The City of Mexico (CDMX) and the neighboring State of Mexico (Edomex) are experiencing improved air quality, leading to adjustments to the "Hoy No Circula" program. On February 28, 2025, the Comisión Ambiental de la Megalópolis (CAMe) confirmed the reinstatement of regular vehicle circulation rules after suspending the Level 1 Environmental Contingency.
The "Hoy No Circula" program restricts vehicles based on their hologram color and license plate numbers, primarily aimed at reducing air pollution within Mexico City and its surroundings. This Friday, vehicles with blue stickers and plate numbers ending with 9 or 0, as well as those with holograms 1 and 2, will not be allowed on the roads from 5:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
According to CAMe, "the environmental contingency has been suspended due to improved air quality", indicating significant reductions in ozone levels necessitating these protective guidelines. Vehicles exempt from the restrictions include those with hologram “00” and “0”, electric and hybrid cars, as well as emergency vehicles, public transport, and vehicles for persons with disabilities.
The geographical scope of the "Hoy No Circula" restrictions extends across all 16 boroughs of Mexico City and 18 municipalities of Edomex, including key locations such as Cuautitlán Izcalli and Ecatepec de Morelos. Compliance is not just beneficial for individual drivers but is also critically linked to broader public health and environmental goals.
Failing to adhere to the "Hoy No Circula" requirements can be costly. Fines for violations range from $2,263 to $3,394 Pesos, based on the seriousness of the infraction. Vehicles can also be impounded, incurring additional fees for towing and storage. The effort to mitigate vehicular emissions aims to directly improve public health outcomes by lessening air pollution—an increasingly pressing issue for metropolitan areas.
The pollutants primarily targeted by the "Hoy No Circula" regulations are those contributing to ozone pollution, as determined by air quality monitoring systems. While this week’s moving average indicates cleaner air, authorities remain vigilant, continuously monitoring environmental data to anticipate potential returns to regulated circulation days depending on shifting pollution levels.
Motorists are encouraged to stay updated with official channels, such as the Secretariat of Environment (Sedema) and CAMe's platforms, for live updates on air quality and any future alterations to circulation restrictions. The current allowance for vehicles with appropriate stickers to circulate freely will be reviewed based on consistent air quality monitoring, with the intention of maintaining public safety.
For those unfamiliar with the program specifics, it is important to understand the significance of the sticker and plate number system instituted under the "Hoy No Circula" regulations. Each vehicle designated by its hologram indicates its eligibility to drive on designated days, thereby playing a pivotal role not just for individual convenience, but for the overarching environmental strategy aimed at enhancing the health of the urban air.
Local authorities stress the importance of compliance not only to avoid fines but also to contribute positively to community health efforts. The endeavor brings every driver and resident closer to the ambition of cleaner, healthier air as they cooperate with city regulations.
On this day, as you prepare to travel, keep the "Hoy No Circula" regulations at the forefront. Remember, compliance is not merely about avoiding penalties, but embracing personal responsibility for environmental stewardship. Readily observing these guidelines as activated demonstrations of sustainability reflects not just individual habits but shared values for current and future generations.
This commitment to collaborative responsibility is central to the successful execution of policies by Mexico City's environmental authorities and is pivotal for fostering lasting air quality improvements.