The Hoy No Circula program, aimed at curbing vehicle emissions and improving air quality, will not be enforced on December 22, 2024, allowing all vehicles to circulate freely throughout Mexico City and the State of Mexico.
Implemented by the governments of Mexico City (CDMX) and the State of Mexico (Edomex), the program typically operates from Monday to Saturday, restricting the circulation of vehicles based on their environmental hologram and the last digit of their license plates. This Sunday, December 22, 2024, marks another exception where these restrictions will be lifted, allowing both local and foreign vehicles to travel without limitations.
The Comisión Ambiental de la Megalópolis (CAMe) has confirmed this relaxation of restrictions, categorizing this Sunday as a non-restricted day. "This Sunday, the Hoy No Circula will not be applied, allowing all vehicles to circulate freely," reported by Diario AS. This allows residents and visitors alike to navigate freely across the metropolitan area.
The program’s primary goal is to combat air pollution prevalent within the densely populated Valle de México region. The restrictions are customarily determined by the type of vehicle, its registration date, and the fuel it utilizes. For example, vehicles with '00' and '0' holograms, as well as electric and hybrid vehicles, enjoy exemption from these restrictions on all days, according to Telediario.
More than just limiting vehicle circulation, the Hoy No Circula program promotes the adoption of cleaner transportation options as part of Mexico City's broader environmental strategy. The program's efficiency lies not only in its daily implementation but also through special regulations adjusted according to air quality indices. On days predicted to have higher pollution levels, the authorities sometimes issue extra restrictions known as 'Doble Hoy No Circula'.
This December 22 will see no such restrictions due to it being categorized as a regular Sunday, where all vehicles are allowed the liberty of movement. Common knowledge among daily commuters suggests the program usually distinguishes which vehicles are restricted based on their placard colors and the terminal digit on their plates.
The municipalities most affected by the Hoy No Circula include Atizapán de Zaragoza, Cuautitlán, Chalco, Ecatepec de Morelos, and Naucalpan de Juárez, among others. Each of these jurisdictions maintains its adherence to the program, especially during peak traffic days to sustain air quality standards.
“Vehicles with 00 and 0 can circulate all the time, including Sundays,” reiterated TEHV, explaining the continuous allowances for cleaner vehicles under the regulations.
During the week, the Hoy No Circula can impose significant fines ranging from 20 to 200 times the Unidad de Medida y Actualización (UMA), leading to penalties as high as 17,924 pesos for non-compliance, particularly for habitual offenders or those driving without valid permits. The special Sunday free-for-all allows the population to benefit from unrestricted movement, significantly impacting local transit dynamics and recreational travel.
The local governments of both CDMX and Edomex urge compliance with the Hoy No Circula regulations during enforcement days as part of efforts to mitigate the mounting environmental concerns. Exceptions do exist; vehicles such as emergency service cars, those used for public transportation, and certain vehicles engaged for humanitarian purposes are exempt from the restrictions even on the regular enforcement days.
Conclusively, residents and visitors are urged to enjoy the relief of unrestricted vehicular access on this upcoming Sunday. It reflects not only the practical applications of environmental policies but also highlights the importance of sustainable practices and awareness among the driving community. Moving forward, continual assessment and dedication to pollution-reducing practices remain imperative for the well-being of the urban environment and its inhabitants.
