Pico y placa: A comprehensive guide to Bogota’s traffic restriction system
Pico y placa is a traffic restriction system implemented in Bogota, Colombia, to reduce traffic congestion and improve air quality. The system restricts the use of private vehicles on certain days of the week, depending on the last digit of the license plate. The following is a comprehensive guide to Bogota’s pico y placa system:
How does pico y placa work?
Pico y placa operates on a daily basis, from Monday to Friday, from 6:00 AM to 8:30 PM. During these hours, vehicles with license plates ending in certain digits are not allowed to circulate on the city’s main roads.
The restriction applies to all private vehicles, including cars, motorcycles, and trucks. Vehicles used for public transportation, emergency services, and certain other essential purposes are exempt from the restriction.
Which license plate digits are restricted each day?
The license plate digits that are restricted each day are as follows:
- Monday: 1 and 2
- Tuesday: 3 and 4
- Wednesday: 5 and 6
- Thursday: 7 and 8
- Friday: 9 and 0
For example, if your license plate ends in 1, you would not be allowed to drive your vehicle on Mondays during the restricted hours. If your license plate ends in 5, you would not be allowed to drive on Wednesdays.
What are the restricted areas?
The pico y placa restriction applies to all major roads in Bogota, including the following:
- Carrera 7
- Carrera 10
- Carrera 15
- Carrera 30
- Carrera 50
- Carrera 68
- Carrera 76
- Calle 26
- Calle 39
- Calle 53
- Calle 63
- Calle 72
- Calle 82
- Calle 92
The restriction also applies to the following areas:
- La Macarena
- La Candelaria
- Chapinero
- Usaquén
- Santa Fe
What are the penalties for violating pico y placa?
If you are caught driving your vehicle during the restricted hours on a day when your license plate is restricted, you will be fined 522,900 Colombian pesos (approximately $130 USD). You may also have your vehicle impounded.
How can I avoid getting fined?
There are several ways to avoid getting fined for violating pico y placa:
- Plan your trips ahead of time and avoid driving during the restricted hours.
- Use public transportation, carpool, or ride-sharing services.
- Park your vehicle in a private garage or parking lot.
- Apply for an exemption from pico y placa.
How can I get an exemption from pico y placa?
You can apply for an exemption from pico y placa if you meet certain criteria, such as:
- You have a medical condition that prevents you from using public transportation.
- You are a caregiver for a person with a disability.
- You are a student who needs to attend classes during the restricted hours.
- You are a business owner who needs to use your vehicle for work purposes.
To apply for an exemption, you must submit an application to the Bogota Department of Transportation.
Pico y placa has been effective in reducing traffic congestion and improving air quality in Bogota. The system is expected to continue to be in place for the foreseeable future.
In addition to the above information, here are some other things to keep in mind about pico y placa:
- The restriction does not apply on weekends or holidays.
- There are some exceptions to the restriction, such as for vehicles with diplomatic plates.
- The Bogota Department of Transportation website has a tool that you can use to check if your license plate is restricted on a particular day.
