No Circula Sabatino in Mexico City (CDMX) is a program designed to reduce air pollution by restricting vehicle use on Saturdays. It’s an extension of the regular “Hoy No Circula” (No Driving Today) program, which operates on weekdays.
The core principle is that vehicles are prohibited from driving on specific Saturdays based on the last digit of their license plate number and the holographic verification sticker they possess. Holographic verification is a system of emission control stickers that categorize vehicles based on their emissions performance. Vehicles with higher emissions generally face stricter restrictions.
The specific Saturdays on which vehicles are restricted depend on their holographic verification status. Generally, vehicles with holographic verification “2” are restricted every Saturday. Vehicles with holographic verification “1” are restricted on the first and third Saturday of the month if the last digit of their license plate is odd, and on the second and fourth Saturday if it’s even. Vehicles with holographic verification “0” and “00” (double zero) are exempt from No Circula Sabatino.
Exemptions also exist for certain types of vehicles, including electric vehicles, hybrid vehicles, vehicles used for emergency services, and vehicles with disabled parking permits. It’s crucial to verify the specific rules and exemptions in effect during a particular time, as they can be modified or adjusted based on air quality conditions.
The No Circula Sabatino program is active from 5:00 AM to 10:00 PM. Driving a vehicle on a prohibited Saturday can result in fines and vehicle impoundment. It’s enforced by traffic police and automated monitoring systems throughout Mexico City.
The effectiveness of No Circula Sabatino is a subject of ongoing debate. Proponents argue that it contributes to improved air quality by reducing the number of vehicles on the road during the weekends. Critics argue that it is an inconvenience for residents, may lead to the purchase of additional vehicles to circumvent the restrictions, and has a limited impact on overall air pollution levels, especially during periods of intense smog.
Real-time air quality alerts can trigger additional restrictions. For example, if air quality reaches a certain threshold, the Environmental Contingency Plan is activated. This may include extending the No Circula program to include vehicles with “0” and “00” holograms, impacting a broader range of drivers.
For residents and visitors, understanding and complying with the No Circula Sabatino program is crucial to avoid penalties. Checking the official environmental agency websites or mobile apps of Mexico City is the best way to stay informed about the specific rules and any temporary modifications in effect.