This Saturday, the Hoy No Circula Saturday scheme is back, implemented by the Environment Secretariat of Mexico City (SEDEMA). This program aims to limit the circulation of specific vehicles to combat pollution in the Valley of Mexico. As you prepare to drive, check your vehicle’s license plate and verification hologram to ensure compliance.
Scope of the Restrictions
The Hoy No Circula restrictions aren’t limited to the 16 municipalities of CDMX; they also extend to several municipalities in the State of Mexico. The scheme applies 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
Even crossing one of these areas during your journey means the Hoy No Circula Saturday rules apply to you.
Circulation Restrictions: What You Need to Know
The primary goal of this program is to mitigate vehicle emissions, and Saturday restrictions are based on unique criteria that differ from weekday rules. The factors determining who can drive include the type of verification hologram, the last digit of the license plate, and whether the week is classified as even or odd.
It’s crucial to remember that Hoy No Circula Saturday is not in effect 24/7. The program operates from 05:00 to 22:00, allowing unrestricted circulation outside these hours unless additional environmental measures are imposed.
Specifics for May 9, 2026
On May 9, 2026, classified as the third Saturday of the month (an “odd week”), vehicles with hologram 1 and an odd number on their plates are prohibited from circulating. If your car falls into this category, you must keep it parked until after 10:00 p.m. Meanwhile, vehicles with hologram 0 and 00 can circulate freely, while those with hologram 2 cannot circulate on any Saturdays.
Exempt Vehicles
There are also certain vehicles exempt from these regulations, including:
- Electric, natural gas, or hybrid vehicles
- Vehicles registered to individuals with disabilities
- Urban public transport vehicles (including funeral services)
- Vehicles for school or passenger transport
- Vehicles used for public security and civil protection
Penalties for Non-Compliance
Ignoring Hoy No Circula provisions can lead to significant fines ranging from 20 to 30 times the Measurement and Update Unit (UMA), equating to approximately 1,924.40 to 2,886.60 pesos. Additionally, vehicles may be immobilized, requiring further action to resolve the infraction with authorities.
Conclusion
As you plan to drive this Saturday in CDMX or its suburban municipalities, double-check your vehicle’s hologram type, the last digit of your license plate, and whether the week is odd or even. Hoy No Circula Saturday is a crucial initiative aimed at reducing the most polluting vehicles from our streets, prompting us to consider alternative modes of transport.
Photo | Osmany M Leyva Aldana