In response to worsening air quality, authorities in Mexico City have activated the Contingencia Ambiental in the Metropolitan Zone of the Valley of Mexico (ZMVM), implementing restrictions on certain vehicles' circulation to improve air conditions. The 'Doble Hoy No Circula' program outlines which vehicles are restricted based on the color of their license plate and the last digits. However, motorcycles are notably exempt from these restrictions during the initial phase of the emergency, raising questions about the reasoning behind this decision.

The 'Hoy No Circula' program establishes vehicular restrictions during environmental contingencies, with specific exemptions announced for various vehicle types. During Phase I of the contingency, which follows a preventive phase, 50% of vehicles are prevented from circulating based on specified criteria. Despite the prevalent issue of air pollution, motorcycles remain unaffected by these limitations in the initial stages, suggesting other underlying considerations for their exemption.

The decision to exempt motorcycles from such restrictions during environmental emergencies could stem from their lower emissions relative to conventional cars or the practicality of motorcycle travel in urban areas. This policy, however, could spark debate on whether it adequately addresses the overall goal of improving air quality, considering the volume of motorcycle traffic and their potential impact on pollution levels from a broader environmental perspective.