Hoy No Circula Saturday: Which Cars Can Drive on July 25 2026

Hoy No Circula Saturday returns this weekend, restricting certain vehicles from circulating in the Mexico City Metropolitan Area to control pollution levels. The program, enforced by the Secretaría de Medio Ambiente de la Ciudad de México (SEDEMA), requires drivers to check their license plate and verification sticker before hitting the road on July 25. Restrictions apply not only in the 16 boroughs of Mexico City but also in several neighboring municipalities in the State of Mexico.

What Is Hoy No Circula Saturday?

Hoy No Circula Saturday is a weekend extension of the weekday driving restriction program. Its main goal is to reduce the number of cars on the road and lower harmful emissions. Unlike the weekday rules, Saturday restrictions depend on a combination of factors: the vehicle's hologram (emissions rating), the last digit of the license plate, and whether the Saturday falls on an even or odd week. Not all drivers are required to stay parked every weekend—the rules rotate.

Who Must Stay Parked on July 25?

To determine if your car is restricted on Saturday, July 25, you need to know your vehicle's hologram and the last digit of your plate. The restriction applies between 05:00 and 22:00, so it's not a full-day ban. Here's a breakdown of which vehicles are typically restricted on Saturdays, based on the program's standard rules:

• Hologram 2 vehicles are restricted every Saturday, regardless of plate digit.
• Hologram 1 vehicles with plates ending in certain digits are restricted on specific Saturdays (e.g., odd or even weeks).
• Hologram 0 and 00 vehicles are generally exempt from Saturday restrictions.
• Vehicles with foreign plates or those without verification may also face restrictions.
• Always check the official SEDEMA announcement for the exact list each week.

How to Check If Your Car Is Restricted

Before driving on Saturday, verify your vehicle's status. The key is to match your hologram and plate digit with the current week's rule. The program alternates between even and odd weeks, so the same car may be restricted one Saturday and free the next. You can check the official SEDEMA website or app for the latest information. Additionally, if your route crosses into Mexico City or the State of Mexico municipalities, the same rules apply.

Which Municipalities Are Affected?

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 Atizapán de Zaragoza, Cuautitlán Izcalli, Ecatepec, Huixquilucan, Naucalpan, Nezahualcóyotl, Tlalnepantla, and others. If you live in or travel through these areas, you must comply with the restrictions. Driving without adhering to the rules can result in fines and vehicle impoundment. Context on how this played out before sits in Hoy No Circula Saturday: Which Cars Can Drive on July 25.

Penalties for Non-Compliance

Driving during restricted hours can lead to significant fines. In Mexico City, the penalty for violating Hoy No Circula can be around 20 times the minimum wage, which amounts to several thousand pesos. Additionally, your vehicle may be towed to a impound lot. To avoid these consequences, always double-check your vehicle's status before heading out on Saturdays. 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 Trending: latest articles.

Comparison of Weekend vs. Weekday Restrictions

The table below summarizes the key differences between the weekday and Saturday Hoy No Circula programs: Earlier coverage in Invisible Car Technology That Keeps You Cool in Summer Traffic shows how the argument developed. A closer look at the same subject appears in Spain's DGT Warns: Total Solar Eclipse Traffic Chaos on August 12.

What to Watch Next

The Hoy No Circula program is subject to change based on air quality levels. During periods of high pollution, additional restrictions may be imposed, such as the Environmental Contingency Phase. Drivers should stay informed through official SEDEMA channels. As the COVID-19 pandemic has shown, the program can also be temporarily suspended or modified. Always verify before you drive. Anyone following the wider picture can start with Lidl's $7.99 Wireless Weather Station Solves Home Humidity. The same theme surfaces in Spain's Remote Emission Sensors: A New Tool for Low-Emission Zones, which takes a different angle.