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19 April 2025

Hoy No Circula Restrictions Apply In Mexico City April 19

Vehicle restrictions aim to improve air quality during peak pollution season

The Hoy No Circula program will be in effect on Saturday, April 19, 2025, restricting all vehicles with hologram 2 and, due to it being the third Saturday of the month, cars with hologram 1 ending in an odd number. This regulation applies across the 16 municipalities of Mexico City (CDMX) and 18 municipalities in the State of Mexico (Edomex).

Vehicles exempt from the Hoy No Circula program on this date include those with hologram 00, 0, electric and hybrid vehicles, as well as passenger transport vehicles, according to the Commission for the Environment of the Megalopolis.

It’s important to note that vehicles affected by the restrictions will not be allowed to circulate from 5:00 a.m. until 10:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 19, 2025. Additionally, cars from the State of Mexico, Hidalgo, Morelos, Puebla, and Tlaxcala can circulate under the same restrictions as vehicles in CDMX, provided they have a current verification from their respective states, thanks to the harmonization of vehicle verification criteria.

In terms of enforcement, if the Hoy No Circula regulations are violated, the fines will range from 20 to 30 times the Unit of Measurement and Update (UMA), which translates to approximately 2,074.80 pesos to 3,112.20 pesos. Authorities have recently announced upcoming changes to the Hoy No Circula program, although specific details and implementation dates are yet to be disclosed.

Among the proposed adjustments is the potential for a greater number of vehicles to be taken off the roads based on their age. Reports indicate that vehicles older than six years can pollute up to 17 times more than newer models. Moreover, authorities are considering banning motorcycles during Phase 2 of an Environmental Contingency, a restriction that currently only applies to certain four-wheeled vehicles. This change could significantly impact thousands of delivery workers and others who rely on motorcycles for transportation.

As of now, there is no Doble Hoy No Circula in effect on April 19, 2025. Although poor air quality has been reported in recent days, it has not triggered the activation of stricter measures. This Saturday's restrictions will operate normally, as authorities anticipate up to 11 Environmental Contingencies throughout the season.

The Hoy No Circula program is designed to improve air quality in the Valley of Mexico. It operates Monday through Saturday, with specific restrictions based on the color of the verification sticker and the last digit of the vehicle's license plate. On Saturdays, the rules are particularly stringent for certain types of vehicles.

For drivers planning to travel in CDMX or Edomex this Saturday, the following vehicles will be unable to circulate between 5:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m.: vehicles with hologram 1 and odd-numbered plates (1, 3, 5, 7, and 9) and vehicles with hologram 2. However, vehicles that can circulate include those with holograms "00" and "0", hybrid and electric cars, taxis, public transport, cargo vehicles with special permits, and emergency vehicles such as ambulances.

The Hoy No Circula program applies in the following municipalities of the State of Mexico: Atizapán de Zaragoza, Coacalco de Berriozábal, Cuautitlán, Cuautitlán Izcalli, Chalco, Chicoloapan, Chimalhuacán, Ecatepec de Morelos, Huixquilucan, Ixtapaluca, La Paz, Naucalpan de Juárez, Nezahualcóyotl, Nicolás Romero, Tecámac, Tlalnepantla de Baz, Tultitlán, and Valle de Chalco.

Drivers who do not comply with the Hoy No Circula program could face financial penalties ranging from 2,074 to 3,112 pesos, as stipulated by the Traffic Regulations. The program is crucial for reducing emissions and improving air quality, particularly during high pollution periods.

Under current regulations, the fines for those who violate the Hoy No Circula restrictions will be between $2,262.80 and $3,439.46, reflecting 20 to 30 Units of Measurement and Update (UMA). Non-compliant vehicles may be towed, with the owners required to pay a fine to retrieve their vehicles from impoundment.

Vehicle verification is mandatory twice a year in both Mexico City and the State of Mexico, with specific dates determined by the expiration of the license plate and verification sticker. For 2025, the verification schedule is as follows: Plates ending in 5 and 6 must be verified in January and February (yellow sticker); plates ending in 7 and 8 in February and March (pink sticker); plates ending in 3 and 4 in March and April (red sticker); plates ending in 1 and 2 in April and August (green sticker); and plates ending in 9 and 0 in August and June (blue sticker).

In summary, the Hoy No Circula program is a critical measure for air quality management in the Valley of Mexico, with strict enforcement and a clear structure designed to minimize vehicle emissions. As the program evolves, it remains essential for residents to stay informed about the regulations to avoid fines and contribute to improving air quality in the region.