On February 28, 2025, the normal operations of the 'Hoy No Circula' program resumed following the suspension of the environmental contingency declared for the Mexico City Metropolitan Area (ZMVM) earlier this week. The Commission for Environmental Protection of the Megalopolis (CAMe) initially announced this contingency on February 26 due to high pollutant levels alarming the population and prompting immediate traffic restrictions.
Initially, the 'Doble Hoy No Circula' protocol was activated on February 27, restricting many vehicles from circulating throughout the day as authorities aimed to protect residents' health. According to the CAMe, this measure was deemed necessary after observing deteriorated air quality across various municipalities. By 3:00 PM on February 27, it was reported the pollution levels had not improved enough to lift the restriction, and officials had set to monitor air quality and weather conditions closely.
Fortunately, by the evening of February 27, CAMe announced the suspension of the Phase 1 environmental contingency starting at 6 PM. This news ushered back the typical travel restrictions of the 'Hoy No Circula' for February 28, though those restrictions still require cautious compliance from drivers.
The specific vehicle restrictions this Friday apply between 5:00 AM and 10:00 PM, targeting automobiles with blue stickers, as well as those registered with license plates ending in 9 and 0. Vehicles with hologram classifications of 1 and 2 will also be prohibited from circulating during these hours.
For individuals who fail to comply with the set guidelines, penalties can be steep. Being caught violating the 'Hoy No Circula' regulations may incur fines ranging between 20 to 30 times the Unidad de Medida y Actualización (UMA), which has been valued at 113.14 pesos as of 2025. This penalty translates to approximately 2,262.80 to 3,394.20 pesos, amounting to significant financial repercussions for motorists.
While the majority of vehicles experience these restrictions, some are exempt and can operate freely. These include electric and hybrid vehicles, emergencies and health-related transport, and specific vehicles associated with public service efforts. For example, vehicles eligible to operate every day under normal circumstances include those with hologram 0, 00, and specially permitted vehicles such as ambulances or those transporting individuals with disabilities.
CAMe also provided detailed insights on the air quality across various regions of the capital and neighboring state. Areas like Tlalpan and Coyoacán reported good air quality, whereas densely populated regions such as Gustavo A. Madero and Tláhuac faced poor conditions, prompting the initial emergency measures. It's pivotal for residents to stay updated and consult local advisories to navigate the traffic restrictions effectively.
Despite this week's tumultuous air quality alerts and the subsequent measures taken, the normalization of the 'Hoy No Circula' protocol on February 28 signifies progress toward more stable environmental conditions. Yet, CAMe urges drivers to remain vigilant and check compliance specifics to avoid incurring fines.
Authorities, through various channels, continue to encourage all drivers to remain informed of their vehicle's compliance status concerning these temporary regulations to prevent unintended violations. With the standard operations of the program back, citizens are tasked with being responsible students of air quality, ready to adapt as circumstances change.