This Saturday, the Hoy No Circula Saturday program will be in effect once more, administered by the Environment Secretariat of Mexico City (SEDEMA). This initiative is crucial for combating air pollution in the Metropolitan Zone of the Valley of Mexico.
Understanding the Restrictions
Motorists planning to use their vehicles this Saturday need to verify the last digit of their license plates and the verification sticker before heading out. These restrictions apply not only in Mexico City’s 16 districts but also in many neighboring municipalities within the State of Mexico. The program is enforced in the following areas:
- 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
Travelers should keep in mind that if their route crosses any of these municipalities, they must adhere to Saturday restrictions.
Licenses Affected by Hoy No Circula
The purpose of the Hoy No Circula program is to minimize vehicle traffic to reduce gas emissions. The regulations vary weekly, and therefore, drivers should remain vigilant. It’s essential to note that these restrictions are in effect only from 5:00 AM to 10:00 PM. Outside these hours, there are no mobility prohibitions unless a contingency is declared by the environmental authorities.
On June 20, 2026, which falls on an “odd week,” vehicles with hologram 1 and odd-numbered license plates will be barred from circulation during the specified hours. In contrast, those with holograms 0 and 00 may circulate freely, while vehicles with hologram 2 face blanket restrictions every Saturday of the month.
Exceptions to the Rules
Some vehicles are exempt from these restrictions:
- Electric, natural gas, or hybrid vehicles
- Vehicles registered for individuals with disabilities
- Urban public transport vehicles, including funeral services
- School or passenger transport vehicles
- Vehicles for public security and civil protection
Consequences of Non-Compliance
Not adhering to the Hoy No Circula regulations carries fines ranging from 20 to 30 times the value of the Measurement and Update Unit (UMA)—currently approximately 1,924.40 pesos to 2,886.60 pesos, depending on the severity of the infraction. Drivers also risk having their vehicles impounded.
For more information on environmental measures, visit SEDEMA.
Photo | Jan Baborak