On Thursday, May 8, 2025, the "Hoy No Circula" program is back in full effect across the 16 mayoralties of Mexico City and 18 municipalities in the State of Mexico. This environmental measure aims to reduce pollutant emissions in the metropolitan area of the Valley of Mexico, regulating the circulation of certain vehicles based on their sticker color, license plate endings, and the type of hologram they display.
According to the Secretariat of the Environment (Sedema) and the Environmental Commission of the Megalopolis (CAMe), vehicles with green stickers, whose license plates end in 1 or 2 and have holograms 1 or 2, are prohibited from circulating from 5:00 AM to 10:00 PM on this day. This measure is part of a rotating weekly calendar designed to manage air quality in one of the most densely populated and trafficked regions in the country.
As of now, the CAMe has not issued any environmental contingency alerts that would necessitate a double "Hoy No Circula" for Thursday. Therefore, the restrictions will only apply to vehicles scheduled under the regular calendar.
Despite these limitations, there are several exemptions. Vehicles with holograms 00 and 0, electric or hybrid vehicles, and those with ecological registration are allowed to circulate freely. Additionally, vehicles belonging to the health sector with valid credentials, ambulances, and cars for people with disabilities that have the appropriate permits are also exempt. School, tourist, funeral, and personnel transport vehicles are permitted to operate as well.
The "Hoy No Circula" program has been a critical tool for controlling air quality in the region. It balances urban mobility with environmental protection, aiming to mitigate ozone levels and other harmful particles in the air. This strategy, although sometimes unpopular among drivers, has proven effective in combating pollution and promoting the use of more sustainable transportation alternatives.
For those planning to drive on Friday, May 9, 2025, the restrictions will shift. Vehicles with blue stickers, holograms 1 and 2, and license plates ending in 9 and 0 will be prohibited from circulating. The fines for violating the "Hoy No Circula" regulations can be steep, ranging from 20 to 200 times the Unit of Measurement and Update (UMAS), which translates to fines between 2,262.8 pesos and 22,628 pesos in Mexico City. In the State of Mexico, the penalty for non-compliance is set at 5,576 pesos.
To avoid fines and inconveniences, drivers are encouraged to check if their vehicles fall under the restrictions for the day. The program's enforcement is crucial for reducing atmospheric pollution in the metropolitan area, which is notorious for its heavy traffic.
In the State of Mexico, the municipalities participating in the "Hoy No Circula" program include Atizapán de Zaragoza, Coacalco, Cuautitlán, Cuautitlán Izcalli, Chalco, Chicoloapan, Chimalhuacán, Ecatepec, Huixquilucan, Ixtapaluca, La Paz, Naucalpan, Nezahualcóyotl, Nicolás Romero, Tecámac, Tlalnepantla, Tultitlán, and Valle de Chalco. For more details about exemptions or to verify if a vehicle is affected, individuals should consult the official "Hoy No Circula" website.
Overall, the implementation of the "Hoy No Circula" program reflects a broader commitment to environmental sustainability and public health in one of the world’s largest urban centers. As air quality continues to be a pressing issue, such measures are vital in fostering a cleaner, healthier environment for all residents.
