On Saturday, April 26, 2025, the Hoy No Circula program will see modified restrictions due to an environmental contingency that was activated the day prior by the Environmental Commission of the Megalopolis (CAME). This decision comes in response to the alarming air quality levels recorded in the Mexico City metropolitan area, prompting authorities to take immediate action to mitigate pollution.
According to CAME, the environmental contingency was initiated on Friday, April 25, 2025, after a maximum ozone concentration of 159 parts per billion (ppb) was registered at the Ajusco Medio monitoring station in Tlalpan, Mexico City. This level of ozone is concerning, as it poses health risks to the population and necessitates urgent measures to reduce emissions.
The Phase 1 environmental contingency was activated due to a combination of factors contributing to the degradation of air quality. These included scarce ventilation, high solar radiation, temperatures ranging from 29 to 30 degrees Celsius, and the stagnation of ozone due to pollutants in the southwestern region of the city. As a result, CAME recommended limiting outdoor activities and implemented restrictions on vehicle circulation.
For Saturday, April 26, the Hoy No Circula program will impose additional restrictions beyond the usual Saturday guidelines. Specifically, vehicles that cannot circulate from 5:00 AM to 10:00 PM include:
- Private vehicles with verification hologram 2.
- Private vehicles with verification hologram 1, whose last digit is 2, 4, 6, 8, or 0.
- Vehicles with hologram 0 and 00, bearing a blue sticker, with plate numbers ending in 9 and 0.
- Foreign vehicles.
- Unverified vehicles.
Conversely, vehicles that are permitted to circulate on this day include:
- Vehicles with hologram 0 and 00, with plate numbers ending in 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8.
- Vehicles with hologram 1, with plate numbers ending in 1, 3, 5, 7, and 9.
- Motorcycles.
- Vehicles for people with disabilities.
- Electric or hybrid vehicles.
As the day progressed, the situation improved significantly. By late Friday, CAME announced the suspension of the environmental contingency after observing a notable improvement in atmospheric conditions. This improvement was attributed to a decrease in atmospheric stability and an increase in wind speed, which facilitated the dispersion of pollutants. The suspension was officially communicated at 7:00 PM on Friday, indicating that the air quality had returned to acceptable levels.
With the contingency lifted, the Hoy No Circula program will operate under normal conditions on Saturday, April 26, meaning that no extraordinary restrictions will be enforced. This is a relief for many residents who rely on their vehicles for daily commuting.
Despite the lifting of the contingency, authorities continue to urge the public to adopt practices that support air quality improvement. Recommendations include reducing the use of personal vehicles, avoiding aerosols and products containing volatile organic compounds, opting for alternative modes of transportation such as bicycles or public transport, and refraining from outdoor burning.
The CAME has emphasized its commitment to monitoring air quality continuously and will provide updates should conditions change that could pose health risks to the public. This vigilance is crucial, especially considering that the metropolitan area has experienced six environmental contingencies in 2025 alone, with the last occurring on April 23.
For residents in Mexico City and the State of Mexico, the Hoy No Circula program is in effect across all 16 boroughs of Mexico City and 18 municipalities in the State of Mexico. These municipalities include Atizapán de Zaragoza, Ixtapaluca, Coacalco de Berriozábal, La Paz, Cuautitlán, Naucalpan de Juárez, Cuautitlán Izcalli, Nezahualcóyotl, Chalco, Nicolás Romero, Chimalhuacán, Tecámac, Chicoloapan, Tlalnepantla de Baz, Ecatepec de Morelos, Tultitlán, Huixquilucan, and Valle de Chalco.
As always, it is essential for drivers to remain informed about the regulations and restrictions in place. Failure to comply with the Hoy No Circula program can result in fines ranging from $2,262.80 to $3,394.20 pesos, as stipulated by the current traffic regulations in Mexico City.
In summary, while the environmental contingency has been lifted and the Hoy No Circula program will return to normal, the importance of maintaining air quality remains paramount. Authorities continue to advocate for responsible practices that contribute to the health and well-being of the community.
As the situation evolves, residents are encouraged to stay updated through official channels to ensure compliance with environmental regulations and to protect their health and that of their families.
