Hoy No Circula: Which Cars Don’t Drive on Friday, March 19 in CDMX & Edomex?
GENERANDO AUDIO…
Mexico City and surrounding municipalities in the State of Mexico are implementing the Hoy No Circula program this Friday, March 13, 2026. The restriction applies to vehicles displaying a blue hologram and with license plates ending in 9 or 0. This measure is in effect from 5:00 AM to 10:00 PM, according to the calendar published by the Environmental Commission of the Megalopolis (CAMe).
The Hoy No Circula program, designed to reduce air pollution, is a recurring restriction based on the final digit of license plates and the vehicle’s verification hologram. As of midday today, February 19th, there is no public information indicating a double Hoy No Circula will be enacted due to an environmental contingency.
Understanding the Hoy No Circula Program
The Hoy No Circula program is a key component of efforts to improve air quality in the densely populated Metropolitan Zone of the Valley of Mexico (ZMVM). It operates on a rotating schedule, restricting vehicles based on their emissions standards and license plate numbers. Certain vehicles are exempt, including those with a hologram 0 or 00, electric and hybrid vehicles, motorcycles, public transportation, and emergency vehicles.
Which Municipalities are Affected?
The Hoy No Circula program isn’t limited to Mexico City. It extends to 18 municipalities in the State of Mexico that are considered part of the ZMVM. These municipalities are:
- Atizapán de Zaragoza
- Coacalco de Berriozábal
- Cuautitlán
- Cuautitlán Izcalli
- Chalco
- Chicoloapan
- Chimalhuacán
- Ecatepec de Morelos
- Huixquilucan
- Ixtapaluca
- La Paz
- Naucalpan de Juárez
- Nezahualcóyotl
- Nicolás Romero
- Tecámac
- Tlalnepantla de Baz
- Tultitlán
- Valle de Chalco
This coordinated effort, overseen by the Environmental Commission of the Megalopolis, aims to maximize the impact of the restrictions across the entire metropolitan area. More information on the program can be found on the State of Mexico’s website: https://sma.edomex.gob.mx/hoynocircula
Penalties for Non-Compliance
Driving during restricted hours can result in a significant fine. In Mexico City, the penalty ranges from 2,346 to 3,519 pesos (approximately 20 to 30 UMAS – Units of Measurement and Update). In the State of Mexico, the fine is 2,346 pesos (20 UMAS). Vehicles found in violation may also be impounded.
Tourist Exception: Obtaining a Tourist Pass
For those visiting the region, a Tourist Pass (Pase Turístico) allows vehicles registered outside of Mexico City and the State of Mexico to circulate without penalty. This pass is valid for 14 days per semester, or twice per semester for 7 days each. Information on how to obtain a Tourist Pass can be found here: https://www.unotv.com/estados/ciudad-de-mexico/cdmx-como-tramitar-el-pase-turistico-para-carros-foraneos/
Vehicle Verification: A Crucial Requirement
Beyond the Hoy No Circula restrictions, vehicle verification is mandatory in both Mexico City and the State of Mexico. Vehicles must be inspected twice a year, with the schedule determined by the final digit of the license plate and the vehicle’s hologram. The 2026 verification schedule is as follows:
- Plates ending in 5 and 6: January and February (Yellow Hologram)
- Plates ending in 7 and 8: February and March (Pink Hologram)
- Plates ending in 3 and 4: March and April (Red Hologram)
- Plates ending in 1 and 2: April and May (Green Hologram)
- Plates ending in 9 and 0: May and June (Blue Hologram)
- Plates ending in 5 and 6: July and August (Yellow Hologram)
- Plates ending in 7 and 8: August and September (Pink Hologram)
- Plates ending in 3 and 4: September and October (Red Hologram)
- Plates ending in 1 and 2: October and November (Green Hologram)
- Plates ending in 9 and 0: November and December (Blue Hologram)
Staying informed about these regulations is essential for residents and visitors alike. The program’s official calendar can be found at https://sedema.cdmx.gob.mx/programas/programa/hoy-no-circula.