Understanding the Hoy No Circula Program: The Saturday Restrictions
It’s Saturday, and if you’re in Mexico City, it’s no surprise that the Hoy No Circula program is in effect again. This initiative, introduced by the Secretaría de Medio Ambiente of CDMX, is aimed at reducing the pollutant emissions we breathe, reflecting a commitment to environmental sustainability. Understanding these restrictions is crucial, particularly as they vary every week and differ based on the type of vehicle you own and its emissions level.
The restrictions hinge on two primary factors – the hologram assigned to your vehicle and its license plate number . Ignoring these guidelines can lead to hefty fines, making it imperative for drivers to be aware of the specifics.
Importantly, these restrictions apply within the 16 boroughs of Mexico City and also encompass several municipalities in the State of Mexico, including:
- Atizapán de Zaragoza
- Coacalco de Berriozábal
- Cuautitlán
- Cuautitlán Izcalli
- Chalco
- Chicoloapan
- Chimalhuacán
- Ecatepec de Morelos
- Huixquilucan
- Ixtapaluca
- La Paz
- Naucalpan de Juárez
- Nezahualcóyotl
- Nicolás Romero
- Tecámac
- Tlalnepantla de Baz
- Tultitlán
- Valle de Chalco
Who is Affected by the Saturday Hoy No Circula?
Now that we have the framework, let’s delve into the specifics of how these restrictions apply. Drivers must pay careful attention to their vehicle’s hologram and license plate to determine if they can operate their vehicle on a Saturday.
The gameplay changes on Saturdays with three important categories:
- Cars that can circulate freely every Saturday.
- Cars that must rest every Saturday.
- Cars that alternate restrictions on odd and even Saturdays.
These restrictions are not in effect all day; they apply between 5:00 AM and 10:00 PM . During the night hours, drivers can move without fear of penalties. This gives some respite for those who may need to travel during evening hours.
So, what are the essential takeaways for the Hoy No Circula on Saturdays? The number of the hologram outlines the primary restrictions, but the license plate number plays a significant role too, particularly when considering the monthly calendar .
On Saturdays, cars with hologram 2 cannot circulate at all, while vehicles showing holograms 0 and 00 are free to travel whenever they want. These vehicles are deemed less polluting and are granted exceptions.
As for those with hologram 1 , their restrictions depend on whether the Saturday in question is odd or even. For instance, on Saturday, June 14, 2025 , vehicles carrying hologram 1 with license plates ending in even numbers must remain parked.
Next Saturday, the restrictions will shift, applying to odd-numbered plates for those with hologram 1.
It’s worth noting there are exceptions that allow certain vehicles to operate freely:
- Electric, natural gas, or hybrid vehicles.
- Vehicles carrying handicapped plates.
- Urban transport service vehicles (including funeral services).
- School and passenger transport vehicles.
- Vehicles used for public safety and civil protection.
Failing to comply with these restrictions can lead to fines ranging from 20 to 30 times the Unidad de Medida y Actualización ( UMA ), totaling 1,924.40 pesos to 2,886.60 pesos for violations.
For those navigating the busy streets of Mexico City, staying informed about the Hoy No Circula program is essential. Being aware of when and how you can drive not only affects your wallet but also plays a significant role in contributing to the wider goal of improving air quality in one of the world’s most populated cities.