The restrictions under the No Circula Sabatino initiative return this July 4, 2026. Coordinated by the Secretariat of the Environment of Mexico City (SEDEMA), this regulation aims to curb pollution levels in the Metropolitan Area of the Valley of Mexico by limiting traffic for specific vehicles.

Understanding the Restrictions

For urban journeys, it’s crucial to check the type of hologram on your vehicle and the last digits of your license plate. The regulations cover not only the 16 territorial demarcations within Mexico City but also various municipalities in the State of Mexico, including:

  • Atizapan of Zaragoza
  • Coacalco de Berriozábal
  • Cuautitlan
  • Cuautitlán Izcalli
  • Chalco
  • Chicoloapan
  • Chimalhuacan
  • Ecatepec de Morelos
  • Huixquilucan
  • Ixtapaluca
  • La Paz
  • Naucalpan de Juárez
  • Nezahualcoyotl
  • Nicolás Romero
  • Tecámac
  • Tlalnepantla de Baz
  • Tultitlán
  • Chalco Valley

If your route crosses any of these areas, you’ll be subject to the same restrictions.

What Cars Are Affected on July 4, 2026?

The No Circula Sabatino scheme operates in a way that not all vehicles are required to stay off the roads. The hologram, the last digit of the license plate, and whether the Saturday falls in an odd or even week determine who can drive and who must stay off the streets. On July 4, being the first Saturday of the month makes it an “odd week.” Consequently:

  • Cars with hologram 1 and license plates ending in an odd digit must refrain from driving between 05:00 and 22:00.
  • Cars with a hologram of 0 or 00 can drive freely.
  • Vehicles with hologram 2 are banned from driving on any Saturday of the month.

Exceptions to the Rule

Some vehicles are exempt from these pollution measures and may operate without restrictions. These include:

  • Electric, natural gas, or hybrid vehicles
  • Vehicles registered for drivers with disabilities
  • Public transport vehicles (including funeral services)
  • Vehicles dedicated to school or passenger transport
  • Vehicles assigned to public security and civil protection

Consequences of Non-Compliance

Violating these regulations can lead to fines ranging from 20 to 30 times the value of the Measurement and Update Unit (UMA), which is approximately between 1,924.40 and 2,886.60 pesos. Additionally, non-compliant vehicles risk being towed to a vehicle depot.

With these guidelines in mind, plan your travels accordingly and enjoy a cleaner environment on the roads. Stay informed, keep your vehicle in compliance, and contribute to reducing pollution in the Metropolitan Area.

Photo | Paul Hanaoka



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