Hoy No Circula

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Hoy No Circula: a simple guide

What it is
- Hoy No Circula is an air‑quality program for Mexico City and the nearby State of Mexico. It limits how often cars can drive, based on the last digit of the license plate. Some surrounding states have similar rules, and there are reciprocal arrangements with them.

How it works
- Restrictions are based on the license plate last digit.
- Weekdays: driving is restricted from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. on certain days, Monday through Friday.
- One Saturday per month: there may also be driving restrictions for many vehicles.
- The exact days and hours can change with environmental conditions, so drivers should check local notices.

Emissions testing and stickers
- Cars must pass an emissions test every six months (verificación).
- After the test, a sticker is placed on the car that shows its restriction status. There are four classes:
- Class 00: new vehicles with long exemptions from testing.
- Class 0: newer vehicles that meet stricter standards; usually exempt.
- Class 1: subject to Hoy No Circula.
- Class 2: older or weaker-emissions vehicles; more restrictions.
- Foreign-plated cars and some non-local vehicles have their own rules and may need to follow the local program or obtain a special pass.

Who is exempt
- Vehicles with 0 or 00 stickers (and certain new or very clean models) are allowed to circulate more freely.
- Emergency vehicles, solar or electric vehicles, government and school buses.
- Handicapped drivers with appropriate permits.
- Diplomatic vehicles.
- Vehicles 30 years old or older can apply for an antique plate that exempts them from testing and Hoy No Circula (but requires inspection and a substantial fee).
- Motorcycles are currently exempt from the program’s restrictions.

Who must follow the rules
- Most locally plated vehicles must follow Hoy No Circula rules.
- Foreign-plated vehicles and those from states without reciprocal agreements have their own rules and may face additional restrictions.
- If a foreign-plated vehicle wants to drive in the area without testing, it may use a Pase Turístico pass for up to two weeks (for cars 2008 model year or newer) after online application.
- Since 2014, foreign-plated cars without a 0 or 00 sticker have added Saturday restrictions.

Reciprocity and state agreements
- Mexico City and the State of Mexico recognize emissions stickers from certain states (e.g., Guanajuato, Hidalgo, Michoacán, Morelos, Puebla, Querétaro, Tlaxcala). Vehicles from states without reciprocity are subject to Hoy No Circula rules.
- If your car’s tenencia (property tax) is unpaid, it cannot be tested or driven legally in CDMX and the State of Mexico.

Special programs and holidays
- On some holidays, authorities may allow unrestricted circulation depending on conditions.
- Programa Paisano runs in December–January and can let foreign-plated vehicles pass without Hoy No Circula restrictions in some cases.
- If you want to visit, you can check local notices or government sites for current rules and possible exemptions.

Tips for staying compliant
- Get periodic emissions tests and keep your sticker up to date.
- Know your sticker class (00, 0, 1, or 2) and what it allows.
- If you’re driving a foreign plate, check if you qualify for Pase Turístico or if you need to follow the standard restrictions.
- Watch for announcements about holidays or contingency days when rules change.

This guide covers the basics of Hoy No Circula and how it affects drivers in Mexico City and the surrounding area. Always check the latest local advisories for current hours and exemptions.