Colombia's cities enforce new 'pico y placa' traffic restrictions

In Medellín, authorities continued the daily "pico y placa" rotation on Thursday, June 11, barring private cars and motorcycles with plate numbers ending in 5 or 9 from circulating between 5 a.m. and 8 p.m. across the Valle de Aburrá, while taxis with plates ending in 2 faced the same restriction. Violations can result in fines of about 604 000 Colombian pesos and possible vehicle impoundment.

In Bogotá, a regional "pico y placa" schedule took effect on Monday, June 15, coinciding with a public holiday. Vehicles with even‑numbered plates (0, 2, 4, 6, 8) were allowed between midnight and 4 p.m., and odd‑numbered plates (1, 3, 5, 7, 9) between 4 p.m. and 8 p.m. The measure covers nine major corridors and is supported by extra traffic guides, reversible lanes, and dozens of control operatives to maintain mobility during the holiday surge.