Forums > General > Traveling Mexico

1 2 View All

robt65

Mar 19, 2011, 9:57 PM

Post #1 of 30 (8968 views)

Shortcut

Is The “Hoy No Circula” Enforced On The Arco N?

Can't Post | Private Reply

Hi All,

I have some friends that are planning a visit to our home in Queretaro. They are planning to traverse the Arco Norte to get here, does anyone have an opinion or experience about whether the “Hoy No Circula” is enforced on the Arco N?
My friends had started a discussion thread last fall on another forum when they were going South to their vacation spaces and at that time it was said by someone, that it was not enforced.

Then about a month ago, some friends of theirs from Canada were leaving "PEPE's Campground" North of Mexico City, and were pulled over on the Arco (they are quite sure it was the Arco because they drove north from “Pepe's” for quite a distance and then went through the toll ticket entrance) and were stopped at 2 minutes to 11 am and one of the coppers got all heavy with them and forced them to pay a fat "fine". So what is correct? . . . . . . . Does anyone know for sure?

Thanks for any information regarding this for my visitors.

robt65

(This post was edited by robt65 on Mar 21, 2011, 4:57 AM)

mexicobuff

Mar 20, 2011, 9:34 AM

Post #2 of 30 (8933 views)

Shortcut

Re: [robt65] Is The “Hoy No Circula” Enforced On The Arco N?

Can't Post | Private Reply

"Hoy No Circula" has been suspended in the DF for today and tomorrow because of the puente. I would imagine, although I don't know for sure, that it is also suspended on the Arco Norte.

robt65

Mar 20, 2011, 10:08 AM

Post #3 of 30 (8924 views)

Shortcut

Re: [mexicobuff] Is The “Hoy No Circula” Enforced On The Arco N?

Can't Post | Private Reply

Hi mexicobuff,

I am more particularly looking at the end of March. I should have been more specific. Since I have not driven that route at all, I know nothing about the Arco Norte or the "puente" to which you refer. I believe that the Arco Norte is a C.D. Mexico bypass but that is about all. I take it there is a bridge out somewhere? If that is a correct guess, do you have any further information on that bridge? When did it go out (if it is out of service) and when do they expect it to be up and operable again?

Thanks for the feedback.

robt65

mexicobuff

Mar 20, 2011, 10:20 AM

Post #4 of 30 (8919 views)

Shortcut

Re: [robt65] Is The “Hoy No Circula” Enforced On The Arco N?

Can't Post | Private Reply

Robt65, puente refers to a long weekend. In this instance, it refers to this weekend's three-day holiday in honor of Benito Juárez's birthday--it's a legal holiday and the Hoy No Circula rule has been suspended for today and tomorrow.

tonyburton

Mar 20, 2011, 10:28 AM

Post #5 of 30 (8911 views)

Shortcut

Re: [robt65] Is The “Hoy No Circula” Enforced On The Arco N?

Can't Post | Private Reply

Map and basic details of the Day Without a Car Program can be found here:
http://geo-mexico.com/?p=2343

robt65

Mar 20, 2011, 11:31 AM

Post #6 of 30 (8897 views)

Shortcut

Re: [mexicobuff] Is The “Hoy No Circula” Enforced On The Arco N?

Can't Post | Private Reply

Hello Again mexicobuff,

In my Spanish "puente" is a bridge . . . . a long or extended weekend is a "fin de semana largo" . . . . . . ,

very confusing.

robt65

(This post was edited by robt65 on Mar 21, 2011, 4:58 AM)

mexicobuff

Mar 20, 2011, 11:37 AM

Post #7 of 30 (8893 views)

Shortcut

Re: [robt65] Is The “Hoy No Circula” Enforced On The Arco N?

Can't Post | Private Reply

"Puente" is the standard word that is used to indicate that it's a long weekend. I know it's confusing, but that's the way it is. Ask your wife.

tonyburton

Mar 20, 2011, 11:41 AM

Post #8 of 30 (8892 views)

Shortcut

Re: [robt65] Is The “Hoy No Circula” Enforced On The Arco N?

Can't Post | Private Reply

It is a bridge! - between, for example, a holiday on a Thursday and the weekend - the Friday is the "puente".

robt65

Mar 20, 2011, 12:20 PM

Post #9 of 30 (8871 views)

Shortcut

Re: [tonyburton] Is The “Hoy No Circula” Enforced On The Arco N?

Can't Post | Private Reply

Thanks All,

"Touche" I have now l have learned a little more Mexican Spanish. Thanks for the lesson. Tony, thanks for the link. I knew it had to do with plate numbers but I thought it was only even or odd numbers. I have learned more about that also. I woujld think they would use the plate number of the tow vehicle and not the plate number of the trailer. . . . . correct?

robt65

Reefhound

Mar 20, 2011, 8:31 PM

Post #10 of 30 (8809 views)

Shortcut

Re: [robt65] Is The “Hoy No Circula” Enforced On The Arco N?

Can't Post | Private Reply

The map at that link clearly shows Arco Norte well outside the Hoy No Circula area. Sounds like a cop just taking advantage of someone's lack of knowledge. I'm surprised they got pulled over on Arco Norte (it may be possible they were somewhere else?) as the times I've driven it it was lightly traveled and completely void of any cops as far as I could tell.

geewiz

Mar 20, 2011, 9:54 PM

Post #11 of 30 (8788 views)

Shortcut

Re: [Reefhound] Is The “Hoy No Circula” Enforced On The Arco N?

Can't Post | Private Reply

I hadn't seen that map before -- the Roji shows the border of the "state of Mexico City" extending all around it including sections of the Arco.
I'm going to print out that info and have it with me.

It was friends of ours who were "bitten" on the Arco. I heard of others too.
Thanks Robt65 for sending this inquiry to this forum.
I am now a member and will be checking in regularly.

mexicobuff

Mar 20, 2011, 11:07 PM

Post #12 of 30 (8781 views)

Shortcut

Re: [tonyburton] Is The “Hoy No Circula” Enforced On The Arco N?

Can't Post | Private Reply

In Reply To

It is a bridge! - between, for example, a holiday on a Thursday and the weekend - the Friday is the "puente".

That's very logical, but how does that work this weekend? The holiday is Monday, the long weekend started on Saturday. What's the puente?

robt65

Mar 21, 2011, 12:02 AM

Post #13 of 30 (8766 views)

Shortcut

Re: [geewiz] Is The “Hoy No Circula” Enforced On The Arco N?

Can't Post | Private Reply

Hello Geewiz,

I am happy that I could help. This is a pretty good forum with a lot of good people, with good factual information as I told you before. Sure like any other forum there are always going to be some who can resist making trouble. You will get to know the good ones pretty quick here. Reefhound really knows his stuff. We'll see you all in April. Have a good and safe trip.

robt65

dongringo_catemaco

Mar 21, 2011, 4:31 AM

Post #14 of 30 (8756 views)

Shortcut

Re: [robt65] Is The “Hoy No Circula” Enforced On The Arco N?

Can't Post | Private Reply

Technically the Arco is a federal highway and city and municipal police have no right to stop you for a local law. Generally they'll wait for you on the access points that lie in the Distrito Federal. The going mordida is 1000 pesos or less if you are Mexican.

As otherwise stated, puente nowadays just means long weekend. They have become more popular since Mexico declared that when 3 of its official holidays occur during the week, they will be celebrated on the closest Monday. Before it used to be a puente when a Friday was a holiday.
Visit Catemaco News

tonyburton

Mar 21, 2011, 9:59 AM

Post #15 of 30 (8708 views)

Shortcut

Re: [geewiz] Is The “Hoy No Circula” Enforced On The Arco N?

Can't Post | Private Reply

I suspect you are confusing two different things. The State of México does indeed almost completely envelop the Federal District (Mexico D.F.).
However, the "Hoy no Circula" (Día sin coche) program does not apply to the entire state of México, but only certain municipalities within the state.
The best up-to-date page (Spanish) for "Hoy no Circula" (Día sin Coche) is (currently) http://www.locatel.df.gob.mx/?q=node/35

geewiz

Mar 21, 2011, 11:28 AM

Post #16 of 30 (8687 views)

Shortcut

Re: [tonyburton] Is The “Hoy No Circula” Enforced On The Arco N?

Can't Post | Private Reply

Yes I understand the days ot the week / licience numbers, and the restriced times.
However, the gov't web site has no data on what municipalities of DF are included in the "NO" zone.
The map on the earlier link is more descriptive , but it is not a gov't site...
As the previous poster implied and there is some other reports to agree, the cops will still stop you on the Arco...
So back to my original inquiry:
In the Arco Norte OFFICIALLY excempt from the Hoy no circula rules?
What or where is the data on this?
Thanks, Glen

RickS

Mar 21, 2011, 11:41 AM

Post #17 of 30 (8681 views)

Shortcut

Re: [geewiz] Is The “Hoy No Circula” Enforced On The Arco N?

Can't Post | Private Reply

You're in Mexico and looking for definitive, indisputable and official proof of ____________ (add your 'article' here)!?!
Good Luck!

tonyburton

Mar 21, 2011, 12:10 PM

Post #18 of 30 (8672 views)

Shortcut

Re: [geewiz] Is The “Hoy No Circula” Enforced On The Arco N?

Can't Post | Private Reply

I'm not sure what your point really is, but the map was drawn based on the relevant regulations, as of mid-2010. (I know because I drew it.)

Here is a direct quote from the official State of Mexico website in connection with the "Tourist Pass" which makes a direct reference to the fact that the part of the State of Mexico which is covered by the "Acuerdo Hoy No Circula" comprises 18 municipalities (from page at: http://portal2.edomex.gob.mx/..._turistico/index.htm)

¿Qué es el Pase Turístico?
Permite al vehículo que lo porta, exentar la restricción de la circulación impuesta por el Acuerdo Hoy No Circula en 18 municipios del Estado de México conurbados con la Zona Metropolitana del Valle de México.
I can't be bothered looking for the text of the relevant Acuerdo, but the 18 municipalities involved are:

Atizapán de Zaragoza
Coacalco de Berriozabal
Cuautitlán
Cuautitlán Izcalli
Chalco
Chimalhuacan
Chicoloapan
Ecatepec de Morelos
Huixquilucan
Ixtapaluca
La Paz
Naucalpan de Juárez
Nezahualcóyotl
Nicolás Romero
Tecámac
Tlalnepantla de Baz
Tultitlán
Valle de Chalco Solidaridad

Enjoy your trip.

geewiz

Mar 21, 2011, 4:05 PM

Post #19 of 30 (8645 views)

Shortcut

Re: [tonyburton] Is The “Hoy No Circula” Enforced On The Arco N?

Can't Post | Private Reply

Wow, I thought my question was very clear.
I'm sure you have put lots of time into creating the map but your answer still leaves me confused.
I see a list of municipalities which are meaningless to me unless I had a detailed map and knowedge of the DF.
Does this list refers to the area you have marked on your map in red that the red area only is Hoy No Circula.
Then the non-red area is excempt from Hoy No Circula? ie. the Arco Norte?
If so, we are back to wondering if this is a MORDITA situation that is taking place on the Arco Norte?

Then there is your link to the site of the Tourist Pass.
(First time I have ever heard about this in travelling in Mexico for 10 years.)
What role does the Tourist Pass play in this?
Does it allow you to drive anywhere in DF with it for the 14 days?
Or do you need it to travel in the non-red areas as well?

Yes, I must be missing something???
Thanks, Glen

tonyburton

Mar 21, 2011, 4:13 PM

Post #20 of 30 (8644 views)

Shortcut

Re: [geewiz] Is The “Hoy No Circula” Enforced On The Arco N?

Can't Post | Private Reply

Does this list refers to the area you have marked on your map in red that the red area only is Hoy No Circula. YES
Then the non-red area is excempt from Hoy No Circula? ie. the Arco Norte? YES
If so, we are back to wondering if this is a MORDITA situation that is taking place on the Arco Norte? YES

Then there is your link to the site of the Tourist Pass.
(First time I have ever heard about this in travelling in Mexico for 10 years.)
What role does the Tourist Pass play in this? NONE
Does it allow you to drive anywhere in DF with it for the 14 days? YES
Or do you need it to travel in the non-red areas as well? NO

geewiz

Mar 21, 2011, 4:36 PM

Post #21 of 30 (8637 views)

Shortcut

Re: [tonyburton] Is The “Hoy No Circula” Enforced On The Arco N?

Can't Post | Private Reply

Si, Claro!
Gracias!

Glen

LEACH

May 23, 2012, 5:27 PM

Post #22 of 30 (3849 views)

Shortcut

Re: [robt65] Is The “Hoy No Circula” Enforced On The Arco N?

Can't Post | Private Reply

"HOY NO CIRCULA" DOES NOT APPLY IN THE ARCO NORTE HIGHWAY. THE PROGRAM IS USED JUST IN MEXICO CITY AND SURROUNDING MUNICIPALITIES OF THE STATE OF MEXICO. PLEASE VISIT www.arconorte.com.mx

rockydog85251

May 24, 2012, 7:34 AM

Post #23 of 30 (3779 views)

Shortcut

Re: [LEACH] Is The “Hoy No Circula” Enforced On The Arco N?

Can't Post | Private Reply

We just traveled the Arco Norte last week and did not see one law enforcement vehicle. Once you get off for "potty break", sometimes the signage is not all that great to get back on the Arco Norte.
Willie

chinagringo

May 24, 2012, 7:47 AM

Post #24 of 30 (3777 views)

Shortcut

Re: [rockydog85251] Is The “Hoy No Circula” Enforced On The Arco N?

Can't Post | Private Reply

We plan to use the Arco Norte in August when driving from Guadalajara to San Christobal de las Casas. We plan on splitting this into a two day drive and are looking for recommendations for a decent place to stay overnight at about the halfway point. We plan to allocate a couple of days in Puebla on the return trip, so no need to stop there on the way down.
Regards,
Neil
Albuquerque, NM

LEACH

May 24, 2012, 8:43 AM

Post #25 of 30 (3757 views)

Shortcut

Re: [rockydog85251] Is The “Hoy No Circula” Enforced On The Arco N?

Can't Post | Private Reply

ARCO NORTE IS ONE OF THE SAFEST HIGHWAYS IN ALL MEXICO. THE FIRST ONE WITH VIDEO CAMERAS ALONG THE ROUTE.

1 2 View All