The Hoy No Circula Sabatino program operates normally this April 18, 2026 in the Metropolitan Zone of the Valley of Mexico, limiting the traffic of vehicles with hologram 2 and units with hologram 1 of non-plate (1, 3, 5, 7 and 9), in addition to foreign cars, from 5:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
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Status of the Environmental Contingency and the Double Today It Doesn’t Circulate
The Environmental Commission of the Megalopolis (CAMe) maintains constant monitoring of air quality in the region. Until this moment, the operation of the program is governed under the usual guidelines of the third Saturday of the month, because the state of environmental contingency has not been made official. However, the presence of a heat wave and the ozone season increase the possibility of activating emergency protocols to reduce polluting emissions and protect public health.
The Air and Health Index indicates air quality rated as poor at various monitoring stations, with concentrations of PM10, PM2.5 and ozone particles that represent a high risk. If the atmospheric conditions lead to the activation of Phase 1, the restrictions would be extended under the Double Today Not Circulating scheme, additionally affecting vehicles with 0 and 00 holograms according to their sticker.
Vehicles with traffic restrictions this third Saturday
According to the official calendar of the Ministry of the Environment (Sedema), the limitations in force for this Saturday, April 18, affect the following vehicle categories in the 16 municipalities of Mexico City and the surrounding municipalities of the State of Mexico:
- Hologram 2: All vehicles under this classification must suspend circulation, regardless of the numerical ending of their license plate.
- Hologram 1: As it is the third Saturday of the month, the restriction falls on plates with a NON ending (digits 1, 3, 5, 7 and 9).
- Foreign Units: Vehicles from other states that do not belong to the Megalopolis or that lack current verification and tourist pass.
- Provisional Permits: Any unit traveling with temporary circulation permits is restricted during the established hours.
Scenario in the event of a possible activation of Environmental Contingency
If the CAMe determines Phase 1 of environmental contingency due to critical ozone levels, the restriction scheme is immediately tightened. In this scenario, the affected vehicle fleet would be expanded under the following specific criteria:
- All units with hologram 2.
- Vehicles with hologram 1 whose license plate ends in an odd number (1, 3, 5, 7, 9).
- Units with holograms 0 and 00 that have yellow gumming (termination of plates 5 and 6).
- Cargo transport vehicles and foreign units according to Sedema regulations.
Exempt and authorized units for circulation
There are specific categories that can travel freely on the roads of the Valley of Mexico regardless of environmental conditions or the Saturday calendar:
- Holograms 0 and 00: Units that have these current decals circulate every day.
- Clean Technologies: Electric and hybrid vehicles with the “Exempt” hologram.
- Special Services: Automobiles with disability plates, emergency services, civil protection and public passenger transport.
Failure to comply with these provisions between 5:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. entails administrative sanctions and significant financial fines. It is recommended to consult the official Aire CDMX channels and the official CAMe account to verify any last-minute updates derived from weather behavior and the dispersion of pollutants.
