Hoy No Circula Saturday: Which Cars Are Restricted 2026

The Hoy No Circula Saturday program is back in effect this weekend, and drivers in Mexico City and the surrounding State of Mexico municipalities need to check their license plate and verification hologram before getting behind the wheel on May 9. The scheme, run by the Secretaría de Medio Ambiente de la Ciudad de México (SEDEMA), restricts certain vehicles to reduce emissions in the Valley of Mexico.

Restrictions apply not only in the 16 boroughs of Mexico City but also in several conurbated municipalities of the State of Mexico. Even if you are just passing through one of these areas, the Saturday rule still applies to you.

What Is Hoy No Circula Saturday?

Hoy No Circula is a vehicle restriction program designed to cut down on the number of cars on the road and lower pollution levels. While the weekday rules are well known, Saturdays follow a different set of criteria that complement the Monday-to-Friday scheme.

Not all drivers are restricted on the same weekend. The factors that determine who can drive and who must leave the car parked are the type of hologram, the last digit of the license plate, and whether the Saturday falls on an even or odd week.

Who Is Restricted on Saturday, May 9?

To know if your car is affected, you need to combine three pieces of information: your hologram, the last digit of your plate, and the week parity. The program does not operate 24 hours a day; enforcement begins at 5:00 a.m. and ends at 10:00 p.m., so plan your trips accordingly.

Vehicles with Hologram 2 are generally restricted every Saturday, regardless of the plate ending. For Hologram 1, the restriction depends on the last digit and the week type. Hologram 0 and Hologram 00 are usually exempt from Saturday restrictions, but always confirm with official sources.

Key Factors for Saturday Restrictions

• Hologram type: 2 is always restricted on Saturdays; 1 is restricted based on plate and week; 0 and 00 are generally exempt.
• License plate last digit: determines which day of the week you are restricted, and on Saturdays it interacts with the week parity.
• Even or odd week: some Saturdays restrict even plate endings, others restrict odd endings.
• Time window: restrictions apply from 5:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
• Geography: rules apply in Mexico City and listed State of Mexico municipalities, even for through traffic.

How to Check If Your Car Can Circulate

Start by locating your vehicle's verification hologram. Then check the last digit of your license plate. Next, determine whether the Saturday falls on an even or odd week according to the official calendar. Cross-reference these three data points with the current Hoy No Circula Saturday schedule.

If you are still unsure, the safest approach is to consult the official SEDEMA website or app, which provides up-to-date information and exceptions. Do not rely on unofficial sources that may be outdated.

Comparison of Hologram Restrictions on Saturdays

The table below summarizes how each hologram type is typically treated under the Saturday program. Remember that specific exemptions can apply, so always verify with official sources.

Why It Matters and Who Is Affected

Air quality in the Valley of Mexico remains a serious concern, and the Saturday program is one of the tools authorities use to keep emissions in check. Drivers in Mexico City and the surrounding municipalities need to plan ahead, especially if they rely on their car for weekend errands or commuting. Context on how this played out before sits in Hoy No Circula Saturday: Which Cars Are Restricted.

If you are caught driving during a restriction, you could face fines and vehicle impoundment. The rules apply equally to residents and visitors, so tourists driving rental cars should also check their hologram and plate. The background to this story is set out in Trending: latest articles. A related thread runs through Mexico's Caramelo Street Dogs Now Recognized as a Representative Breed.

What to Watch Next

Authorities may adjust the program in response to pollution levels or other factors. Keep an eye on official announcements, especially during the dry season when pollution tends to worsen. The Saturday scheme is not static; it can be modified or expanded temporarily. Earlier coverage in How to Defrost Bread in an Air Fryer Without Burning shows how the argument developed. A closer look at the same subject appears in Driving an Electric Car: What Changes on Your First Time.

For now, the best advice is to verify your status before May 9 and have a backup plan if your car is restricted. Carpooling, public transportation, and ride-sharing are viable alternatives. Anyone following the wider picture can start with Wood-Burning Pollution Rivals Traffic for Kids, Study Finds. The same theme surfaces in FAA Ground Stop: Nationwide Flight Delays and Cancellations, which takes a different angle.