A new Saturday Today No Circula day is scheduled this weekend, a crucial initiative coordinated by the Environment Secretariat of Mexico City (SEDEMA), aimed at mitigating pollution levels in the Valley of Mexico. This measure is particularly important as air quality continues to decline, impacting public health and urban living.
Understanding Today No Circula Regulations
For those planning to travel in private vehicles, it’s essential to verify the last digit of your license plate and the verification hologram. This ordinance applies not only within the 16 municipalities of Mexico City but also extends to several metropolitan municipalities in the State of Mexico. The affected municipalities include:
- 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
Drivers must remember that if their route passes through any of these locations, the Saturday No Circulation Day rules apply.
Which Vehicles Are Affected?
The main goal of the Today No Circula program is to reduce vehicle emissions and overall air pollution. However, Saturday’s restrictions have specific guidelines that complement the regulations in effect from Monday to Friday. The hologram classification of the vehicle, the last digit of the license plate, and whether the Saturday falls on an odd or even week will determine the restrictions.
Operational Hours
It’s important to note that the Saturday Hoy No Circula operates from 5:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Outside these hours, regulations do not limit traffic unless additional environmental contingencies are declared.
Details for May 23, 2026
On May 23, 2026, being the fourth Saturday of the month, vehicles with hologram 1 and license plates ending in an even number will be required to remain parked throughout the enforcement period. Vehicles with hologram 0 and 00 can circulate freely during this time. However, those with hologram 2 are prohibited from circulating on Saturdays under any circumstances.
Exemptions from Restrictions
Several categories of vehicles are exempt from these restrictions, allowing them to circulate without penalties. These include:
- Electric and hybrid vehicles
- Vehicles registered for individuals with disabilities
- Public transport vehicles, including funeral services
- Vehicles for school or passenger transport, as well as those assigned to public security and civil protection
Consequences for Non-Compliance
Failing to adhere to the Hoy No Circula regulations can lead to substantial fines ranging from 20 to 30 times the Measurement and Update Unit (UMA), totaling approximately between 1,924.40 pesos and 2,886.60 pesos. Additionally, offenders risk having their vehicle impounded and facing bureaucratic challenges to retrieve their unit.
Final Advice for Motorists
If you plan on driving this Saturday in Mexico City or any of the specified suburban municipalities, it’s advisable to thoroughly check your vehicle’s hologram, license plate ending, and whether it is an even or odd week. Staying informed not only helps you avoid penalties but also contributes to the collective effort to improve air quality in the region.
Photo | Sunira Moses