Due to the alarming ozone levels, the Megalopolis Environmental Commission (CAMe) called for Phase 1 of the Environmental Contingency on February 27, 2025, activating the Doble Hoy No Circula program aimed at reducing air pollution across Mexico City (CDMX) and significant parts of the State of Mexico (Edomex).
This contingency affects thousands of drivers, enforcing restrictions on vehicles based primarily on their verification holograms. For those planning to take their vehicles out during this period, knowing the rules and potential penalties is of utmost importance.
On this day, vehicles marked with verification hologram 2 and those with hologram 1 ending with the digits 0, 1, 2, 4, 6, and 8 will not be allowed to circulate. This rule also extends to vehicles without any verification hologram, including older cars and those with foreign plates.
All public and private vehicles are under the same restrictions. Specifically, vehicles featuring green engomado—designated for restriction during the regular circulation program on Wednesdays—will also be affected by the Doble Hoy No Circula on Thursdays when there’s environmental contingency. Notably, vehicles with holograms 00 and 0—albeit normally exempt—are also restricted if they have green engomado and termina with plate numbers 1 and 2.
According to the planned restrictions, the non-circulatory period lasts from 5:00 AM to 10:00 PM on the designated day. Local taxis bearing holograms “00,” “0,” “1,” or “2” face similar limitations.
Drivers found violating this program may incur fines between 2,262 to 3,393 pesos depending on the state jurisdiction, as the fines differ. The sanctions for Edomex residents are pegged at 5,576 pesos, translating to 20 days of minimum wage. Vehicles caught flouting the contingency can also be impounded, incurring additional fees: 919 pesos for smaller vehicles under 3.5 tons and 1,833 pesos for heavier ones, plus storage fees of 95 pesos per day.
Municipalities affected within Edomex include major urban areas such as Ecatepec, Cuautitlán, Chalco, and Tlalnepantla, among others. The CAMe is actively monitoring air quality and will provide updates at designated hours—10 AM for the first report, followed by 3 PM and 8 PM for subsequent notifications. If air quality improves, it is possible these restrictions might be lifted earlier.
Individuals are urged to follow official channels for real-time updates on air quality and regulation changes. It's less about avoiding fines and more about ensuring public health, as the intention behind these measures is to protect citizens from hazardous air quality. During high-contamination days, additional precautionary practices are recommended, such as limiting outdoor physical activity and avoiding the use of products releasing volatile organic compounds.
Environmental activism has gained traction as citizens question why such contingencies occur frequently and seek more sustainable solutions to combat air pollution. Addressing underlying causes like emissions and urban development is necessary for long-term resolution rather than cyclical restrictions.
Nevertheless, on February 27, the Doble Hoy No Circula will remain effective as pollution levels still pose threats to health. For those obliged to travel, expecting fines and enforcing vehicle restrictions opens up discussions about the region's air quality challenges and solutions moving forward.
For more information, residents should stay engaged with resources from the CAMe and the Secretary of the Environment.