Saturday, August 23 , is officially designated as a day of rest for many vehicles in Mexico City due to the Hoy No Circula program. This initiative is specifically tailored for cars that are subject to restrictions , compelling some to stay off the roads during this day. Understanding this program is vital for drivers looking to navigate the bustling streets of the capital without incurring fines.
The Hoy No Circula program is championed by the CDMX Ministry of Environment ([Sedema](https://sedema.cdmx.gob.mx/programas/programa/hoy-no-circula) for reference). The primary aim of this initiative is to reduce pollutant emissions and subsequently enhance the air quality in and around the city.
The mechanics behind this program are straightforward yet crucial. Certain vehicles, particularly those emitting the most pollution, face limitations in their circulation. However, it’s important to note that these restrictions do not apply uniformly to all vehicles every Saturday, as some cars are permitted to rest while others are not.
So, where does this program apply?
It is enforced across the 16 boroughs of Mexico City and extends to specific 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
- Chalco Valley
What Cars and Plates Are Affected on Sabatino
Who is required to remain at home? The daily dynamics of the program should be easily comprehensible, yet Saturdays introduce variations. On these days, not all cars face the same restrictions. Some vehicles can circulate freely on certain Saturdays, while others are subject to limitations.
The categories for this day can be delineated as follows:
- Cars that can circulate every Saturday
- Cars that must rest every Saturday
- Cars that alternate resting on Saturdays
These restrictions are effective only between 05:00 and 22:00 hours . During night hours, vehicles can circulate freely without the risk of penalties. Beyond knowing the essential restrictions, it’s important to recognize that the application of this program isn’t uniform. Therefore, before hitting the road, make sure to verify a few crucial aspects: the calendar for the month, the type of hologram associated with the vehicle, and the last digit of the license plate.
For example, vehicles assigned a hologram 2 are under active restriction every Saturday, whereas those with holograms 0 and 00 can circulate without limitations weekly. In contrast, cars with hologram 1 will face restrictions alternating from week to week.
On Saturday, August 23, 2025 , which marks the fourth Saturday of the month, cars with plates ending in even numbers must remain parked. The upcoming Saturday, reflecting the fifth week (an odd week), will impose restrictions on vehicles with plates ending in odd numbers .
Nevertheless, several exceptions exist allowing certain vehicles to circulate freely:
- Vehicles powered by electricity, natural gas, or hybrids
- Cars with disabled plates
- Vehicles engaged in urban transport services (including funeral services)
- Those providing school or passenger transport
- Vehicles dedicated to public safety and/or civil protection
Failure to comply with these restrictions could lead to fines ranging between 20 and 30 times the Unit of Measurement and Update (UMA), translating to an economic sanction of between 1,924.40 and 2,886.60 pesos .
Photo | Erik McLean
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