In a move aimed at addressing persistent air quality issues, the Doble Hoy No Circula program will extend to Thursday, March 20, 2025, in Mexico City (CDMX). The Environmental Commission of the Megalopolis (CAMe) has confirmed that Phase 1 of the Environmental Contingency remains active due to alarming pollution levels in the Metropolitan Zone of the Valley of Mexico.
The CAMe activated Phase 1 on Tuesday, March 18, after monitoring detected elevated ozone concentrations. As a result, restrictions on vehicle circulation will affect various types of vehicles from 5:00 AM to 10:00 PM on the specified date.
On the night of March 19, restrictions to circulation will specifically include vehicles with verification hologram 2, as well as those with verification hologram 1 whose license plates end in 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, and 0. Vehicles with holograms 0 and 00 with a green sticker and license plates ending in 1 and 2 are also included in the ban. Furthermore, restrictions apply to vehicles without a verification hologram and 50% of gas LP delivery units that fail to meet safety standards.
“The situation requires urgent action to mitigate the health risks posed by pollution,” a spokesperson from CAMe indicated in the latest report.
Exceptions to these restrictions include electric and hybrid vehicles, vehicles with ecological registration or exempt hologram, emergency service vehicles, and ambulances. According to CAMe, taxis can operate during restricted hours to provide public mobility. Vehicles involved in the transportation of perishable goods or public transport vehicles are also exempt.
Despite the activation of Phase 1, the CAMe has made it clear that exemptions exist to lessen the impact on residents who need to use their vehicles for essential activities. The program is enforced from Monday to Saturday, with Sunday seeing no restrictions.
Residents have been closely monitoring air quality updates, especially given the ongoing COVID-19 health crisis. They are cautioned to remain vigilant regarding outdoor activities, especially during peak sunlight hours when air quality can worsen significantly.
Fines for not adhering to the Doble Hoy No Circula regulations can be steep, with penalties ranging from 2,074.8 pesos to 3,112.2 pesos, based on the Units of Measurement and Update (UMA).
Looking forward, updates about the continuation of this environmental contingency will be announced at regular intervals. The next updates are set for March 20, providing necessary information about any changes to restrictions that could ease the burden on commuters.
In addition to these measures, authorities recommend that people limit outdoor activities during the peak hours of 1:00 PM to 7:00 PM when pollution levels are highest. This advice aims to protect vulnerable populations from the adverse health effects associated with high pollution.
As Mexico City tackles its air quality challenges, the Doble Hoy No Circula program serves as a critical intervention in promoting public health and environmental sustainability. Officials remain committed to continuously assessing air quality to adapt restrictions and keep the population informed of any necessary actions.
