Hoy No Circula Saturday: Which Cars Can Drive on July 2026

Hoy No Circula Saturday is back, and if you plan to drive in Mexico City or the surrounding State of Mexico municipalities on July 4, you need to know whether your car is allowed on the road. The program, coordinated by the Secretaría del Medio Ambiente de la Ciudad de México (SEDEMA), restricts traffic to reduce pollution in the Valley of Mexico. Your car's hologram, the last digit of your license plate, and whether the Saturday falls on an even or odd week all determine if you can drive.

The restrictions apply not only in the 16 boroughs of Mexico City but also in many municipalities of the State of Mexico. If your route crosses any of these areas, the same rules apply. So before you head out, check your hologram and plate — and keep reading to understand exactly how the program works.

What Is Hoy No Circula Saturday?

Hoy No Circula Saturday is a weekend extension of the weekday driving restriction program in the Mexico City metropolitan area. It aims to cut down on vehicle emissions when pollution levels are high. The program operates every Saturday, but the specific restrictions alternate between even and odd weekends.

Unlike the weekday version, the Saturday program has its own set of rules based on vehicle holograms and plate numbers. Not all cars are banned — many are exempt or have permission to circulate. The key is to know which category your car falls into.

Who Can Drive on July 4?

On Saturday, July 4, the restrictions depend on the week number. Since July 4 falls on the first Saturday of the month, it is considered an odd week (week 1). Therefore, vehicles with odd last digits are restricted, while even digits can circulate freely, provided they have the correct hologram.

However, the exact rules can vary. Here's a breakdown of which holograms and plate endings are typically affected:

• Holograma 00 and 0: Exempt from Saturday restrictions, but must comply with weekday rules.
• Holograma 1: Restricted one Saturday per month based on plate ending; on odd weeks, plates ending in 1, 3, 5, 7, 9 are restricted.
• Holograma 2: Restricted every Saturday, regardless of plate number.
• Holograma Exempt: Vehicles with exempt holograms (e.g., electric, hybrid) can circulate freely.
• New cars: Cars with temporary permits may have different rules; check your documentation.

Always verify with official SEDEMA announcements, as rules can change due to contingencies.

Which Areas Are Covered?

The Hoy No Circula Saturday program applies 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 drive through any of these, you must follow the restrictions.

Ignoring the rules can result in fines and vehicle impoundment. So if your trip involves crossing these zones, plan accordingly.

Comparing Restrictions by Hologram

The table below summarizes the typical Saturday restrictions for each hologram type. Note that this is a general guide; always confirm with official sources for the specific date.

What Happens If You Violate the Rule?

Driving during a restriction can lead to significant fines. In Mexico City, fines for violating Hoy No Circula can range from 20 to 30 times the daily minimum wage, which can be over 2,000 pesos. Your vehicle may also be towed to a impound lot.

Moreover, if you're caught repeatedly, penalties can escalate. It's not worth the risk — especially since enforcement is active on weekends. 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 20 Loyal Pet Animals Making Owners Wonder Whether They Deserve All This Love. Earlier coverage in Trending: latest articles shows how the argument developed.

Tips for Driving on July 4

If your car is allowed on the road, you still need to be mindful of other factors. Check for any environmental contingencies that might trigger additional restrictions. Also, plan your route to avoid areas with heavy traffic or road closures. A closer look at the same subject appears in Invisible Car Technology That Keeps You Cool in Summer Traffic. Anyone following the wider picture can start with Europe's Air Conditioning Divide: Which Homes Have AC and Which Don't. The same theme surfaces in Lidl's 6.7L Air Fryer with 7 Programs Drops Under €40, which takes a different angle.

If your car is restricted, consider alternatives: public transportation, carpooling, or ride-sharing services. The Mexico City Metro and Metrobús are good options, though they may be crowded on weekends. Context on how this played out before sits in Spain's Remote Emission Sensors: A New Tool for Low-Emission Zones. A companion piece, Hoy No Circula Saturday: Which Cars Can Drive on July, approaches the same subject from another angle.

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