Bogotá will implement a regional traffic restriction on Monday, March 23, 2026, to manage congestion as travelers return from a holiday weekend. The measure aims to ease traffic flow into the city and is part of a broader effort to improve mobility and reduce pollution.
The restriction, known as “pico y placa regional,” will regulate vehicle access to Bogotá based on the last digit of license plates. From noon to 4:00 p.m., only vehicles with even-numbered plates (0, 2, 4, 6 and 8) will be permitted to enter the city. Between 4:00 p.m. And 8:00 p.m., vehicles with odd-numbered plates (1, 3, 5, 7, and 9) will be allowed access. Before noon and after 8:00 p.m., all vehicles can enter without restriction, according to Caracol Radio.
Authorities are also reminding drivers that a city-wide “pico y placa” will be in effect for vehicles within Bogotá on March 23, which is a public holiday. According to Bogota.gov.co, vehicles with plates ending in 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 can circulate on odd days, while those ending in 6, 7, 8, 9, or 0 can circulate on even days. This restriction applies from 6:00 a.m. To 9:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, excluding holidays and Saturdays.
Officials anticipate that more than 4 million vehicles and 835,000 passengers will be traveling during the holiday period, prompting increased security measures on roadways. The increased mobility is expected to boost the economy, Portafolio.co reported.
Violators of the regional “pico y placa” face a fine of approximately 630,000 pesos, and vehicles may be impounded, incurring additional costs for towing and storage. The measure underscores the city’s commitment to managing traffic and maintaining order during peak travel times.
The city is also preparing for a large volume of vehicles returning from the San José bridge holiday, with similar restrictions expected to be in place. ELTIEMPO.COM reports that over a million vehicles are expected to enter Bogotá.