As the third week of October arrives, it signals a familiar reminder for residents of Mexico City: the restrictions of Hoy No Circula on Saturdays. While the weekend brings a much-needed break, it also signifies certain driving limitations that must be observed.
If you’re unfamiliar with this initiative, it stems from the project initiated by the CDMX Environment Secretariat (SEDEMA), aimed at improving the air quality of our urban environment. But how does it work? Let’s delve deeper into how this system operates and its implications for the citizens.
SEDEMA’s primary goal is straightforward: to enhance air quality throughout the metropolis. The strategy is uncomplicated in theory—by limiting the number of vehicles on the road, cleaner air becomes a reality. The immediate outcome is clear: fewer cars means a healthier atmosphere for everyone, particularly in the areas where these regulations are enforced.
However, it is essential to clarify that Hoy No Circula doesn’t apply across all of Mexico; it is specifically implemented in the 16 municipalities of Mexico City and selected municipalities in 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
What Cars and License Plates Does Hoy No Circula Saturday Affect?
With the territorial scope established, what specific limitations should we keep in mind? On Saturdays, certain vehicles experience a driving ban , which does not uniformly apply like the restrictions during weekdays.
As illustrated in our understanding of the regulations, while weekdays are determined by the vehicle’s hologram, Saturdays are based on a different mechanism. Here, vehicles may take turns on prohibited days, while others consistently face restrictions. This creates a complex but manageable system.
Under the current structure, we can categorize vehicles into three primary scenarios:
- Authorized vehicles that can travel every Saturday.
- Prohibited vehicles that must remain off the roads every Saturday.
- Alternating vehicles that only rest on designated Saturdays.
Importantly, these restrictions are not active for 24 hours; they apply from 05:00 to 22:00 . This means that during nighttime hours, you can drive without worrying about limitations.
To accurately interpret the Hoy No Circula for Saturdays, those vehicles affected by the restrictions must refrain from driving to avoid penalties. Vehicles displaying hologram 2 are banned every Saturday without exception. In contrast, those with holograms 0 and 00 enjoy full mobility as they are deemed low-emission vehicles.
Vehicles categorized with hologram 1 require special attention due to their rotating schedule. For instance, on a designated Saturday like October 18, 2025, those with a hologram 1 and an odd-numbered license plate cannot circulate. The following weeks will necessitate a check to ensure compliance, as even-numbered plates will be restricted subsequently.
Notably, there are exempt categories that are allowed to circulate without restrictions:
- Vehicles that are electric , natural gas , or hybrid technologies.
- Vehicles registered for individuals with disabilities.
- All those required for urban public transport services , including funeral services.
- Vehicles dedicated to school transportation or other passenger services.
- Vehicles assigned to public security and civil protection agencies.
Violating these provisions can result in hefty fines, ranging from 20 to 30 times the Measurement and Update Unit (UMA) , which translates to penalties between 1,924.40 pesos and 2,886.60 pesos .
In summary, the “Hoy No Circula” program seeks to enable cleaner air and reduced pollution levels through effective vehicle management. Its implementation requires active participation from all vehicle owners to ensure compliance while contributing to a healthier environment.