Pico y Placa Bogotá: Learn about restrictions, exceptions, and how to avoid fines.
This Friday, October 3rd, the Bogotá Pico y Placa , a measure that seeks to reduce vehicle traffic and improve air quality in the Colombian capital. The restriction applies to private vehicles, taxis, and cargo vehicles, depending on the final license plate number.
For private vehicles, those with license plates ending in 6, 7, 8, 9, or 0 . For taxis, the restriction affects those ending in 3 and 4. Motorcycles are exempt. The restriction applies from 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. for private vehicles, and from 5:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. for taxis.
Cargo vehicles have two restriction periods: from 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 a.m. and from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. , always depending on the weight and age of the vehicle.
How does the Pico y Placa Bogotá work?
The measure divides private cars into two groups based on the last digit of their license plates. Those ending in 1 to 5 are prohibited on even-numbered days, while those ending in 6 to 0 are restricted on odd-numbered days.
For taxis and special transport, the schedule is organized in pairs: 1 and 2, 3 and 4, and so on. This schedule changes weekly, so it's recommended to consult the official Mobility Secretariat calendar.
The measure does not apply on weekends and holidays, except during long weekends, when the Regional Pico y Placa (Peak and Plate) .
Which vehicles are exempt?
Electric, hybrid, zero-emission vehicles, motorcycles, diplomatic, funeral, emergency, security, school transportation, driving instruction, and those transporting people with disabilities are exempt from the Bogotá Pico y Placa (Pic of License Plate). Also included are cars with three or more occupants for the entire trip.
To access these exceptions, you must register your vehicle on the Ministry of Mobility's official platform.
There's also the Solidarity Pico y Placa (Pico y Placa Solidario) , a paid permit that allows you to freely circulate around the city for days, weeks, or months. The financial contribution goes toward improving the public transportation system.
What is the Regional Pico y Placa?
This restriction applies on the last day of long weekends in the nine access corridors to Bogotá . Vehicles with odd-numbered license plates are restricted from 12:00 to 16:00 , while those with even-numbered license plates cannot circulate between 16:00 and 20:00 .
The affected corridors include the North Highway , the South Highway, Centenario Avenue, 80th Street, 7th Street, and the Llano road, among other strategic access points to the city.
In addition to traditional measures, the Bogotá Mobility Secretariat has implemented awareness campaigns on the environmental impact of vehicle traffic. These actions aim to help drivers understand that Pico y Placa (Pico y Placa) not only regulates traffic but also contributes to reducing polluting emissions in a city of over eight million inhabitants.
Within this framework, the use of public transportation, bicycles, and shared vehicles is promoted as alternatives for getting around without violating regulations. The registration of electric and hybrid vehicles is also encouraged, as they are exempt from the restriction and represent a cleaner option for traveling around the capital.
On the other hand, the violation monitoring system has been modernized. Today, fines for violating the Pico y Placa regulations are detected by smart cameras and mobile patrols. The fine can exceed 500,000 Colombian pesos, in addition to generating negative points on the driver's record.
official calendar daily the Ministry of Mobility website or through social media. There are also mobile apps that allow you to check if a vehicle is allowed to circulate based on its license plate and day.
These tools are especially useful for those visiting Bogotá from other cities or countries, such as Uruguay, who are unfamiliar with local regulations. In many cases, tourists rent vehicles without knowing the restrictions, which can lead to unexpected fines.
