Quito, Ecuador, implements a vehicle circulation system known as Pico y Placa, which restricts driving based on license plate numbers during designated hours each day. On Thursday, February 12, 2026, vehicles with license plates ending in 7 and 8 will be prohibited from circulating from 06:00 to 09:30 in the morning and from 16:00 to 20:00 in the evening and night. This measure aims to mitigate traffic congestion in the capital city.

The enforcement of Pico y Placa is critical for maintaining manageable traffic flow, and it affects both cars and motorcycles. Drivers caught violating the restrictions will face fines that increase with repeated offenses. The first violation incurs a penalty of $72.30, followed by $144.60 for a second offense, and $241 for a third. These penalties represent a percentage of the unified basic salary (SBU) in Ecuador, which is set to be $482 for the year 2026, reflecting the city's regulatory focus on both improving traffic conditions and ensuring compliance among drivers.

Moreover, the recent adjustments to the ordinance governing vehicular restrictions signal the city’s ongoing efforts to enhance urban mobility and tackle the challenges posed by increasing vehicle numbers. Such measures highlight the balance that city officials must achieve between facilitating transportation for residents and managing the environmental impact of traffic in an urban area.