The city of Mexico City and the State of Mexico will implement the "Doble Hoy No Circula" program on Thursday, February 27, 2025, following the activation of the Phase I Environmental Contingency due to elevated ozone levels.
According to the Commission for the Environment of the Megalopolis (CAMe), the decision was made due to the recorded ozone levels at 157 parts per billion (ppb), which poses significant health risks to the population.
The "Doble Hoy No Circula" restrictions will be in effect from 5:00 AM to 10:00 PM and will affect various vehicles based on their verification holograms. Affected vehicles include:
- Private vehicles with verification hologram 2.
- Private vehicles with hologram 1 ending with the digits 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, and 0.
- Vehicles without holograms, including older models and foreign plates, will also face the same restrictions as those with hologram 2.
- Local and federal freight vehicles must cease circulation between 6:00 AM and 10:00 AM, with exceptions for vehicles under the self-regulation program.
- Taxis with hologram verification "00," "0," "1," or "2" must also comply with restrictions from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM, adhering to the designated guidelines.
Those driving gas delivery vehicles must adhere to restrictions limiting 50% of such vehicles depending on their registration, and must have the appropriate safety features.
The 16 municipalities of Mexico City and specific municipalities of the State of Mexico are affected, which include: Atizapán de Zaragoza, Ecatepec, Nezahualcóyotl, and Naucalpan, among others.
This environmental initiative is not just about imposing restrictions. It's fundamentally aimed at reducing vehicular emissions and protecting public health, particularly for vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly, and those with pre-existing health conditions.
Private citizens are encouraged to stay indoors during peak times of air pollution, avoid outdoor activities such as sports or cultural events, and monitor air quality through available apps and official sources.
The strict measures are backed by health authorities who urge citizens to practice precautions, particularly among sensitive populations.
Noncompliance with these restrictions can lead to fines ranging from 20 to 30 times the Unit of Measure and Update (UMA), translating to monetary penalties of between approximately 2,074.80 pesos to 3,112.20 pesos, which aims to deter violations of these pollution control regulations.
This implementation of the "Doble Hoy No Circula" reflects the continuing efforts of local authorities to address the dire air quality issues plaguing the metropolitan area and highlights the need for collective action to combat environmental degradation and health concerns associated with poor air quality.
By restricting circulation, authorities hope to mitigate the detrimental effects of high ozone levels, as increased exposure can trigger respiratory issues and other health complications. This is particularly significant considering the climate-related challenges faced by urban centers like CDMX.
Authorities have encouraged all motorists to comply with the vehicular restrictions not just as legal obligations, but as communal responsibilities aimed at enhancing the environmental health of the metropolitan area.
It is imperative for drivers to familiarize themselves with their vehicles' hologram status and the corresponding rules on restrictions to avoid unnecessary fines and contribute positively to the local air quality.
Due to unfavorable meteorological conditions such as high pressure, the accumulation of pollutants remains high, and additional measures will be evaluated by the authorities to determine if the restrictions need to continue to safeguard public health.
The implementation of "Doble Hoy No Circula" reflects the increasing awareness and proactive steps communities within CDMX and Edomex are taking to prioritize public health amid challenging environmental scenarios.