On February 15, 2025, residents of Mexico City and the State of Mexico faced restrictions under the Hoy No Circula program. This initiative, aimed at curbing air pollution and reducing vehicular congestion, mandates certain vehicles to stay off the roads based on their license plates and hologram classifications. According to regulations, vehicles marked with hologram 1 whose plates end with odd numbers (1, 3, 5, 7, and 9) are prohibited from circulating. All vehicles with hologram 2 also face restrictions on this "Sabatino No Circula" day.
The penalties for not adhering to these regulations are quite steep. Offending drivers might face fines ranging between 2,074.8 and 3,112.2 Mexican pesos, which is approximately 20 to 30 times the unit of measurement and update (UMA) value of 103.74 pesos. Nevertheless, there are exceptions to these rules. Emergency vehicles, funeral transport, cars with disability identification, hybrid and electric vehicles, motorcycles, taxies, and public transport vehicles can operate without restrictions.
This Saturday's restrictions apply broadly across multiple municipalities within the State of Mexico, including Atizapán de Zaragoza, Ecatepec de Morelos, and Naucalpan de Juárez, to name just a few. Following the rules not only helps avoid fines but also promotes cleaner air and reduces traffic congestion.
The Hoy No Circula program has been under scrutiny lately due to the persistent traffic jams and pollution issues plaguing the Metropolitan Valley. Authorities, including Victor Hugo Páramo, Executive Coordinator of the Commission for the Environmental Megalopolis (CAMe), have pointed out the need for reforms to make the program more effective. Páramo noted, "On any typical weekday, only 4% of the vehicle fleet abstains from circulating under the current program. This explains the recurrent traffic congestion we see on our streets and avenues.”
Proposed changes to the program include stricter measures for older cars—particularly those over six years old, which are known to pollute up to 17 times more than newer models. Motorcycle usage would also be restricted during Phase 2 of environmental contingencies, affecting both delivery riders and general users.
While modifications to the program have been suggested, including potential additional restrictions, no specific start date has yet been announced. Forecasts indicate rising temperatures and increased pollution from March to July could necessitate tighter vehicular controls to help collectors of hazardous emissions.
The current 2025 schedule sees vehicles blocked from circulation on certain days throughout the week based on their license plates. For example:
- Monday: Hologram yellow – Plates ending with 5 and 6
- Tuesday: Hologram pink – Plates ending with 7 and 8
- Wednesday: Hologram red – Plates ending with 3 and 4
- Thursday: Hologram green – Plates ending with 1 and 2
- Friday: Hologram blue – Plates ending with 9 and 0
On Saturdays, rules differ based on the type of hologram. For hologram 1, odd-numbered plates must stay off the road on the first and third Saturdays of each month, but all vehicles marked with hologram 2 are prohibited from circulation on all Saturdays.
Certain vehicles are exempt from the restrictions, including those with holograms double-zero and zero, as well as electric and hybrid vehicles, which significantly contribute less to environmental pollution.
It's worth noting the Hoy No Circula initiative operates from 5 AM to 10 PM every day, reflecting the urgency to combat pollution effectively. Authorities continuously encourage residents to stay informed about their vehicle's eligibility to avoid hefty fines and contribute positively to the environment.
The overarching goal of the Hoy No Circula program is not just to enforce fines but also to progressively improve the quality of air within both the metropolitan districts of Mexico City and the State of Mexico. By restricting the number of vehicles on the road, it aims to lead citizens toward alternative modes of transportation and awareness of the environmental impact of vehicle usage. Given the ever-increasing congestion, adapting these regulations could be pivotal for fostering healthier living conditions and reducing air contamination.
The collaboration between government authorities and the public will be critically important as the program evolves. Educational campaigns and resources will be needed to inform drivers of changes, responsibilities, and the importance of adhering to pollution control regulations.