Hoy No Circula Saturday: Vehicle Restrictions Explained
This Saturday, the Hoy No Circula Saturday scheme is back in action, a program initiated by the Ministry of the Environment of Mexico City (SEDEMA). This initiative aims to reduce pollution levels in the Valley of Mexico by restricting the circulation of certain vehicles. If you’re planning to drive, it’s crucial to check the finish of your license plate and your vehicle’s verification hologram before heading out.
Areas Affected by Restrictions
The restrictions are not confined to the 16 municipalities of Mexico City; they extend to several suburban municipalities in the State of Mexico, including:
- 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
These restrictions also apply if your journey takes you through any of these areas.
Understanding the Restrictions
The Hoy No Circula program aims to limit the number of vehicles on the road to minimize emissions. However, different rules apply on Saturdays compared to weekdays. Vehicle owners must consider the hologram type, the last digit of their license plate, and whether the week is classified as even or odd.
Operational Hours
It’s important to note that the program is not in effect 24 hours a day. The hours of restriction are from 5:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Outside of these hours, vehicles can circulate freely unless extraordinary environmental measures are declared.
Specific Regulations for March 21, 2026
On March 21, 2026, which is the third Saturday of the month, it’s categorized as an “odd week.” Therefore, vehicles with hologram 1 and plates ending in an odd number will be prohibited from circulating during the designated hours. If your vehicle meets this criterion, it must remain parked until after 10:00 p.m.
Vehicles Exempt from Restrictions
Some vehicles are exempt from these limitations, such as:
- Electric vehicles or those powered by natural gas and hybrid technology
- Vehicles registered in the name of individuals with disabilities
- Urban public transport vehicles, including those used for funerals
- Vehicles utilized for school or passenger transportation
- Vehicles assigned to public security or civil protection services
Penalties for Non-Compliance
Ignoring the Hoy No Circula restrictions can lead to hefty fines ranging from 20 to 30 times the Measurement and Update Unit (UMA), which translates to approximately 1,924.40 to 2,886.60 pesos. Additional consequences may include the immobilization of your vehicle and having to deal with authorities to resolve the matter.
Conclusion
If you plan to drive in Mexico City or the surrounding municipalities this Saturday, ensure you check your vehicle’s hologram, the final digit of your license plate, and verify if it’s an even or odd week. Hoy No Circula Saturday helps reduce air pollution, but it also requires drivers to organize their trips and consider alternative mobility options when needed.
Photo credit: Chandler Cruttenden