On Saturday, March 15, 2025, Mexico City and its neighboring states will enforce the "Hoy No Circula" program, restricting certain vehicles to combat air pollution. This annual program, aimed at improving air quality, will apply to the 16 boroughs of Mexico City, as well as to 18 municipalities within the State of Mexico, Hidalgo, Puebla, and Morelos.
This specific Saturday presents restrictions primarily on vehicles with hologram 1 whose license plates end with odd numbers (1, 3, 5, 7, and 9), along with all vehicles with hologram 2. The program will be effective from 5:00 AM to 10:00 PM, aligning with the initiative's goal of reducing vehicular emissions during peak pollution hours.
Individuals planning to drive must note which vehicles are exempt from the restrictions. Vehicles with holograms 0 and 00, as well as electric and hybrid vehicles, may circulate freely regardless of the day. Additional exemptions include taxis, vehicles transporting people with disabilities, for passenger transport, funeral services, and other emergency or public service vehicles. Vehicles from other regions, provided they have appropriate verification, will also be subjected to the same rules.
“El programa Hoy No Circula limita la circulación de vehículos para minimizar la contaminación...”, said officials from the Secretary of the Environment (SEDUMA), indicating the program's importance as environmental awareness grows.
Motorists need to avoid the risk of hefty fines when failing to comply with the Hoy No Circula restrictions. For violators, the fines range from 20 to 30 times the UMA (Unidad de Medida y Actualización), about 2,074.80 pesos to 3,112.2 pesos. It's important to note, as the regulations state, if non-compliance persists, vehicles may be impounded by authorities.
Interestingly, there is no double Hoy No Circula on March 15. Although air quality concerns had been flagged within recent days, the Environmental Commission of the Megalopolis confirmed on March 14, 2025, the air quality was classified as 'acceptable,' prompting the suspension of greater restrictions. This decision mitigates adverse impacts on drivers and local businesses, allowing for regular traffic flow.
Motorists attending events such as the popular Vive Latino festival should take note. The event, celebrating its 25th anniversary, is expected to attract numerous visitors and drive significant traffic. Planning alternatives, such as using public transportation, is highly recommended as numerous municipalities and drivers will be affected by the vehicular restrictions.
The operations of the Hoy No Circula program not only aim to minimize vehicular pollution but also push for enhanced awareness about cleaner commuting practices. Drivers are encouraged to stay tuned for daily updates from the Environmental Commission—non-compliance with Hoy No Circula can lead to significant financial repercussions, impacting household budgets.
Authorities indicate this measure has shown to be effective over the years, fostering changes toward sustainable transport solutions within the metropolitan area. Even though restrictions may sometimes frustrate commuters, ensuring clearer skies for future generations remains the ultimate goal.
Drivers must be vigilant about which vehicle holograms correlate with specific restrictions. Careful attention to compliance can prevent unfortunate situations involving fines or vehicle impoundments, especially under the ever-fluctuating parameters of the Hoy No Circula program.
Stay informed, stay green, and plan your routes accordingly for Saturday, March 15, 2025!