Environmental Alert: Phase 1 Contingency and Double Hoy No Circula Activated for Friday, February 13
MEXICO CITY, February 12, 2026 – The Environmental Commission of the Megalopolis (CAMe) has officially activated Phase 1 of the Environmental Contingency in the Metropolitan Area of the Valley of Mexico. Due to high ozone concentrations and poor air quality, the “Doble Hoy No Circula” (Double No Circulation) protocol will be in effect this Friday, February 13, 2026, imposing stricter transit restrictions on vehicles in Mexico City and the State of Mexico.
Restrictions for Friday, February 13
The measure responds to an atypical accumulation of pollutants and high solar radiation recorded this Thursday. The restrictions will be active from 5:00 AM to 10:00 PM. The following vehicles must suspend circulation:
- Hologram 2: All vehicles with this verification must remain off the streets.
- Hologram 1: 50% of these vehicles are restricted. Specifically, those with plates ending in odd numbers (1, 3, 5, 7, 9) and 0.
- Hologram 0 and 00: Vehicles with these holograms are generally exempt, but those with Blue Adhesive (Engomado Azul) and plate endings 9 and 0 must follow their regular Friday restriction if applicable, though most sources confirm “0” and “00” remain exempt from the “Double” emergency restriction unless otherwise specified by local plate color rules.
- Freight Vehicles: Local or federal freight transport is restricted from circulating between 6:00 AM and 10:00 AM.
Exemptions
According to the Secretary of the Environment (SEDEMA) and CAMe, the following are exempt from the Double Hoy No Circula restrictions:
- Electric and Hybrid vehicles.
- Vehicles with the “Exento” (Exempt) hologram.
- Vehicles with Hologram “00” or “0” (regardless of the entity of origin).
- Emergency services, medical units, and public safety vehicles.
Key Facts
| Program Name | Hoy No Circula |
|---|---|
| Activation Trigger (Phase 1) | Ozone levels exceeding 151 points |
| Standard Operating Hours | 5:00 AM to 10:00 PM |
| Affected Areas | 16 Boroughs of CDMX and 18 Municipalities of Edomex |
| Hologram 1 Restriction | No circulation two Saturdays per month (standard) |
| Hologram 2 Restriction | No circulation every Saturday (standard) |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the “Doble Hoy No Circula”?
It is an extraordinary measure activated during Phase 1 Environmental Contingencies. Unlike the daily program, it restricts a larger percentage of vehicles, including half of those with Hologram 1 and all vehicles with Hologram 2, to reduce emissions quickly.
Does the restriction apply to vehicles with foreign plates?
Yes. Vehicles with foreign plates (outside the Megalopolis) that do not have a recognized verification hologram are treated as Hologram 2 and must suspend circulation during the contingency.
What happens if I drive on a restricted day?
Drivers who violate the contingency measures are subject to fines and the vehicle may be taken to a corralón (impound lot). Fines are calculated based on the current Unit of Measure and Update (UMA).
Why was it activated today?
The CAMe reported that weather conditions, including low wind speeds and high temperatures, prevented the dispersion of pollutants, leading to ozone levels that pose a risk to public health.