Environmental Contingency Activated in Mexico City: Which Cars Cannot Circulate This Sunday?
The Megalopolis Environmental Commission (CAMe) activated Phase 1 of the environmental contingency this Saturday, September 12th, due to poor air quality in the Valley of Mexico and the Metropolitan Area. As a result, the ‘Hoy No Circula’ (No Circulation Today) program will be enforced this Sunday, September 13th.
CAMe reported that at 3:00 PM on Saturday, September 12th, hourly maximum ozone concentrations of 161 ppb were registered at the Benito Juárez (BJU) station in the Benito Juárez borough. Additionally, concentrations of 157 ppb were reported at the Center for Atmospheric Sciences (CCA), located in the Coyoacán borough, Mexico City.
Which cars are restricted from circulating this Sunday, September 13th?
On Sunday, September 13th, from 5:00 AM to 10:00 PM, the following vehicles must suspend circulation:
- Private vehicles with verification hologram 2.
- Private vehicles with verification hologram 1, with license plate endings 1, 3, 5, 7, and 9.
- Private vehicles with verification hologram 0 and 00, with a pink sticker, and license plate endings 7 or 8.
- Units that do not have a verification hologram, such as antique vehicles, demonstration or transfer vehicles, new vehicles, those with circulation permits, tourist passes, foreign plates, or plates formed by letters, are subject to the same restrictions as vehicles with hologram 2.
- A 50% circulation restriction applies to LP gas delivery units for stationary tanks that do not have a dry disconnect valve, and whose license plate ending is ODD.
- Local or federal cargo vehicles are prohibited from circulating between 6:00 AM and 10:00 AM, with the exception of those enrolled in the CDMX or EDOMEX Self-Regulation Program.
- Taxis with verification holograms “00,” “0,” “1,” or “2” that are subject to circulation restrictions according to points 1), 2), and 3), will have their restriction applied from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
Why was the environmental contingency activated this Saturday?
The Mexico City Atmospheric Monitoring System indicated that a high-pressure system is influencing the center of the country, generating atmospheric stability throughout the day. This has resulted in very weak surface winds, which promotes the accumulation of pollutants and the formation of ozone. Furthermore, high and continuous solar radiation until the early afternoon exacerbated this condition.
“Additionally, the wind field was oriented towards the southwest area of the Mexico City Metropolitan Zone, causing persistent transport of ozone precursors to that part of the valley,” CAMe added. These conditions led to a concentration of this pollutant in the very poor air quality range.
Given these conditions, it was agreed to activate Phase 1 of the environmental contingency to reduce the population’s exposure to polluted air and the risk to their health, as well as to decrease the generation of pollutants.
What is the ‘Hoy No Circula’ program?
The ‘Hoy No Circula’ program is a measure implemented in Mexico City and the State of Mexico to reduce air pollution by restricting the circulation of certain vehicles on specific days based on their license plate number and verification hologram. During environmental contingencies, these restrictions are tightened to mitigate the impact of poor air quality.
Recommendations for residents:
- Avoid outdoor activities, especially between 1:00 PM and 7:00 PM.
- Stay hydrated.
- Keep windows closed at home and in the office.
- Use public transportation or carpool.
- Reduce the use of household products that emit volatile organic compounds.
- Stay informed about air quality reports.
For more information on air quality and environmental contingencies, please visit the official websites of CAMe and the Mexico City government.
Source: https://www.elfinanciero.com.mx/cdmx/2026/09/12/activan-contingencia-en-la-cdmx-por-contaminacion-que-autos-no-circulan-manana-domingo/
