Upcoming Changes to Mexico City’s Hoy No Circula Program

Starting in 2025, the Hoy No Circula program in Mexico City and the State of Mexico will undergo significant changes, particularly affecting vehicles with holograms 1 and 2. The program, designed to combat pollution in the Metropolitan Area of the Valley of Mexico, will introduce more severe restrictions to reduce atmospheric pollution.

Vehicles with Hologram 1: Understanding the New Restrictions

As of 2025, vehicles with hologram 1 will face additional restrictions, including a prohibition on circulating two Saturdays a month. The rules will be as follows:

• Odd-numbered plates: Prohibited from circulating on the first and third Saturday of each month.
• Even-numbered plates: Restricted from circulating on the second and fourth Saturday of the month.

These restrictions will be in effect from 5:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. and will apply to all 16 mayors of Mexico City and 18 municipalities of the State of Mexico participating in the Hoy No Circula program.

Vehicles with Hologram 2: Enhanced Restrictions

Vehicles with hologram 2 will be subject to more stringent restrictions, including a ban on circulating every Saturday of the year, in addition to existing weekday limitations. This measure aims to directly address the polluting emissions generated by these vehicles, which are often older models with less efficient emissions control technology.

Rationale Behind the Intensified Restrictions

The Hoy No Circula program was initially introduced in 1989 as a temporary solution to Mexico City’s pollution issues. However, due to the severity of the environmental problem, it became a permanent measure in 1990. Over the years, new provisions have been added, including the No Circulation on Saturday program, which began in 2008. According to the Ministry of the Environment, pollution levels during weekends are typically higher than during weekdays, justifying the need for more stringent restrictions.

Exemptions from Hoy No Circula in 2025

Not all vehicles will be subject to the new restrictions. Exemptions will apply to vehicles that meet stricter emissions standards or do not generate polluting emissions, including:

• Vehicles with 0 and 00 holograms: Newer cars that meet advanced emissions control regulations.
• Electric vehicles: Zero-emission vehicles that are considered the cleanest option.
• Hybrid vehicles: Vehicles with lower environmental impact, also exempt from restrictions.

Making the switch to one of these exempt vehicles can be a strategic investment for motorists seeking to avoid restrictions in the medium and long term.

Current Hoy No Circula Rules for Holograms 1 and 2

Presently, vehicles with holograms 1 and 2 are restricted Monday through Friday based on the last digit of their license plate. The rules operate as follows:

• Monday: Plates ending in 5 and 6.
• Tuesday: Plates ending in 7 and 8.
• Wednesday: Plates ending in 3 and 4.
• Thursday: Plates ending in 1 and 2.
• Friday: Plates ending in 9 and 0.

With the implementation of the new measures in 2025, these limitations will be extended to Saturdays, affecting more days of the week.