Environmental Contingency Activated in Mexico City and State of Mexico: Which Cars Are Restricted This Sunday?

Environmental authorities in Mexico City and the State of Mexico have activated a Phase I atmospheric environmental contingency due to elevated ozone levels, triggering enhanced vehicle restrictions under the Hoy No Circula program for Sunday, April 26, 2026.

The Comisión Ambiental de la Megalópolis (CAMe) declared the contingency after monitoring stations recorded ozone concentrations reaching 164 parts per billion in the Zona Metropolitana del Valle de México, according to official reports. This activation follows a pattern of poor air quality linked to seasonal heat waves and atmospheric conditions that limit pollutant dispersion.

As part of the contingency measures, a “Doble Hoy No Circula” policy is in effect for April 26, 2026, meaning vehicles with verification holograms 1 and 2 are restricted from circulation from 5:00 a.m. To 10:00 p.m. This represents an extension of the standard Hoy No Circula hours, which normally apply from 5:00 a.m. To 8:00 p.m. On weekdays.

Under the Doble Hoy No Circula scheme, vehicles are restricted based on the last digit of their license plate and their verification hologram level. On Sunday, April 26, 2026, vehicles with hologram 1 or 2 and license plates ending in odd numbers (1, 3, 5, 7, 9) are prohibited from circulating during the restricted hours.

Authorities emphasized that the restriction aims to reduce emissions of ozone precursors, including nitrogen oxides and volatile organic compounds, which contribute to the formation of ground-level ozone during periods of high solar radiation and stagnant air masses. Exemptions apply to electric and hybrid vehicles, public transportation, emergency services, and vehicles with valid hologram 0 or exempt status.

Penalties for violating the Hoy No Circula restrictions include fines equivalent to 20 times the Unit of Measurement and Update (UMA), vehicle impoundment, and points added to driver licenses. Officials urged residents to use public transportation, carpool, or avoid non-essential travel during the contingency period.

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This contingency marks the fifth environmental alert activated in the Valley of Mexico during 2026, reflecting ongoing challenges with air quality management in the region. Similar measures were implemented earlier in the year during periods of elevated PM2.5 and ozone concentrations, particularly following holiday periods involving fireworks and bonfires.

The Hoy No Circula program, originally introduced in 1989, remains a key tool for managing vehicular emissions in one of North America’s most populous metropolitan areas. While its effectiveness in improving air quality has been debated, officials maintain that it contributes to public awareness and supports broader efforts to modernize the vehicle fleet and promote sustainable mobility.