Saturday, October 25, is presented as a day that, in theory, invites relaxation and free time. However, for those who have vehicles subject to the Hoy No Circula Sabatino program, the reality will be different. As you already know, some cars must remain parked at their homes throughout the day.
This measure, promoted by the CDMX Environment Secretariat (SEDEMA), its primary objective is to reduce air pollution so that we breathe better quality air.
Its logic is direct: the circulation of certain vehicles is prevented, mainly those with higher levels of polluting emissions. However, the restriction does not always affect the same cars each weekend. In the areas where this program operates, some of these vehicles alternate their rest between different Saturdays.
In which territories does this regulation apply?
Specifically in the 16 municipalities of the Mexican capital and in these municipalities of the metropolitan area of the State of Mexico:
• Atizapan of Zaragoza
• Coacalco de Berriozábal
• Cuautitlan
• Cuautitlán Izcalli
• Chalco
• Chicoloapan
• Chimalhuacan
• Ecatepec de Morelos
• Huixquilucan
• Ixtapaluca
• Peace
• Naucalpan de Juárez
• Nezahualcoyotl
• Nicolas Romero
• Tecámac
• Tlalnepantla de Baz
• Tultitlan
• Chalco Valley


What cars and license plates does Hoy No Circula Saturday affect?
What vehicles should stay home? The daily mechanics of this program are quite clear to understand, as you can see in the infographic above. However, on Saturdays the dynamics change and not all cars face identical restrictions each weekend. Some vehicles can move freely on certain Saturdays, while on others they are restricted.
The classifications for this day are grouped into:
• Vehicles with circulation permit every Saturday
• Vehicles with permanent restriction every Saturday
• Vehicles with alternating restriction every other Saturday
These restrictions operate only in the time range from 05:00 to 22:00. During the night the prohibition ceases, allowing circulation without risk of fines. In addition to understanding the basic concepts, it is worth noting that the application of the program varies depending on the type of car.
For this reason, it is essential to verify three aspects before starting the engine: the monthly calendar, the type of hologram that the car has and the last number of its license plate.
As an example, vehicles with hologram 2 cannot circulate on any Saturday, while those with holograms 0 and 00 circulate freely every week. Those with hologram 1 They face restrictions that rotate week by week.
On Saturday, October 25, 2025, which corresponds to the first Saturday of the (odd) month, vehicles whose license plates end in an odd digit must remain parked. Next Saturday, the second of September (even), the restriction will apply to vehicles with license plates that end in an even digit.
However, there are certain exceptions that are worth taking into account because these vehicles will be able to circulate without restrictions:
• Electric, natural gas or hybrid technology vehicles
• Vehicles that have a disability plate
• Units intended for urban public transport (including funeral services)
• School transport or passenger vehicles
• Public security and civil protection units
Failure to comply with these regulations entails fines equivalent to 20 or 30 times the Measurement and Update Unit (UMA), which means an economic penalty of between 1,924.40 and 2,886.60 pesos.
Photo | Josh Sorenson
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