Bogotá to Implement First Car-Free Day of 2026
Bogotá will hold its first “Día sin Carro y sin Moto” (Day without Cars and Motorcycles) of the year on Thursday, February 5, 2026. The initiative, now in its 26th year, aims to transform urban mobility, reduce noise and air pollution, and promote the use of bicycles and public transportation.
The restriction will be in effect for 16 continuous hours, from 5:00 a.m. To 9:00 p.m., prioritizing infrastructure for cyclists and the city’s mass transit system.
Increased Fines and Enforcement
The Secretariat of Mobility has updated the fines for violations in 2026, representing an increase from the previous year. Drivers of private vehicles and motorcycles found circulating during the restricted hours will face a fine of 633,200 pesos, up from 604,100 pesos in 2025.
Vehicles found in violation will be immobilized and towed to impound lots.
Specific Restrictions and Affected Vehicles
The car-free day will temporarily suspend benefits normally available to drivers. For example, citizens who have paid for the “pico y placa solidario” (solidarity peak hour scheme) will not be able to use their permit on February 5th; the city will automatically reschedule that day for those users.
The circulation ban applies to the following:
- Private passenger and cargo vehicles
- Vehicles belonging to driving schools
- Hybrid vehicles or those exclusively powered by gas
- Taxis with plate numbers restricted on that day
- Media vehicles with yellow license plates
Exceptions and Authorized Transportation
To ensure essential city functions and address basic needs, a list of authorized vehicles has been established. Emergency services, such as ambulances and fire trucks, as well as all public transportation, are exempt from the restriction.
Other categories authorized to circulate include:
- Vehicles transporting people with disabilities
- State security schemes, military forces, police, and presidential motorcades
- School transportation with proper identification
- Traffic control vehicles and tow trucks from the Secretariat of Mobility
- Vehicles with a capacity of more than 10 passengers
- Operational units of public utility companies
City officials encourage citizens to plan their trips in advance and utilize alternative transportation methods to avoid fines and contribute to the environmental benefits of the sustainable mobility initiative.
