Bogotá's Pico y Placa Restrictions: What You Need to Know
The Pico y Placa program in Bogotá aims to reduce traffic and pollution by restricting vehicle circulation. Here's a guide to the restrictions and exceptions.
The Pico y Placa program in Bogotá is a restriction on vehicle circulation that aims to reduce traffic and pollution in the city. The program has been in place since 1998 and is enforced by the city's authorities. Before heading out, it's essential to check if your vehicle is allowed to circulate due to the program's restrictions, which vary depending on the day of the week, time, and type of vehicle.
How Pico y Placa Works
The Pico y Placa program divides vehicles into groups based on the last digit of their license plate. For private vehicles, the restriction applies from 6:00 AM to 9:00 PM, Monday to Friday, except for weekends and holidays. The restriction for taxis and special transport vehicles changes every week, so it's crucial to stay updated. Vehicles with license plates ending in 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 are not allowed to circulate on even days, while those ending in 6, 7, 8, 9, or 0 are not allowed to circulate on odd days.
The following table shows the restrictions for different types of vehicles:
| Vehicle Type | Restriction |
|---|---|
| Private Vehicles | 6:00 AM - 9:00 PM, Monday to Friday |
| Taxis | 5:30 AM - 9:00 PM, Monday to Friday |
| Special Transport Vehicles | 5:30 AM - 9:00 PM, Monday to Friday |
| Motorcycles | No restriction |
| Trucks | 6:00 AM - 8:00 AM and 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM, Monday to Friday |
Exceptions to Pico y Placa
Some vehicles are exempt from the Pico y Placa restrictions, including electric and hybrid vehicles, diplomatic vehicles, funeral vehicles, emergency and security vehicles, and vehicles transporting people with disabilities. To benefit from these exceptions, vehicle owners must register their vehicles with the Bogotá Mobility Secretariat.
Pico y Placa Regional
In addition to the traditional Pico y Placa program, Bogotá also has a Pico y Placa Regional program, which applies to the nine corridors of entry to the city on the last day of holidays. The restriction for vehicles with odd-numbered license plates is from 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM, while the restriction for vehicles with even-numbered license plates is from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM.
Penalties for Violating Pico y Placa
Violating the Pico y Placa program can result in economic sanctions, including a fine of 522,900 Colombian pesos and the immobilization of the vehicle. It's essential to comply with the restrictions to avoid these penalties and contribute to reducing traffic and pollution in Bogotá.
