The Hoy No Circula Saturday program returns this weekend, restricting vehicle circulation in the Valley of Mexico to reduce air pollution. Drivers must check their verification hologram and license plate ending before hitting the road on October 24.
The program, enforced by Mexico City's Environmental Secretariat (SEDEMA), applies not only in the 16 boroughs of Mexico City but also in several conurbated municipalities of the State of Mexico. If your route passes through any of these areas, the Saturday restriction affects you.
What Is Hoy No Circula Saturday?
Hoy No Circula is a vehicle restriction program designed to cut down on traffic and lower emissions in the Valley of Mexico. While the weekday schedule is well-known, the Saturday version operates on its own set of criteria.

Not all drivers face the same restrictions each weekend. The hologram assigned to your vehicle, the last digit of your license plate, and whether the Saturday falls on an even or odd week determine who must stay parked and who is free to drive.
Who Can Drive on October 24?
To know if you can drive this Saturday, you need to check three things: your vehicle's verification hologram, the last digit of your plate, and whether October 24 falls on an even or odd week.
Vehicles with hologram 00 and hologram 0 are generally exempt from the Saturday restriction, regardless of plate number. For other holograms, the rule depends on the combination of plate ending and week parity.
Drivers with hologram 1 and hologram 2 face restrictions based on their plate's last digit. If the Saturday is in an even week, certain plate endings are restricted; in odd weeks, a different set applies.
Key Factors for Saturday Circulation
- Hologram type: 00 and 0 are exempt; 1 and 2 are subject to restrictions.
- Plate ending: The last digit determines which Saturday you can drive.
- Week parity: Even and odd weeks have different restriction schedules.
- Time window: Restrictions apply from 5:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
- Geographic scope: Applies in Mexico City and conurbated municipalities of the State of Mexico.
Saturday Restriction Schedule
The Saturday program runs from 5:00 AM to 10:00 PM. Outside this window, vehicles are free to circulate. The table below summarizes which holograms and plate endings are typically restricted on even and odd Saturdays.
| Hologram | Plate Ending | Even Week (e.g., Oct 24) | Odd Week |
|---|---|---|---|
| 00, 0 | All | Can circulate | Can circulate |
| 1 | 1, 3, 5, 7, 9 | Restricted | Can circulate |
| 1 | 2, 4, 6, 8, 0 | Can circulate | Restricted |
| 2 | 1, 3, 5, 7, 9 | Can circulate | Restricted |
| 2 | 2, 4, 6, 8, 0 | Restricted | Can circulate |
Note: This table is a general guide. Always verify with official SEDEMA sources for the specific Saturday, as schedules can change due to air quality contingencies.
Where Does the Saturday Program Apply?
The Hoy No Circula Saturday program is enforced in all 16 boroughs of Mexico City. It also extends to 18 conurbated municipalities in the State of Mexico, including Naucalpan, Tlalnepantla, Ecatepec, Nezahualcóyotl, and others.
If your trip includes any of these areas, you must comply with the restriction. Driving through a restricted zone can result in fines, even if your destination is outside the program area.
Why the Saturday Program Matters
The Valley of Mexico frequently struggles with poor air quality due to its geography and high vehicle density. The Saturday program complements weekday restrictions to reduce emissions when traffic is still significant.
By limiting the number of cars on the road, the program aims to lower pollutants like ozone and particulate matter. This is especially important during dry seasons when air quality tends to worsen. The background to this story is set out in Four Men Die in Merseyside Car Crash After Hitting Lamp-Post. A related thread runs through Trending: latest articles. Earlier coverage in Invisible Car Technology That Keeps You Cool in Summer Traffic shows how the argument developed.
What to Watch Next
Air quality contingencies can modify the Hoy No Circula program with little notice. Stay informed through official SEDEMA announcements, especially if you plan to drive on weekends. A closer look at the same subject appears in Spain's DGT Warns: Total Solar Eclipse Traffic Chaos on August 12. Anyone following the wider picture can start with Portable AC Units Share One Flaw: The Simple Fix That Doubles Efficiency. The same theme surfaces in Europe's Cleaner Air Is Making Summers Hotter: The Science, which takes a different angle.
Also, remember that the program is not a one-size-fits-all rule. Your vehicle's hologram and plate ending are the primary factors, so double-check them before each Saturday trip. Context on how this played out before sits in Motorway Closures at Night: Why They Disrupt Your Journey. A companion piece, Hoy No Circula Saturday: Which Cars Can Drive on October 24, approaches the same subject from another angle.
FAQ
What is Hoy No Circula Saturday?
Hoy No Circula Saturday is a vehicle restriction program in Mexico City and surrounding municipalities that limits car circulation on Saturdays to reduce air pollution. It operates from 5:00 AM to 10:00 PM and is based on hologram, plate ending, and week parity.
Can I drive on October 24 if my car has hologram 0?
Yes, vehicles with hologram 0 or 00 are exempt from the Saturday restriction and can circulate freely on October 24, regardless of plate number.
What happens if I drive during a restricted Saturday?
Driving during restricted hours can result in fines and vehicle impoundment. Enforcement is carried out by local authorities in Mexico City and the State of Mexico.
Does the Saturday program apply outside Mexico City?
Yes, the program also applies in 18 conurbated municipalities of the State of Mexico, including Naucalpan, Tlalnepantla, and Ecatepec. If you drive through these areas, you must comply.