Ciudad Juárez, January 8, 2026 – The city of Ciudad Juárez is currently experiencing a temporary shortage of metal license plates, a situation that has arisen due to an unexpected surge in demand. This increased demand follows the recent conclusion of a vehicle regularization decree, which prompted a large influx of citizens to the local Tax Collection office.
Metal Plate Shortage Leads to Provisional Solutions
As a direct consequence of the high volume of transactions, the supply of metallic license plates has been exhausted. In response to this unforeseen challenge, the Tax Collection office has begun issuing provisional cardboard license plates to vehicle owners who have completed their regularization processes.
The decree, which aimed to facilitate the legal registration of vehicles, particularly those from foreign origins, concluded recently, triggering a rush among residents to finalize their paperwork. This led to an unprecedented number of applications for new license plates, quickly depleting the existing stock of metal plates.
Impact on Vehicle Owners and City Operations
While the provisional cardboard plates allow vehicle owners to operate legally in the interim, the situation has created some inconvenience. Citizens are expressing concerns about the durability and longevity of the cardboard plates, especially given the varying weather conditions in Ciudad Juárez.
Authorities from the Tax Collection office have assured the public that efforts are underway to replenish the stock of metal plates as quickly as possible. However, no definitive timeline has been provided for when the permanent plates will become available.
Wider Implications and Related Issues
This development comes amidst other ongoing challenges in Ciudad Juárez and the wider Chihuahua region. Related reports indicate:
- Vehicle Permits: Some individuals are seeking permits to circulate with “chuecos” (irregular) cars, having been left with incomplete regularization processes.
- Import Costs: The National Chamber of Commerce (Canaco) proposes reducing import costs after the vehicle regularization decree concludes, aiming to address economic impacts.
- Migrant Attention: Deputies in the northern border region are evaluating migrant care and reinforcing return strategies, highlighting the complex social dynamics of the area.
- Water Sectorization: Progress is being made in the sectorization of drinking water in District 5 to improve service quality, with interventions expected to last approximately five days.
- Fluoride in Water: An investigator warns about health risks due to fluoride levels in water in Chihuahua, Villa Ahumada, and Juárez, which exceed limits by up to three times.
- Municipal Slaughterhouse: The Municipal Slaughterhouse closed 2025 with over two thousand animals sacrificed in December, generating significant revenue.
- Guardería Techo Comunitario Case: The trial for alleged abuse at the Techo Comunitario daycare has been postponed for the fifth time, with a new date set for January 20.
- Migrant Recruitment: A migrant in Juárez reported alleged forced recruitment of adolescents by the Venezuelan military, raising humanitarian concerns.
The local government and relevant agencies are working to manage these various issues, with the immediate focus on resolving the license plate shortage and ensuring continuity of services for the city’s residents.
Source: El Heraldo de Juárez | Local, Police, Mexico, Chihuahua and World News
