Hoy No Circula Saturday restrictions are back in effect on June 20, and drivers in the Mexico City metropolitan area need to check their license plate and verification sticker before hitting the road. The program, coordinated by the Secretaría de Medio Ambiente de la Ciudad de México (SEDEMA), aims to reduce air pollution by limiting the number of vehicles circulating on Saturdays.
This weekend, the rules apply not only within the 16 boroughs of Mexico City but also in many neighboring municipalities in the State of Mexico. If your route takes you through any of these areas, you must comply with the Saturday restrictions or face fines.
What Is Hoy No Circula Saturday?
Hoy No Circula is a vehicle restriction program that operates every day of the week, but Saturdays have their own specific set of rules. The goal is to cut down on emissions by keeping a portion of cars off the road each day. On Saturdays, the restrictions are based on the last digit of your license plate and the color of your verification sticker.

Unlike weekdays, when the rules rotate, the Saturday schedule is fixed and applies to all vehicles that fall under the program. This means that if your car is subject to the restriction, you cannot drive between 5:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. in the restricted zones.
Which Cars Can Circulate This Saturday, June 20?
To determine if your car can circulate on Saturday, June 20, you need to know two things: the last digit of your license plate and the color of your verification sticker (engomado). The restrictions are as follows:
- Hologram 00 and 0: These vehicles are exempt from Hoy No Circula and can circulate every day, including Saturdays.
- Hologram 1: If your sticker is green, your car cannot circulate on the first and third Saturdays of the month; if it's blue, on the second and fourth Saturdays. Check the calendar to see which Saturday applies.
- Hologram 2: These vehicles are restricted on all Saturdays, regardless of the license plate.
- License plate ending in 1, 3, 5, 7, 9: If your car has a hologram 1 or 2, it may be restricted depending on the sticker color and the Saturday.
- License plate ending in 2, 4, 6, 8, 0: Similarly, restrictions apply based on hologram and sticker color.
For June 20, which is the third Saturday of the month, the following rules apply: vehicles with green sticker and hologram 1 are restricted, as are all vehicles with hologram 2. Vehicles with hologram 00 or 0 are exempt. To be sure, check your specific combination.
Where Do the Restrictions Apply?
The Hoy No Circula Saturday program is enforced in all 16 boroughs of Mexico City and in 18 municipalities of the State of Mexico. These include popular areas like Naucalpan, Tlalnepantla, Ecatepec, Nezahualcóyotl, and others. If you plan to drive through any of these areas, you must adhere to the restrictions.
The program operates from 5:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., so even if you're driving early in the morning or late at night, you're not exempt. Plan your trips accordingly.
How to Check If Your Car Is Restricted
To avoid fines, you can check the official SEDEMA website or use the Hoy No Circula app. You'll need your license plate number and the color of your verification sticker. The app will tell you if your car is allowed to circulate on a given day. Additionally, you can call the Locatel hotline for assistance.
Remember that driving a restricted vehicle can result in a fine of up to 2,000 pesos (around $100 USD) and your car may be towed. It's not worth the risk.
Why Hoy No Circula Saturday Matters
Air pollution is a serious issue in the Valley of Mexico. The program helps reduce emissions of harmful gases, especially during the dry season when pollution levels are higher. By keeping certain cars off the road on Saturdays, the government aims to protect public health and improve air quality. The longer history behind the story is traced in Hoy No Circula Saturday: Which Cars Can Drive on June 20.
While the restrictions can be inconvenient, they are a necessary measure to ensure a cleaner environment for everyone. Understanding the rules and planning ahead can help you avoid penalties and contribute to the effort. The background to this story is set out in Japan's Senior Driver 'L' Mark: Mandatory Safety Sticker for Elderly. A related thread runs through Traveling with Kids Hacks: Fidget Bags & Sticker Books That Work. Earlier coverage in Four Men Die in Merseyside Car Crash After Hitting Lamp-Post shows how the argument developed.
What to Watch Next
The Hoy No Circula program is subject to change based on air quality conditions. If pollution levels spike, the government may declare an environmental contingency, which brings additional restrictions. Stay informed by following official announcements from SEDEMA and local news. A closer look at the same subject appears in Trending: latest articles. Anyone following the wider picture can start with Invisible Car Technology That Keeps You Cool in Summer Traffic. The same theme surfaces in Spain's DGT Warns: Total Solar Eclipse Traffic Chaos on August 12, which takes a different angle.
Also, keep in mind that the program does not apply on holidays, but June 20 is a regular Saturday, so the rules are in full effect. Make sure your verification sticker is up to date; driving with an expired sticker can also lead to fines. Context on how this played out before sits in Vancouver's Mini City: A Housing Crisis Solution. A companion piece, Spain's Hazard Light Trick to Prevent Rear-End Collisions, approaches the same subject from another angle.
FAQ
What are the Hoy No Circula Saturday rules for June 20?
On June 20, the third Saturday of the month, vehicles with hologram 1 and green sticker are restricted, as are all vehicles with hologram 2. Vehicles with hologram 00 or 0 are exempt. The restrictions apply from 5:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. in Mexico City and 18 State of Mexico municipalities.
Which cars are exempt from Hoy No Circula Saturday?
Cars with hologram 00 or 0 are exempt from the program and can circulate every day, including Saturdays. Electric and hybrid vehicles also often qualify for exemptions, but you must have the proper sticker.
What happens if I drive on a restricted Saturday?
If you drive a restricted vehicle, you could receive a fine of up to 2,000 pesos (about $100 USD) and your car may be towed. It's important to check your status before driving.
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, including Naucalpan, Tlalnepantla, Ecatepec, and Nezahualcóyotl. If you drive through these areas, you must comply.