This Friday, September 4th, Bogotá will implement the vehicular restriction program known as Pico y Placa, aiming to reduce traffic and pollution in the city. Before leaving home, it is essential to check if your vehicle is authorized to circulate.
The Pico y Placa operates differently depending on the day of the week, the time, and the type of vehicle, whether private cars, motorcycles, or taxis. This program has been in effect since 1998 and has become an essential part of the city’s mobility policies. This Friday, all private vehicles can circulate, while taxis have restrictions for plates ending in 9 and 0, and motorcycles have no limitations.
The restriction hours begin at 5:30 AM for taxis and special transportation, while for private vehicles, the restriction starts at 6:00 AM and ends at 9:00 PM. For cargo vehicles, there are two Pico y Placa periods: from 6:00 AM to 8:00 AM and from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM.
Private cars are classified into two groups based on the last digit of their license plate: those ending in 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 cannot circulate on even days, while those ending in 6, 7, 8, 9, or 0 cannot do so on odd days. Taxis and special transport vehicles have restrictions that change weekly and apply from Monday to Friday.
Exceptions to the program include electric vehicles, hybrids, zero-emission vehicles, emergency services, and those transporting disabled individuals, among others. It is necessary to register vehicles wishing to benefit from these exceptions with the Bogotá Mobility Secretariat in advance.
The Pico y Placa Solidario allows drivers to circulate without restrictions by making a financial contribution aimed at improving the city’s Integrated Public Transport System. Additionally, there is the Regional Pico y Placa that applies on holidays in certain entry corridors to Bogotá, with specific restrictions for vehicles with odd and even plates.
Penalties for violating Pico y Placa rules include a fine of 522,900 Colombian pesos, along with the immobilization of the vehicle, as stipulated in the National Traffic Code.
Source: www.infobae.com
