- Vehicles with hologram 1 and even-numbered plates are banned from 5:00 AM to 10:00 PM on March 28.
- Restrictions cover 16 Mexico City boroughs and 18 State of Mexico municipalities, with fines up to $2,886.60 for violations.
- Electric, hybrid, and public transport vehicles are exempt, promoting cleaner technology adoption.
On Saturday, March 28, 2026, Mexico City reinstates its Saturday driving ban, known as Hoy No Circula sabatino, as part of ongoing efforts to curb air pollution in the metropolitan area. The Environmental Secretariat (SEDEMA) enforces these restrictions, requiring drivers to check their license plates and verification holograms before hitting the road.
These restrictions impact the daily commute of millions in the metropolitan area and highlight ongoing efforts to improve air quality, a key public health concern.
Scope of the Ban
The restrictions are not limited to Mexico City's 16 boroughs. They extend to 18 neighboring municipalities in the State of Mexico, including Ecatepec, Naucalpan, Nezahualcóyotl, and Tlalnepantla. If your route passes through any of these areas, the Saturday driving ban applies, regardless of your final destination.
Specific Rules for March 28
The Saturday program complements weekday restrictions, using parameters like verification holograms, license plate endings, and week parity. For this Saturday, classified as an "even week," vehicles with hologram 1 and license plates ending in an even number must stay off the roads between 5:00 AM and 10:00 PM.
Violating the Saturday driving ban can result in fines up to $2,886.60, plus the risk of vehicle immobilization.
Cars with hologram 0 and 00 retain unrestricted driving privileges during these hours. In contrast, vehicles with hologram 2 are prohibited from circulating on any Saturday, without exceptions. Outside the 5:00 AM to 10:00 PM window, the ban does not apply, unless an additional environmental contingency is declared.
Exemptions and Penalties
Certain vehicle categories are exempt from these limitations. Electric, hybrid, and natural gas-powered cars can drive freely, as can units with disability plates. Also exempt are urban public transport, funeral services, school buses, and vehicles for public safety and civil protection.
Violating these rules results in fines ranging from 20 to 30 times the Measurement and Update Unit (UMA), approximately equivalent to $1,924.40 to $2,886.60 Mexican pesos. Beyond the financial hit, offenders risk vehicle immobilization and administrative procedures with authorities.
Implications for Urban Mobility
The Saturday driving ban underscores Mexico City's continuous battle against air pollution, a critical issue impacting public health and urban livability. These temporary restrictions aim to reduce greenhouse gas and particulate emissions, particularly on days with high vehicular activity.
“Markets are always looking at the future, not the present.”
— Xataka
Long-term, such programs may accelerate the shift toward cleaner vehicles, encouraging adoption of electric and hybrid technologies. For drivers, careful trip planning and a thorough understanding of the rules are key to avoiding penalties and contributing to cleaner air in the metropolis.