Quito Pico y Placa Fines Can Reach $230, El Comercio Reports

Quito's Pico y Placa rules can get expensive if you miss the schedule.

El Comercio reports that the vehicle restriction operates on weekdays in two time windows: 06:00 to 09:30 and 16:00 to 20:00. It does not apply on Saturdays, Sundays or holidays.

The Fines

The restriction is based on the last digit of a vehicle's plate. El Comercio gives the Friday example: plates ending in 9 and 0 cannot circulate during the restricted windows.

The sanctions escalate:

• First violation: 15% of the unified basic salary, or $69
• Second violation: 25%, or $115
• Third violation: 50%, or $230

The Agencia Metropolitana de Transito (AMT) carries out street controls in Quito and checks plate digits during the restricted hours.

Exemptions

El Comercio reports that people with disabilities and older adults have permanent exemption. They can circulate on any day and at any time without needing additional procedures before traffic agents.

The AMT also regulates how long vehicles stay in retention centers. If a vehicle remains there for more than three years, it can be declared abandoned and scrapped.

What This Means for Expats

This matters if you drive in Quito, borrow a car, rent a vehicle or use a car registered in someone else's name. The rule is simple, but the fine ladder is not forgiving.

Before driving across Quito on a weekday, check the last digit of the plate, the hour and whether the day is a holiday.

Source: El Comercio