The Saturday “Hoy No Circula” Program: What You Need to Know
As Saturday rolls around, many in Mexico City experience a familiar blend of anticipation and restriction . The “Hoy No Circula” (Today Does Not Circulate) program enforced by the Ministry of the Environment of Mexico City (Sedema) is designed to improve air quality . With this initiative in place, certain vehicles must remain off the roads. Understanding these regulations can save you from fines and ensure you enjoy a smooth Saturday driving experience.
Geographical Restrictions
The Hoy No Circula program is not limited to Mexico City alone. It also affects surrounding municipalities in the State of Mexico. Here is a list of the municipalities where the program is enforced:
- 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
Understanding Vehicle Restrictions
Vehicles are affected by this regulation in various ways, depending on their hologram classification and the last digit of their license plate. Here’s how the restrictions are applied on Saturdays:
- Cars that can circulate : Generally, those with Hologram 0 and 00 are allowed every Saturday.
- Cars that cannot circulate : Hologram 2 vehicles must remain off the road on Saturdays.
- Rotating restrictions : Hologram 1 vehicles can only circulate based on the month and Saturday.
The restrictions are effective between 5:00 AM and 10:00 PM . After 10 PM, all vehicles can operate without restriction, allowing for some flexibility in evening travel plans.
Exceptions to the Rule
While many vehicles are subject to the Hoy No Circula restrictions, there are exemptions that apply:
- Electric or hybrid vehicles, and those running on natural gas.
- Vehicles with a special disability plate.
- Public transport vehicles, including those for funerals.
- School and passenger transport services.
- Vehicles used for public safety and civil protection.
Compliance and Penalties
Failing to comply with the Hoy No Circula regulations can result in significant penalties. Violators may face fines ranging from 20 to 30 times the Unidad de Medida y Actualización (UMA) , which translates to approximately 1,924.40 to 2,886.60 pesos .
As Mexicans gear up for their weekend plans, understanding the rules surrounding the Hoy No Circula program is crucial for a hassle-free Saturday. Being informed helps in navigating the roads safely and responsibly, while also contributing to a cleaner environment.
Indeed, you have already lifted the immediate joy of remembering that it is Saturday has accompanied the bittersweet feeling of another memory: that of today does not circulate Sabatino.
And, as you know well, on Saturdays there are specific circulatory restrictions for today, that program designed by the CDMX Ministry of Environment (Sedema) with the aim of improving the air we breathe.
These restrictions pass, irremediably, for leaving at home those cars that are affected by them. Restrictions, of course, that only apply in the 16 mayors in Mexico City and in the following conurbation municipalities of the State of Mexico:
- 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
- Chalco Valley
What cars and plaques affect the Sabatino today
Once we know the most basic, what restrictions should we take into account? First that these restrictions apply, yes or yes, every day as you can see in the superior image but there are special days.
Those special days are every Saturday of the month when some cars do not have to stay at home and others will have to stay in the garage week by week. But, doubts come with those who rotate.
Because, indeed, one day as the following conditions can be applied today.
- Cars that can circulate every Saturday
- Cars that have to rest every Saturday
- Cars that rest on a Saturday yes and another no+
These restrictions, however, do not apply all day. At night they do not take into account and, therefore, are active between 05:00 and 10:00 p.m.. That is, at night we can move freely and without being afraid of fines.
Taking all this into account, what to take into account when it comes to circulating? The first thing is that today does not circulate Sabatino does not always apply to all cars. It is mandatory to look at the calendar, the hologram and, finally, the plate number. In that order.
The calendar because on Saturdays, as we said, they are special. Some cars, those of Hologram 2, may not move any Saturday of the month. These cars have to stay home every Saturday at the time that restrictions are applied. The opposite happens with those of Hologram 0 and 00. In that case, there is total freedom.
And the hologram 1? In that case, for restrictions the calendar must be taken into account. This Saturday, July 19, 2025 We are facing the third Saturday of the month. That means that it is the cars with hologram 1 and plate finished in odd number those that rest. Next week, as is broken, they will be finished in torque.
However, there are some exceptions that must be taken into account because those cars can move with total freedom:
- Those that work for electricity, natural gas or are hybrid
- Those who have disabled plate
- All those dedicated to urban transport services (includes funerals)
- Those who offer school or passenger transport
- Those destined for public safety and/or civil protection
In case of breaching these restrictions, the fine will be 20 to 30 times the unit of measurement and update (Uma), which is equivalent to 1,924.40 pesos and even 2,886.60 pesos.
Photo | Luke Miller
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