On Thursday, April 24, 2025, the "Doble Hoy No Circula" (Double No Circulation Today) program was activated in Mexico City (CDMX) and the State of Mexico (Edomex) due to alarming levels of ozone pollution recorded at the UAM Xochimilco station. This decision was made by the Environmental Commission of the Megalopolis (Came) following a significant accumulation of ozone in the metropolitan area, which has raised concerns about public health and air quality.
The Came announced the activation of Phase 1 of the environmental contingency on the afternoon of Wednesday, April 23, 2025, and confirmed that the measures would remain in effect throughout Thursday. The announcement was made at 8:00 PM, indicating that the situation regarding air quality would be monitored closely. The commission emphasized that the goal of this contingency is to reduce exposure to polluted air and mitigate health risks for the population.
According to the latest reports, the maximum ozone concentration reached 164 parts per billion (ppb) at the UAM Xochimilco station, prompting the need for urgent action. The Came indicated that high-pressure systems over central Mexico are contributing to clear skies and intense solar radiation, which, combined with weak winds, are preventing the dispersion of pollutants. As a result, air quality is expected to remain poor to very poor throughout the day.
Under the restrictions of the "Doble Hoy No Circula" program, several categories of vehicles will be prohibited from circulating from 5:00 AM to 10:00 PM on Thursday, April 24, 2025. These include:
- All vehicles with verification hologram 2.
- Vehicles with verification hologram 1, whose last digit is 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, or 9.
- Vehicles with verification hologram 0 and 00, if they have a green sticker and plates ending in 1 or 2.
- Vehicles that do not display a verification hologram, which includes older vehicles, demonstration vehicles, and those with foreign plates.
- Fifty percent of gas delivery units to stationary tanks that lack a dry disconnection valve and have license plates ending in an odd number.
- Local or federal cargo vehicles, which are restricted from 6:00 AM to 10:00 AM, except for those participating in the self-regulation program.
- Taxis with hologram 00, 0, 1, or 2, which must adhere to the same restrictions from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
In light of the ongoing environmental contingency, it is crucial for residents to stay informed about the air quality and adhere to the guidelines set forth by the Came. The commission has recommended avoiding outdoor activities between 1:00 PM and 7:00 PM, particularly for vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly, pregnant women, and individuals with respiratory or cardiovascular conditions.
For those wondering which vehicles are exempt from these restrictions, the Came has outlined specific categories that can continue to operate during the contingency:
- Electric and hybrid vehicles.
- Vehicles with ecological registration or exempt hologram.
- Vehicles with hologram “0” or “00” that have a sticker of a different color than the one requiring rest.
- Taxis can circulate from 5:00 AM to 10:00 AM on restricted days, regardless of their hologram.
- Emergency vehicles, including ambulances and fire trucks.
- Vehicles transporting school children and personnel, provided they meet verification specifications.
- Funeral vehicles with valid verification hologram.
- Vehicles for people with disabilities that possess the appropriate permit.
- Vehicles transporting hazardous materials, excluding those carrying fuels.
- Public transport vehicles that comply with verification regulations.
- Motorcycles, which are exempt from Phase 1 restrictions.
As the environmental contingency remains active, the Came will continue to monitor air quality and may extend the restrictions into Friday, April 25, 2025, if no improvement is observed. Residents are urged to keep an eye on official updates regarding the situation.
Violators of the "Hoy No Circula" program may face fines ranging from $2,262.80 to $3,394.20 pesos, based on the current daily value of the Unidad de Medida y Actualización (UMA). This fine structure is designed to enforce compliance and encourage citizens to contribute to efforts aimed at reducing pollution.
With air quality being a pressing issue, the "Doble Hoy No Circula" program serves as a crucial measure for protecting public health and improving the environment in the Valley of Mexico. Authorities emphasize the importance of following these regulations to ensure cleaner air for all residents.
As the situation develops, the Came will provide further updates, and residents are encouraged to consult channels like the "Aire" app or the official website for the latest information on air quality and vehicle restrictions.
