On Saturday, March 22, 2025, the Hoy No Circula program will implement specific vehicle restrictions in Mexico City and 18 municipalities of the State of Mexico to combat air pollution. The measures, which will be in effect from 5:00 AM to 10:00 PM, have been introduced by the capital's Secretary of the Environment in an effort to mitigate pollution levels in the metropolitan area.
As part of this initiative, drivers are being urged to check their vehicle’s hologram and license plates to avoid fines on this significant control day. The program is applicable across the 16 boroughs of Mexico City, including notable areas like Azcapotzalco, Coyoacán, Iztapalapa, and Tlalpan, and is also extending into conurbated municipalities from the State of Mexico like Ecatepec, Nezahualcóyotl, Naucalpan, and Tlalnepantla.
This Saturday marks the fourth Hoy No Circula of March, and it follows a differentiated system that varies from regular weekdays, focusing strictly on vehicle types based on their hologram and plate numbers. Unlike weekdays, the Saturday restriction targets mainly vehicles with hologram 1 and even-numbered plates. Specifically, that excludes vehicles with hologram 2 and those registered outside the metropolitan area from any plate number restrictions.
Authorities have stressed that the program does not operate on Sundays and that it may undergo changes during holidays or vacation periods. They have made it clear that modifications based on environmental conditions are possible, as the Megalopolitan Environmental Commission (CAMe) holds the authority to enact a double Hoy No Circula if the air quality further deteriorates. This indicates that stricter restrictions could be imposed on an as-needed basis, providing real-time responses to pollution spikes.
To facilitate compliance, officials urge drivers to plan their travels ahead of time and stay informed regarding possible contingencies. Verifying their hologram and plate appears pivotal for avoiding inconveniences throughout the day.
The ‘Hoy No Circula’ initiative is one of the critical strategies aimed at regulating vehicular emissions in the region. The underlying goal is to ensure a preventive approach toward the environmental challenges that affect the quality of air, aiming to avoid harmful deterioration for public health.
The program represents a joint effort of authorities and citizens in the fight against environmental damage. The importance of collective action has been highlighted, with officials urging motorists to use alternative modes of transportation like public transit to help decrease pollution.
As part of the March 22 restrictions, drivers with even-numbered plates ending in 0, 2, 4, 6, or 8 who possess hologram 1 will be restricted from driving. Vehicles with hologram 2 and those categorized as foreign will also be prohibited from circulating without exception this Saturday. However, notably, vehicles with distinguishing holograms of 0 and 00 are allowed to transit through both Mexico City and the State of Mexico freely.
Moreover, exemptions also apply to health professionals’ official vehicles, ambulances, and vehicles designated for transporting persons with disabilities. Those with valid permits for specific environmental programs are also eligible for exemption. The Hoy No Circula program additionally allows for the cycling of public transport vehicles and enables driving for vehicles registered outside of Mexico City and the State of Mexico through tourist permits.
Interestingly, air quality metrics on Friday, March 21, indicated an acceptable level; therefore, no double restrictions had been enforced for this Saturday's program. The CAMe monitors this status and will adjust the Hoy No Circula implementation accordingly in response to the environmental quality.
The fines for drivers violating the Hoy No Circula regulations can range significantly between 20 and 30 Units of Measurement and Update (UMA), which translates to a monetary penalty between $2,263 and $3,395 pesos in 2024 values. This indicates the seriousness with which these measures are regarded by local authorities, aiming to discourage breaches and emphasize public awareness.
With the continuing aim to secure better air quality in one of the most populous urban sites within the country, the Hoy No Circula program fosters conversation around sustainable practices and individual responsibilities in how emissions contribute to broader environmental issues.
In circulation matters, the return to free driving on Sundays allows citizens to operate without constraints until Monday morning when restrictions will promptly resume. Nonetheless, public announcements regarding any exemptions during holidays ensure that drivers remain informed of potential changes to the regulations.
As the efforts continue, the collaboration between government entities and inhabitants remains fundamental to the triumph of the Hoy No Circula. By promoting an environmentally conscious approach to transportation, the government is striving to assure that air quality remains a critical topic for ongoing public discourse.
