Quito Deploys 711 Traffic Agents and 36 Checkpoints for Carnival Weekend

If you’re driving in Quito this Carnival weekend, expect to see a lot of uniforms.

Quito’s Metropolitan Traffic Agency (AMT) is deploying its largest holiday operation of the year: 711 traffic agents across the city from February 13 through 17, covering the four-day Carnival weekend.

The Operation

36 Highway Checkpoints

Control points will be stationed on Quito’s highest-accident routes:

• Simón Bolívar Avenue
• Ruta Viva (toward Tumbaco/Cumbayá)
• General Rumiñahui Expressway (toward Los Chillos valley)
• Avenida Maldonado (southern access)
• Panamericana Norte (northern exit toward Cayambe/Otavalo)

Terminal Coverage

Agents will be stationed at all major bus terminals:

• Quitumbe (south — primary inter-city terminal)
• Carcelén (north)
• La Ofelia
• Río Coca
• La Marín
• El Labrador (Metro connection)

63 High-Traffic Locations

Personnel will monitor 29 planned activities across 63 locations including shopping centers, markets, plazas, and recreational areas.

What They’re Looking For

The AMT’s enforcement priorities:

• Drunk driving — the primary focus. The campaign slogan: “Mark 0 for alcohol and you decide”
• Motorcycle compliance checks
• License plate verification
• Window tint violations
• Heavy vehicle circulation restrictions
• Exclusive lane violations
• Speeding
• Inter-provincial vehicle security seals

Other Carnival Restrictions

• Two lagoons and 27 public pools in Quito will be closed during the holiday to prevent water waste and damage
• Fines up to $482 for placing pools in public spaces (streets, sidewalks, parks)
• Enhanced controls on “chivas” — the open-air party buses that are popular during festivals. Expect compliance checks on passenger capacity, alcohol, and route permits
• Metro de Quito will operate on a holiday schedule — check the Metro app for adjusted times

What This Means for Expats

• Don’t drink and drive: Ecuador’s blood alcohol limit is 0.3 g/L — much lower than the U.S. limit of 0.8. A single beer can put you over. The fine starts at $340 and can include vehicle impoundment and license suspension
• Carry your documents: License, vehicle registration (matrícula), insurance, and your cédula or passport. Checkpoints will verify everything
• Plan your exit: If you’re leaving Quito for the coast or another city, depart early Friday morning (Feb 13) or accept heavy traffic. The return on Tuesday evening (Feb 17) will be brutal on all major highways
• Terminal tips: If you’re taking a bus from Quitumbe, buy tickets 1-2 days ahead. Lines are long and popular routes sell out
• Water warning: Carnival = water balloons, foam spray (espuma), and buckets of water thrown at pedestrians and cars. It’s tradition, it’s “fun,” and it’s going to happen to you whether you want it or not. Waterproof your phone, don’t wear anything you care about, and leave the laptop at home
• Quiet alternative: If you want to stay in Quito and avoid the chaos, the Centro Histórico typically has organized cultural events (the city scheduled a Carnaval de Venecia event on Saturday). The Metro makes getting around the city easy without driving

Sources: El Universo, AMT, Quito Informa