Understanding the ‘Hoy No Circula’ Program in Mexico City
If you’re planning a trip to Mexico City or the neighboring municipalities within the State of Mexico, it’s crucial to understand the ‘Hoy No Circula’ program. This initiative, which translates to ‘today (these vehicles) don’t circulate,’ restricts the number of vehicles on the road to reduce traffic and improve air quality.
Where the Restrictions Apply
The ‘Hoy No Circula’ program is in effect throughout all 16 Delegations of Mexico City and extends to 18 municipalities within the State of Mexico. This means that even if you’re just passing through the restricted zone, you must comply with the regulations.
How Restrictions Work
The restrictions are determined by a combination of factors:
- Vehicle Emissions: The level of emissions your vehicle produces, indicated by a holographic sticker.
- License Plate Number: The last digit of your vehicle’s license plate.
- Environmental Contingencies: Restrictions may increase when air quality deteriorates in the ‘Hoy No Circula’ zone.
Who is Affected?
Both Mexican-plated vehicles not registered in Mexico City or the State of Mexico, and foreign-plated vehicles traveling in the restricted zone, are subject to the ‘Hoy No Circula’ rules.
- Foreign Vehicles: Any vehicle not registered in an area where ‘Hoy No Circula’ applies, whether it’s a Mexican-plated or foreign-plated car, is considered ‘foreign.’ These vehicles are restricted from circulating at least one day a week, Monday through Friday, between 5 a.m. and 10 p.m.
Emissions Tests and Holographic Stickers
If you live in or frequently drive through the ‘Hoy No Circula’ zone, annual vehicle verification is required. This involves an emissions test at an approved center. Upon passing, you’ll receive a holographic sticker to display on your windshield. The sticker category (00, 0, 1, or 2) will determine the days and times your vehicle is restricted.
- Sticker Categories:
- 00 & 0: No restrictions unless an environmental contingency is in effect.
- 1: Restricted one day a week based on license plate number and two Saturdays per month (5 a.m. to 10 p.m.).
- 2: Restricted one day a week based on license plate number and every Saturday (5 a.m. to 10 p.m.).
‘Tourist Pass’ Option
If you are visiting the ‘Hoy No Circula’ zone for a limited time, you can request a tourist pass. This pass exempts your vehicle from the program’s restrictions for a specific period.
- Tourist Pass Details:
- Available once every six months for 14 days, or twice for 7 days each.
- Can be requested for 3 days during long-weekend holidays.
- Foreign-plated vehicles are eligible if manufactured from 1993 onward.
- Apply online, and print permits to display in your windshield.
- Suspended during environmental contingencies.
- Vehicles manufactured before 1993 are not eligible.
Penalties for Non-Compliance
Traffic police in Mexico City and the State of Mexico strictly enforce ‘Hoy No Circula’ rules. Violations can result in:
- Vehicle impoundment
- Fines (20-30 days of UMA, an economic unit used for fines)
- Towing and release fees (approximately $2-3,000 Mexican pesos)
Non-compliance can be a costly and time-consuming experience.
