMX) to include various metropolitan municipalities in the State of Mexico. The affected areas are:
- Atizapan de Zaragoza
- Coacalco de Berriozábal
- Cuautitlan
- Cuautitlán Izcalli
- Chalco
- Chicoloapan
- Chimalhuacan
- Ecatepec de Morelos
- Huixquilucan
- Ixtapaluca
- La Paz
- Naucalpan de Juárez
- Nezahualcoyotl
- Nicolas Romero
- Tecámac
- Tlalnepantla de Baz
- Tultitlan
- Valle de Chalco
Be aware that if your route includes any of these locations, the Hoy No Circula restrictions will also apply.
Understanding the License Plate System
The scheme aims to curb vehicle emissions by implementing specific guidelines that differ from the Monday to Friday restrictions. Whether your vehicle can circulate on Saturdays depends largely on the combination of your vehicle’s hologram, the last digit of its license plate, and whether it’s considered an “odd” or “even” week.
It’s crucial to note that the Hoy No Circula Saturday program is operational only during specific hours, which are from 05:00 to 22:00. Outside this timeframe, vehicle traffic is not limited unless extraordinary measures are enacted due to environmental contingencies.
February 21, 2026: What to Expect
On February 21, 2026, recognized as the third Saturday of the month, it is considered an “odd week.” In this context, vehicles that display a hologram 1 and whose plates end with an odd number will need to remain off the roads during the hours of the program. Oppositely, cars assigned a hologram 0 or 00 are free to circulate without any restrictions. However, vehicles with a hologram 2 are prohibited from circulating on Saturdays.
Exemptions from Hoy No Circula
Some vehicles are exempt from these restrictions, allowing them to circulate freely without concern. These exemptions include:
- Electric, natural gas, or hybrid technology vehicles
- Vehicles registered for people with disabilities
- Public transport vehicles (excluding private services)
- Vehicles dedicated to passenger or school transportation
- Emergency vehicles assigned to public safety or civil protection
Punishments for Non-Compliance
Failing to comply with the Hoy No Circula provisions can lead to significant penalties. Financial fines for violations can range from 20 to 30 times the Measurement and Update Unit (UMA), amounting to approximately 1,924.40 to 2,886.60 pesos. Additional consequences may include vehicle immobilization and time lost in dealing with authorities.
Final Thoughts
If you plan to travel by car this Saturday in CDMX or in the surrounding municipalities affected by the Hoy No Circula program, it’s crucial to confirm the status of your vehicle’s hologram, the last digit of your license plate, and whether the calendar indicates an even or odd week. This program not only aims to reduce emissions from the most polluting vehicles but also encourages better trip planning and exploration of alternative mobility options.