Mexico City’s “Hoy No Circula Program”: Key Rules, Exceptions, and Benefits
Mexico City, one of the largest and most populous cities in the world, has long struggled with air pollution. With the constant flow of vehicles on its streets, smog and poor air quality have become part of daily life for millions of residents. To combat this issue, the city launched the “Hoy No Circula” (or “No-Drive Day”) program in 1989.
HOW DOES IT WORK?
“Hoy No Circula” Is a program that restricts the circulation of certain vehicles on designated days based on their license plate numbers. The goal is to reduce air pollution, decrease traffic congestion, and promote the use of public transportation or alternative means of getting around the city, like bicycles or walking.
The program works by restricting vehicles from circulating on specific days based on the last digit of their license plate number. This means that every car in Mexico City is subject to a rotation where certain vehicles can’t operate on particular weekdays.
The restriction schedule is as follows:
- Monday: Vehicles whose license plates end in 5 or 6
- Tuesday: Vehicles whose license plates end in 7 or 8
- Wednesday: Vehicles whose license plates end in 3 or 4
- Thursday: Vehicles whose license plates end in 1 or 2
- Friday: Vehicles whose license plates end in 9 or 0.
Additionally, some exceptions apply, such as for electric cars, hybrids, or vehicles that meet specific environmental standards. These vehicles are often exempt from the restrictions, as they have a lower environmental impact.
ENVIRONMENTAL AND HEALTH BENEFITS
The primary benefit of the Hoy No Circula program is its positive effect on air quality. With fewer cars on the streets, pollution levels tend to drop, leading to cleaner air for the 21 million people living in Mexico City and the surrounding areas. This is especially important since the city often experiences smog, which is caused by a mix of vehicle emissions, industrial activity, and high temperatures. Prolonged exposure to air pollution has been linked to a variety of respiratory diseases, heart problems, and other serious health conditions.
By reducing the number of vehicles on the road, the Hoy No Circula program has contributed to a noticeable improvement in air quality over the years. According to reports, the program has helped reduce vehicle emissions, lower the number of respiratory-related hospital admissions, and improve overall public health.
PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION AS A KEY ALTERNATIVE
While the Hoy No Circula program is crucial in reducing pollution, it’s not without its challenges. With millions of people depending on their cars to commute, there has been concern over the program’s impact on people’s daily lives. In response, the Mexican government has emphasized the importance of public transportation as an alternative.
Mexico City boasts an extensive and affordable public transportation network, including buses, the metro system, and a bike-share program. During Hoy No Circula restrictions, many residents turn to these modes of transport to avoid the inconvenience of not being able to drive. The city has also encouraged the use of carpooling and ride-sharing services as part of its effort to reduce individual car use.
EXCEPTIONS TO THE "HOY NO CIRCULA" PROGRAM
TOURIST PASS
Alternatively, by obtaining a Tourist Pass you can transit freely (regardless of the Hoy No Circula program) by State of Mexico and DF.
Importantly, you can only acquire the pass if you meet the following requirements:
- The vehicle is less than 15 years old.
- Registered in Canada or the United States.
- Private vehicle.
- Not registered in Querétaro, Puebla, Hidalgo, Guanajuato, State of Mexico, Michoacán, Morelos or Tlaxcala or CDMX.
This pass is free and its purpose is to boost tourism in the area. Its duration is two periods of 7 days or a period of 14 days.
You can order it every 6 months. Get a Tourist Card HERE
FOREIGN VEHICLE
Please note there are special times for foreigners. Please find specifications below:
- They can’t drive from Monday to Friday from 5:00 to 11:00 hours.
- They can’t drive Saturdays from 5:00 to 22:00 hours.
- They can’t drive One day per week from 5:00 to 22:00hrs depending on the plate of your car.
For a homologation process, you can drive with the same limits as DF vehicles if you come from:
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OTHER EXCEPTIONS
- If it was validated, and awarded the Hologram 0 Zero, Hologram 00 Double Zero or Exempt Hologram.
- Authorized school transport, common forms are school buses
- If you are disabled and you are properly authorized.
- If you have a transfer and/or dealership plate.
- Electric cars.
- If you specifically take passengers through federal public service.
- If it belongs to funeral parlor and is in a funeral procession.
- If it has a classic or antique car plate
- If you have a special permit from the Ministry of the Environment.
- Emergency vehicle, such as fire, ambulance, etc.
- Mining and construction machinery or a tractor
The Hoy No Circula program has been a key initiative in Mexico City’s battle against air pollution. By restricting the number of cars on the road, the program has contributed to cleaner air and better public health. While there are still challenges and room for improvement, the program represents a critical step towards building a more sustainable and healthier urban environment.
As Mexico City continues to face environmental challenges, the lessons learned from Hoy No Circula can serve as a model for other cities around the world. It’s clear that the future of urban transportation lies not just in reducing pollution but in creating smarter, more sustainable cities for generations to come.
