If you're planning to drive in Mexico City this weekend, you need to know the Hoy No Circula Saturday rules for October 3. The program restricts certain vehicles based on license plate and verification sticker to reduce pollution.
The Hoy No Circula program is enforced by the Secretaría de Medio Ambiente de la Ciudad de México (SEDEMA). It applies not only in the 16 boroughs of Mexico City but also in surrounding municipalities of the State of Mexico.
What Is Hoy No Circula Saturday?
Hoy No Circula is a vehicle restriction program aimed at lowering emissions in the Valley of Mexico. While the weekday rules are well-known, Saturdays have their own specific criteria.

On Saturdays, the program considers the last digit of your license plate, your verification sticker (engomado), and whether the date falls on an even or odd week. This means not all cars are restricted every Saturday.
Who Is Exempt from Hoy No Circula Saturday?
Some vehicles are exempt from the Saturday restriction. These include cars with a verification sticker 00 or 0, which are considered low-emission vehicles.
Electric and hybrid vehicles also enjoy exemptions, as do vehicles with special permits for medical emergencies or funeral processions. However, these exemptions must be validated with proper documentation.
Which Cars Are Restricted on October 3?
For Saturday, October 3, the restriction depends on the verification sticker and license plate. The program uses a rotating system based on the last digit of the plate and the sticker color.
To determine if your car is restricted, check the following table. It outlines the general pattern for Saturday restrictions. Always confirm with official SEDEMA announcements for the specific date.
| Verification Sticker | License Plate Last Digit | Restricted on October 3? |
|---|---|---|
| 00 or 0 | Any | No |
| 1 (yellow) | 5, 6 | Yes, if week is odd |
| 2 (pink) | 7, 8 | Yes, if week is even |
| 3 (red) | 3, 4 | Yes, if week is odd |
| 4 (green) | 1, 2 | Yes, if week is even |
| 5 (blue) | 9, 0 | Yes, if week is odd |
Note that the actual restriction for October 3 depends on whether the week is considered even or odd. Check the official calendar to confirm.
Where Does Hoy No Circula Saturday Apply?
The program is enforced in all 16 boroughs of Mexico City and in 18 municipalities of the State of Mexico. If your route crosses any of these areas, you must comply. Context on how this played out before sits in Hoy No Circula Saturday: Which Cars Can Drive on October. A companion piece, High Line Manhattan: From Death Avenue to Urban Green Oasis, approaches the same subject from another angle.
Some of the municipalities include Naucalpan, Tlalnepantla, Ecatepec, Nezahualcóyotl, and others. Driving without adhering to the restriction can result in fines and vehicle impoundment. The background to this story is set out in Trending: latest articles. A related thread runs through 8,000-Year-Old Cave Man Found in Asturias: His Diet Revealed.
Penalties for Violating Hoy No Circula
If you drive a restricted vehicle on a Hoy No Circula Saturday, you may face a fine of up to 20 times the minimum wage in Mexico City. Your vehicle could also be towed to a corralón. Earlier coverage in Balkan Borders 1878: A Gaming Challenge of Ethnic Conflict shows how the argument developed. A closer look at the same subject appears in How Golden Corral Solved the All-You-Can-Eat Math Problem.
Additionally, repeat offenders may face higher penalties. It's not worth risking the fine and inconvenience; plan your trips accordingly. Anyone following the wider picture can start with China's AI Export Restrictions: Balancing Global Reach and Tech Protection. The same theme surfaces in Brendan Nugent Charged Over Alleged Attack on MP Helen Haines, which takes a different angle.
Key Takeaways for Drivers
- Check your verification sticker and license plate last digit to see if you're restricted.
- Vehicles with sticker 00 or 0 are exempt from Hoy No Circula.
- The program applies in Mexico City and 18 municipalities of the State of Mexico.
- Fines for violations can be up to 20 times the minimum wage.
- Always confirm the specific restriction for the date with official sources.
FAQ
Does Hoy No Circula Saturday apply to all cars?
No, only vehicles with certain verification stickers and license plate endings are restricted. Cars with sticker 00 or 0 are exempt.
What happens if I drive on a restricted Saturday?
You may receive a fine of up to 20 times the minimum wage, and your vehicle could be towed.
How do I know if my car is restricted on October 3?
Check the last digit of your license plate and your verification sticker color. Then, verify if the week is even or odd according to the official SEDEMA calendar.
Are electric cars exempt from Hoy No Circula?
Yes, electric and hybrid vehicles are generally exempt, but they must have the proper registration and verification.
Understanding the Hoy No Circula Saturday rules is essential for anyone driving in Mexico City. The program aims to improve air quality, and compliance helps everyone breathe easier.
If you're also curious about driving restrictions on other days, you might find our guide on Hoy No Circula Saturday: Which Cars Can Drive on October 10 useful for planning ahead.
Remember that the rules can change, so always check official sources before you hit the road. Staying informed ensures you avoid fines and contribute to cleaner air.