On December 21, 2024, Mexico City will implement its regular Hoy No Circula program on the third Saturday of the month. This initiative is part of the city's efforts to mitigate air pollution and manage traffic congestion. Under this program, significant restrictions will be placed on vehicles registered with specific holograms.
Vehicles bearing hologram 1 with odd-numbered plate endings—those ending with the digits 1, 3, 5, 7, and 9—will not be allowed to circulate on this date. Similarly, all automobiles registered with hologram 2 will also face restrictions, preventing them from hitting the roads from 5:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
The Comisión Ambiental de la Megalópolis reminds drivers across the 16 boroughs of Mexico City (CDMX) and 18 municipalities of the State of Mexico (Edomex) of these rules. This includes cities such as Ecatepec, Naucalpan, and Tlalnepantla, which will enforce the same traffic limits as their urban counterpart, provided the vehicles maintain valid verification status.
Exemptions to the Hoy No Circula restrictions will apply to vehicles with hologram 00 and 0, as well as electric or hybrid cars. Passenger transport vehicles are also free from the restrictions, according to the environmental commission. This arrangement aims to encourage the use of less polluting vehicles, reinforcing the city’s commitment to improving air quality.
While the restrictions are intended to reduce congestion and pollution, drivers should be aware of the penalties for non-compliance. The fine for violating the Hoy No Circula restrictions can range from 20 to 30 times the Unidad de Medida y Actualización (UMA), which currently amounts to approximately 2,074.80 pesos to 3,112.20 pesos. Authorities are on high alert to enforce these restrictions, signaling their enforcement commitment to maintain environmental ordinances.
Overall, the Hoy No Circula program is part of broader efforts to improve air quality and reduce health risks from pollution. Mexico City continues to grapple with significant air quality issues, and such regulations are deemed necessary by the government and environmental advocacy groups. The upcoming Saturday serves as yet another reminder for residents and commuters to plan their travel accordingly, ensuring compliance with these regulations.
Drivers are encouraged to check their vehicle's hologram status and plan alternative transportation strategies to avoid penalties. Given the traffic conditions typical of weekends, those who may be impacted by the restrictions should make necessary adjustments to their travel habits to mitigate the potential inconvenience of not being allowed to drive on December 21.
By promoting the use of low-emission vehicles and public transport, the city hopes to not only address immediate traffic concerns but also contribute to long-term sustainability goals aimed at improving the overall quality of life for residents.
