The Environmental Commission of the Megalopolis (CAMe) has declared that Phase 1 of the Environmental Contingency due to ozone pollution remains in effect for Mexico City (CDMX) and the State of Mexico (Edomex). This announcement was made on Wednesday, April 23, 2025, and it means that the Double Hoy No Circula program will continue on Thursday, April 24, 2025, to help reduce the number of vehicles on the roads and improve air quality.
According to the CAMe report, the meteorological conditions in the Valley of Mexico (ZMVM) have been unfavorable for the dispersion of pollutants, with a high-pressure system expected to persist over the central region of the country. This will result in clear skies and intense solar radiation, leading to poor air quality characterized as "Bad to Very Bad" for ozone levels.
As part of the measures to combat this environmental crisis, restrictions on vehicle circulation will be in place on April 24, from 5:00 AM to 10:00 PM. The following vehicles will not be allowed to circulate:
- 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, green sticker, and plates ending in 1 and 2.
- Units that do not carry any verification hologram, such as old vehicles, demonstration vehicles, and those with tourist passes.
- 50% of the L.P. gas delivery units to stationary tanks that do not have a dry disconnect valve, with license plates ending in even numbers.
- Local or federal cargo vehicles between 6:00 AM and 10:00 AM, with exceptions for those in the self-regulation program.
- Taxis with verification hologram “00”, “0”, “1” or “2” must stop circulating from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
Exempt vehicles include electric and hybrid models, those with ecological registration or exempt holograms, and vehicles designated for medical emergencies. Taxis can operate from 5:00 AM to 10:00 AM regardless of their hologram status to support public mobility. Other exempt categories include urban service vehicles, school transport, funeral services, and vehicles for people with disabilities.
Gabriel Pérez Aguilar, director of Air Quality at the Ministry of Environment (Sedema), explained that the restrictions are part of a rotating calendar based on historical data, which aims to reduce vehicle circulation during high ozone levels. On days when ozone levels spike, all vehicles with hologram 2 are prohibited from circulating, and half of those with hologram 1 are restricted based on their license plate numbers.
During this contingency, the CAMe has also recommended that residents avoid outdoor activities, especially exercise, between 1:00 PM and 7:00 PM, and suspend any organized outdoor events during this timeframe. Additionally, smoking in enclosed spaces should be avoided to protect public health.
As of the latest reports, maximum ozone concentrations of 164 parts per billion (ppb) were recorded at the UAM Xochimilco station, prompting these urgent measures. The CAMe continues to monitor air quality closely and will provide updates as conditions change.
To stay informed about air quality and vehicle restrictions, residents can visit the official website at www.aire.cdmx.gob.mx, where daily updates are posted.
As the situation develops, the CAMe emphasizes the importance of community cooperation in adhering to these restrictions to improve air quality and public health. The ongoing environmental contingency highlights the critical need for sustainable practices and pollution reduction strategies in one of the world’s most populous urban areas.
