This Saturday, the Hoy No Circula Saturday scheme is back in effect, implemented by the Secretariat of the Environment of Mexico City (SEDEMA) to curb pollution in the Valley of Mexico. Car owners planning to drive should pay close attention to their license plate finish and verification hologram before hitting the road.
Geographical Scope of the Restrictions
The restrictions are not limited to the 16 municipalities of Mexico City (CDMX) but also extend to several municipalities in the State of Mexico. The program operates in:
- 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
- Chalco Valley
If your route passes through any of these areas, the Saturday No Circulation Day applies.
Identifying Affected Vehicles
The Hoy No Circula program aims to reduce the number of vehicles on the roads to decrease emissions. Specific rules apply on Saturdays that complement the weekday regulations. Not all cars are affected in the same way; the parameters determining whether a car can circulate include the hologram type, the ending of the license plate, and whether it’s an odd or even week.
It’s important to note that the Hoy No Circula restrictions do not apply 24 hours a day. The enforcement hours are from 5:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Outside these times—during the night and early morning—vehicles can operate freely unless an environmental contingency declares additional limitations.
Specifics for March 28, 2026
On March 28, 2026, being the fourth Saturday of the month categorizes it as an “even week.” Therefore, vehicles equipped with hologram 1 and those with license plates ending in an even number must remain uncirculated during the enforcement hours. If your car falls within this category, it must remain parked until after 10 p.m.
Conversely, cars displaying hologram 0 or 00 can circulate freely. Vehicles with hologram 2 are completely banned from circulation on Saturdays.
Exempt Vehicles from Restrictions
Several categories of vehicles are exempt from these limitations, including:
- Electric, natural gas, or hybrid vehicles
- Vehicles registered for use by people with disabilities
- All urban public transport vehicles, including those serving funerals
- Vehicles designated for school or passenger transport
- Vehicles used for public security or civil protection
Penalties for Non-Compliance
Ignoring the Hoy No Circula regulations can result in significant financial penalties ranging from 20 to 30 times the Measurement and Update Unit (UMA), translating to approximately 1,924.40 pesos to 2,886.60 pesos. In addition to the fines, there’s also the risk of vehicle immobilization and the ensuing time needed to rectify the situation with authorities.
Final Recommendations
If you plan to travel by car this Saturday within CDMX or the surrounding municipalities affected by the program, check your vehicle’s hologram, the ending of your license plate, and whether it’s an even or odd week. The Hoy No Circula Saturday initiative aims to remove the most polluting vehicles from the roads, emphasizing the need for better trip planning and consideration of alternative modes of transportation when applicable.