Vehicle Restrictions in Santiago
Metropolitan Region authorities are continuing the vehicle restriction program in Santiago this Friday, May 29, a core component of the Critical Episode Management (GEC) plan designed by the Ministry of the Environment. The regulation, which has become a staple during the winter months, aims to mitigate high levels of air pollution in the capital and will remain in effect without interruption until August 31.
As reported by CNN Chile, the restriction applies Monday through Friday, excluding holidays, from 7:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Compliance will be monitored through a joint operation between the Carabineros de Chile and the Ministry of Transport's Inspection Unit, supported by a network of surveillance cameras installed throughout the city.
Affected License Plates
Restrictions for this Friday are segmented based on vehicle type, registration date, and the presence of a 'green seal' (emissions certification). For cars, station wagons, and similar vehicles registered before September 1, 2011, that have a green seal, the restriction applies to license plates ending in 6 and 7. For vehicles without a green seal, the ban applies to plates ending in 2, 3, 4, and 5.
Motorcycles are also subject to these regulations. For motorcycles registered before 2002, the restriction applies to digits 2, 3, 4, and 5; for those registered before September 1, 2010, the measure affects plates ending in 6 and 7.
Finally, the regulations include cargo and passenger transport vehicles that lack a green seal. Private transport buses, as well as intercity and rural buses, are prohibited from circulating if their plates end in 2, 3, 4, or 5—the same restriction that applies to cargo vehicles without a green seal. Drivers caught violating these rules face fines ranging from 1 to 1.5 Monthly Tax Units (UTM).
