In Quito, Ecuador, the vehicular circulation regulation known as Pico y Placa continues to be in force, requiring local drivers to comply with restrictions based on the endings of their vehicle license plates. For Thursday, March 12, 2026, vehicles with plates ending in 7 and 8 will be prohibited from circulating between 06:00 and 09:30 in the morning and from 16:00 to 20:00 in the evening. This system aims to reduce traffic congestion during peak hours by limiting the number of cars on the road.

The regulations specifically target both cars and motorcycles, and violators can face significant fines. For first-time offenders, the penalty is set at $72.30, which corresponds to 15% of the unified basic salary (SBU) in Ecuador. Repeated offenses carry stiffer penalties: a second infringement incurs a fine of $144.60 (30% of SBU), while a third infraction results in a fee of $241, amounting to half of the SBU, projected to be $482 in 2026. These financial deterrents are designed to encourage compliance among drivers in the busy capital city.

Recent amendments to the ordinance regulating vehicle restrictions reflect the ongoing efforts by Quito's authorities to combat traffic issues and promote smoother transit within the city. By enforcing stricter rules and raising awareness about the Pico y Placa system, officials aim to encourage the use of public transportation and alternative methods of commuting, thereby contributing to more sustainable urban mobility in the longer term.