From February 24 to February 28, 2025, Bogotá will enforce its traffic restrictions, commonly known as 'pico y placa', aimed at alleviating vehicle congestion throughout the city. This measure has been introduced by the Bogotá Mayor's Office and will run from 6:00 AM to 9:00 PM each day, applying consistently to both private vehicles and taxis.
On Monday, February 24, cars with license plates ending in the digits 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 will not be permitted to circulate within the city limits. This restriction continues on Wednesday, February 26, for the same group of vehicles. On the subsequent Tuesday, February 25, the restrictions shift to cars with plates ending in 6, 7, 8, 9, and 0, also mirroring this order on Thursday, February 27. The final day of restrictions, Friday, February 28, will again see the ban revert to vehicles ending with plates 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5.
The aim of these restrictions is clear: reduce congestion and streamline the flow of traffic within Bogotá, particularly during peak operational hours. Motorcycles, interestingly, are exempt from these restrictions and can move freely within the city regardless of their plate numbers. This decision is part of broader transport management strategies, encouraging the use of motorcycles as both efficient and agile means of commuting.
Taxis are not immune to the 'pico y placa' rules; they will adhere to the same restrictions imposed on private vehicles, ensuring uniform enforcement across available transit options. Notably, public service vehicles with plates ending in 3 and 4 will also be barred from operating between 5:30 AM and 9:00 PM during this restriction period. Therefore, all operators and users of transport services must remain informed to avoid potential inconveniences.
For drivers caught violating these restrictions, the Colombian National Traffic Code stipulates strict penalties. A fine of $711,750 is mandated for anyone found driving during prohibited hours, and offenders may also face vehicle impoundment. These financial penalties serve to reinforce compliance with the city's traffic management efforts.
Weekends provide some reprieve from such restrictions, as no 'pico y placa' measures are enforced, allowing for greater flexibility and movement for city dwellers during their leisure days. By implementing these measures, the authorities anticipate not only immediate relief from traffic congestion during the week but also promote long-term behavioral changes among drivers, encouraging public transport use or alternative commuting methods when feasible.
Overall, these measures reflect Bogotá's commitment to improving urban mobility and sustainably managing the challenges associated with increasing population density and vehicle ownership. The upcoming week-long series of traffic restrictions marks another step toward addressing the city's notorious traffic issues.