Quito's 'pico y placa' traffic restriction in effect July 2, 2026

Quito is reinstating its "pico y placa" vehicle restriction program on Thursday, July 2, 2026, as part of an ongoing strategy to alleviate traffic congestion in the capital.

The municipal administration is urging drivers to check the specific hours of restriction and verify if their vehicles have the necessary authorization to circulate. The "pico y placa" system operates on a weekly schedule, with restrictions determined by the last digit of a vehicle's license plate. On this particular Thursday, vehicles with license plates ending in 7 and 8 are prohibited from driving during the designated peak traffic hours.

This measure aims to manage the flow of vehicles and prevent the saturation of main roads during morning and afternoon rush hours. Traffic control agents are conducting operations throughout the city to ensure drivers are complying with the "pico y placa" regulations, checking license plates, circulation times, and valid permits.

In addition to traffic flow management, the municipality is reinforcing road safety. Drivers are encouraged to respect speed limits and avoid risky maneuvers to prevent accidents. The city council also approved an ordinance on January 6, 2026, to implement a technological identification system, known as the "third plate," to enhance traffic control within the metropolitan district.