Traffic restrictions are in effect today in Quito as part of the city’s Pico y Placa mobility program, limiting circulation for certain vehicles during peak hours.
For Thursday, April 2, the restriction applies to vehicles and motorcycles with license plates ending in 7 and 8. The measure is enforced during two time windows: from 6:00 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. and again from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
The policy is designed to ease congestion across the capital, particularly during high-traffic periods. To support traffic flow, the Metropolitan Transit Agency has also implemented contraflow lanes on major routes, including Velasco Ibarra Avenue, Mariscal Sucre Avenue, the Guayasamín tunnel, and the General Rumiñahui highway.
The Pico y Placa system follows a rotating schedule based on the last digit of license plates. Restrictions apply Monday through Friday, with different digits assigned to each day.
Drivers who fail to comply with the rule face escalating fines. A first offense carries a penalty equivalent to 15% of the unified basic salary, or about $72. A second violation increases to 30%, while a third reaches 50%, or approximately $241.
Authorities continue to encourage residents to plan ahead, use public transportation where possible, and respect traffic regulations to avoid penalties and reduce congestion in the city.