Mexico City residents are once again navigating concerns about air quality as the Hoy No Circula restrictions remain in effect. Although a “doble Hoy No Circula” – a heightened restriction – was not activated on Thursday, February 19th, authorities reported poor air quality due to the presence of ozone and particulate matter. Fortunately, for commuters and residents, the program will operate normally this Friday, February 20th, in both Mexico City (CDMX) and the State of Mexico.
As of 5:00 PM on Thursday, February 19th, environmental authorities reported unhealthy air quality levels, specifically noting the presence of ozone (O3) and particulate matter pollutants PM10 and PM2.5, according to reporting from El Financiero. These pollutants can pose health risks, particularly for vulnerable populations.
Which Vehicles are Restricted on Friday, February 20th?
Under the standard Hoy No Circula program, vehicles with blue license plates ending in 9 or 0 are prohibited from driving throughout the day on Friday, February 20th. This restriction applies to vehicles with verification holograms 1 and 2. The Comisión Ambiental de la Megalópolis (CAMe) clarifies that out-of-state vehicles with these characteristics are also subject to the restrictions. Vehicles displaying holograms 00 and 0 are exempt and can circulate daily.
How Does Hoy No Circula Work?
The weekly schedule dictates vehicle circulation based on the color of the license plate sticker and the last digit of the plate number. Tuesdays are reserved for vehicles with pink stickers ending in 7 or 8; Wednesdays for red stickers ending in 3 or 4; and Thursdays for green stickers ending in 1 or 2. Fridays, as noted, are for blue stickers ending in 9 or 0. Mondays restrict vehicles with yellow stickers ending in 5 or 6. Sundays generally allow all vehicles to circulate, unless an extraordinary environmental contingency is declared.
When air quality deteriorates, CAMe can activate additional restrictions to protect public health, specifically when ozone levels exceed 150 points. A “Doble Hoy No Circula” is then implemented, doubling the number of vehicles restricted and potentially including some with hologram 0.
Hoy No Circula in the State of Mexico
The restriction applies to the following municipalities in the State of Mexico: Atizapán de Zaragoza, Coacalco de Berriozábal, Cuautitlán, Cuautitlán Izcalli, Chalco, Chicoloapan, and Chimalhuacán. It also extends to Ecatepec, Huixquilucan, Ixtapaluca, La Paz, Naucalpan de Juárez, Nezahualcóyotl, and Nicolás Romero, as well as Tecámac, Tlalnepantla de Baz, Tultitlán, and Valle de Chalco.
Beyond the Hoy No Circula program, commuters should be aware of disruptions to Mexico City’s Metro system. Line 2 is currently undergoing construction, with replacement RTP bus service available at several stations. Residents of the State of Mexico should note that the cost of driver’s licenses has recently increased.
Fines can be issued to those who violate the Hoy No Circula restrictions in all 16 boroughs of Mexico City and the 18 bordering municipalities of the State of Mexico. The program, in effect from 5:00 AM to 10:00 PM, aims to reduce air pollution and improve environmental quality in the Metropolitan Area of the Valley of Mexico.
Authorities will continue to monitor air quality levels and provide updates as needed. Residents are encouraged to stay informed and plan their commutes accordingly. For more information on the Hoy No Circula program and current air quality reports, please visit the official websites of the Secretaría del Medio Ambiente y Desarrollo del Estado de México and SEDEMA CDMX.
Disclaimer: This article provides information about environmental regulations and air quality. It is not intended to provide medical or legal advice.
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