Mexico 2026 Driving Rule Changes

Antes

Mexico City metro area only

Hoy No Circula driving restrictions and enforcement primarily in Mexico City and State of Mexico

Después (2026)

Expanded to Toluca and Santiago Tianguistenco

Sanctions now apply in Toluca and Santiago Tianguistenco valleys; fines of 20 UMA for driving on restricted day, 30 UMA for late verification, 24 UMA for excess emissions; license plate confiscation possible

Antes

Basic safety requirements

Light vehicles required basic safety components but not aligned with international standards

Después (2026)

International safety compliance

All new light vehicles must comply with international safety standards for three-point seat belts, headrests, mirror systems, and seat systems; mandatory ABS and front airbags for all new vehicles

Antes

Fragmented state-level rules

Road safety laws varied significantly between states with no national framework for child restraints, helmet use, or speed management

Después (2026)

National safety framework

Continued implementation of 2022 national law mandating child restraint systems, drink-driving enforcement, universal helmet use, seat belt compliance, and speed management aligned with WHO best practices

Antes

Biannual verification for some

Emission verification schedules varied by state and vehicle age

Después (2026)

Hologram-based restriction system

Vehicles classified by emission hologram (00, 0, 1, 2, Exempt); only vehicles up to 8 years old with passing emissions can get Exempt hologram; remote sensors detect violators on the road