Traffic restrictions and mobility measures in Quito, Medellín, Bogotá, and Cali

Major cities in Ecuador and Colombia are implementing various traffic management measures to address congestion and safety.

In Quito, Ecuador, the ‘pico y placa’ vehicle restriction system remains active. For Wednesday, September 23, vehicles with license plates ending in 5 and 6 are prohibited from circulating within the urban perimeter during morning (06:00 to 09:30) and afternoon/evening (16:00 to 20:00) shifts. Violations incur progressive fines based on the Unified Basic Salary. Additionally, data from the Metropolitan Transit Agency (AMT) highlights a high rate of motorcycle accidents, with 753 incidents reported between January and August 2026, particularly in sectors like Quitumbe and Calderón.

In Colombia, several cities have active mobility protocols. Medellín continues its ‘pico y placa’ rotation for private vehicles and motorcycles to manage high vehicle volumes in the Aburrá Valley. In Bogotá, restrictions are also in place for private vehicles and taxis to ensure urban mobility. Meanwhile, in Cali, the Mobility Secretariat has announced several road closures due to demolition works and structural instability risks in various sectors, requiring transit units to regulate movement and prevent pedestrian and vehicle passage through high-risk zones.