Hoy No Circula Saturday: Cars Allowed and Restricted May 23 2026

If you plan to drive in Mexico City this Saturday, May 23, you need to know the Hoy No Circula sabatino rules. This program restricts certain vehicles from circulating in the Valley of Mexico to reduce air pollution.

The restriction applies not only in the 16 boroughs of Mexico City but also in several conurbated municipalities of the State of Mexico. So if your route passes through any of these areas, you must comply.

What is Hoy No Circula and why does it matter?

Hoy No Circula is a vehicle restriction program coordinated by the Secretaría de Medio Ambiente de la Ciudad de México (SEDEMA). Its goal is to lower pollution levels in the Valley of Mexico by reducing the number of cars on the road.

The Saturday version operates under specific rules that complement the weekday program. Not all vehicles are restricted on the same weekend. Your vehicle's hologram (verification sticker), the last digit of your license plate, and whether the Saturday falls on an even or odd week determine if you can drive.

Who is restricted this Saturday, May 23?

The exact restrictions depend on your vehicle's hologram and plate ending. Here's a general guide to the Saturday program:

• Hologram 2 (vehicles with higher emissions) are restricted every Saturday, regardless of plate.
• Hologram 1 are restricted on Saturdays based on plate ending and the week (even or odd).
• Hologram 0 and 00 are exempt from the Saturday program, except in certain contingencies.
• Vehicles with exempt plates (electric, hybrid, etc.) are generally not subject to Hoy No Circula.

To be sure, check the last digit of your plate and your hologram color. The restriction typically applies from 5:00 AM to 10:00 PM, but always confirm the official schedule.

How does the even/odd week system work?

The Saturday program uses a rotating system based on whether the Saturday is in an even or odd week of the month. For example, on an odd Saturday, vehicles with certain plate endings are restricted; on an even Saturday, different endings apply.

This means the same car might be restricted one Saturday and allowed the next. Always check the specific calendar for the date. For May 23, 2026, you need to verify the week number and your plate.

What are the penalties for violating Hoy No Circula?

If you drive during a restriction, you could face a fine. In Mexico City, fines for violating Hoy No Circula can range from 20 to 30 times the minimum wage, and your vehicle may be towed.

Authorities set up checkpoints, and traffic police can stop any vehicle. It's not worth the risk—plan ahead.

Tips to avoid problems this Saturday

Before you leave home, double-check your vehicle's status. Make sure your verification sticker is up to date and you know your plate ending. If you're visiting from out of town, confirm whether your vehicle is subject to the program. The background to this story is set out in Hoy No Circula Sabatino: Which Cars Can Drive on September 12. A related thread runs through Time-Restricted Eating May Reduce Cognitive Decline in Seniors. Earlier coverage in Restricted Eating Hours May Reduce Cognitive Decline in Older Age shows how the argument developed.

Consider using public transportation, carpooling, or ride-sharing services on restricted days. The program is designed to improve air quality, and compliance helps everyone breathe easier. A closer look at the same subject appears in Judge Rules FDA Mifepristone Restrictions Arbitrary and. Anyone following the wider picture can start with Trending: latest articles. The same theme surfaces in Mexico's Caramelo Street Dogs Now Recognized as a Representative Breed, which takes a different angle.

Comparison of Hoy No Circula rules by hologram

Note: This table is a general guide. Always consult official SEDEMA sources for the most current rules. Context on how this played out before sits in Electric Cars and Driving Pleasure: What Enthusiasts Need to Know. A companion piece, China's Bohai Sea Monster Revives Soviet Ekranoplan Concept, approaches the same subject from another angle.

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