This Saturday, the vehicle restriction scheme known as Hoy No Circula Sabatino will be enforced in the Metropolitan Area of the Valley of Mexico. Managed by the Ministry of the Environment of Mexico City (SEDEMA), this initiative aims to reduce pollution spikes by limiting the number of cars on the streets.
Understanding the Restrictions
Before you hit the road, it’s vital to check your vehicle’s hologram, the ending digit of your license plate, and the calendar marking for the upcoming Saturday. These factors will determine whether you can drive or if your vehicle needs to stay parked.
The Hoy No Circula scheme applies not only to the 16 municipalities of Mexico City but also extends to 18 additional municipalities in the State of Mexico, including:
- Atizapan de Zaragoza
- Coacalco de Berriozábal
- Cuautitlan
- Cuautitlán Izcalli
- Chalco
- Chicoloapan
- Chimalhuacán
- Ecatepec de Morelos
- Huixquilucan
- Ixtapaluca
- La Paz
- Naucalpan de Juárez
- Nezahualcoyotl
- Nicolas Romero
- Tecámac
- Tlalnepantla de Baz
- Tultitlán
- Valle de Chalco
Be aware that if your journey intersects with any of these municipalities, the restrictions will apply throughout.
Who is Affected by Hoy No Circula on Saturdays?
The principle behind the Hoy No Circula initiative is straightforward: remove more polluting vehicles from the roads to lessen overall emissions. However, the rules differ on Saturdays compared to weekdays. The assessment considers three key variables: the verification hologram, the last digit of the license plate, and whether it’s an even or odd week, assisting in the equitable distribution of exceptions among drivers.
It’s important to note that the Hoy No Circula restrictions are not in effect around the clock. The enforcement hours are from 05:00 to 22:00, and outside of these times, the program does not apply unless an environmental emergency is declared.
Restrictions for March 7, 2026
For March 7, 2026, identified as the first Saturday of the month, it is classified as an “odd week.” Consequently, vehicles with hologram 1 and a license plate ending in an odd number must remain off the streets from five in the morning until ten at night.
If your vehicle falls into this category, it’s advisable to keep it parked for the duration of the restrictions and seek alternative modes of transport for your errands. Meanwhile, cars with holograms 0 and 00 are allowed to circulate without restrictions, while those with hologram 2 cannot drive on any Saturday, regardless of the week classification.
Exempt Vehicles
Some vehicles are exempt from restrictions and can operate freely despite the regulations:
- Electric, natural gas, or hybrid vehicles
- Vehicles with plates specifically for individuals with disabilities
- Units designated for public transportation services (including funeral services)
- Vehicles for school or passenger transport
- Vehicles assigned to public security and civil protection
Consequences of Non-Compliance
Ignoring the Hoy No Circula regulations can lead to hefty fines ranging from 20 to 30 times the Measurement and Update Unit (UMA), which translates to approximately 1,900 to 2,900 pesos. Additionally, offenders may risk vehicle immobilization and the inconvenience of recovering their car while addressing their infraction.
Plan Ahead for Your Travels
As you prepare for this Saturday, it’s crucial to verify your hologram, license plate endings, and the week type. Hoy No Circula Saturday is not only a strategy to keep the most polluting vehicles off the road, but it also encourages smarter travel planning and the exploration of alternative mobility options when your car needs to rest.
Photo | Noah Katz