Pico y Placa: Driving Restrictions in Colombian Cities
- Trevor Lawrence
- Jan 28
- 4 min read
Updated: Apr 12
Must-Know Driving Restrictions in Colombia
“Pico y Placa” (literally “Peak and Plate”) is a traffic-control measure implemented in many Colombian cities to help manage congestion and reduce pollution.
What Exactly Is Pico y Placa?
Under Pico y Placa, vehicles with certain ending digits on their license plate are restricted from driving during specified hours on particular days of the week. Each city’s rules can differ – sometimes significantly – so it’s important for travelers planning to rent a car to verify the local regulations.
Most importantly, the restricted numbers change approximately every six months. That means it’s important to get the most up-to-date information you can.
Your rental agency clerk should give you the lowdown and help you pick the right vehicle based on the timing of your trip, but if your Spanish isn’t great, this guide is helpful in knowing what to ask and how to be prepared in case your plans change. Jump ahead to learn exactly what to do at the car rental agency.
For our own trips, we did our best to get vehicles for which the P&P restriction had just passed. If you’re sticking around in a city for more than a week, or driving through another city on a road trip, be aware.
Most cities do not offer a workaround. In our experience, only Bogotá let us pay for an exemption. You can speak to your car rental agent about this.
Below is an overview to help you understand where Pico y Placa operates, how it’s applied, and what it may mean for you.
Where Pico y Placa is Commonly Enforced
Bogotá
Medellín (and much of the Valle de Aburrá metro area)
Cali
Bucaramanga
Pasto
Other mid-sized cities may also have variations of Pico y Placa, though the schedules and enforcement can be less rigorous than in the biggest cities.
How Pico y Placa Works
License Plate Restrictions
Vehicles are restricted based on the last digit (or sometimes last two digits) of the license plate. For example, if Monday is designated for plates ending in 1 or 2, then on Mondays those vehicles cannot drive in restricted zones during Pico y Placa hours.
Restricted Hours
Typically on weekdays, Monday through Friday.
The time window often spans rush-hour periods (e.g., 6:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. in many cities), though exact times vary and can include midday hours in some locations.
Weekends are generally exempt, except during special events (like large civic happenings) or temporary modifications.
Geographic Scope
Typically applies in the urban core – key avenues, business districts, and crowded zones.
In large metropolitan areas (e.g., Bogotá, Medellín metro area), it can extend quite widely across the city.
Enforcement
Traffic police and automated cameras monitor compliance.
Fines for violations can be significant, and repeated infractions may lead to impoundment of the vehicle.
Rotations and Updates
Cities often rotate which plate numbers are restricted on which days every 6 months or year. Check official city websites or local news to confirm the current rotation.
Websites to Help You
“Pico y Placa” information can be sourced on a few of these sites.
City-by-City Snapshot
Bogotá
General Hours: Currently 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. (subject to change).
Restrictions by Plate Number: Often follows a rotation
Exceptions & Alternatives:
Pico y Placa Solidario: Residents (and in some cases, visitors) can pay for an exemption, valid for a set period.
Carpool Exemptions: Certain rules allow exemptions if traveling with a specified minimum number of occupants.
Medellín (Valle de Aburrá Metropolitan Area)
General Hours: Often 5:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. or 7:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. on weekdays (exact hours can shift).
Restrictions: Rotate every 6 months. The city publishes a schedule—e.g., “Monday: plates ending in 0, 1,” etc.
Geographic Scope: Includes Medellín proper plus neighboring municipalities in the Aburrá Valley (Bello, Itagüí, Envigado, etc.)—each municipality coordinates with the others so the Pico y Placa applies across much of the region.
Cali
General Hours: Commonly from 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., weekdays.
Restrictions: Based on the last digit of the plate, with a schedule published by the city government.
Important to Note: Cali’s traffic authority regularly updates the restrictions, sometimes varying routes or times, so always verify the latest news.
Other Cities
Bucaramanga, Pasto, and more: They also have Pico y Placa policies, typically with similar weekday restrictions. Hours and plate rotations differ—always confirm specifics with local transit websites or by inquiring with your rental car agency.
Tips for Travelers Renting a Car
Check Your Plate: Ask the rental agent about Pico y Placa and your plate number. Try to get a vehicle whose restriction has just passed. They can tell you which days (and times) you must avoid driving.
Plan Around Restrictions: If your sightseeing plans include driving across town during peak hours, be sure to confirm if your vehicle is restricted on that day. If it is, consider:
Adjusting your travel schedule to drive before or after the restricted window.
Using public transportation, taxis, or rideshare services (Uber, Didi, Cabify, etc.) on your restricted day.
Keep Up with Changes: Local governments can introduce temporary suspensions or changes (for holidays, special events, or environmental emergencies). If you’re in Colombia for an extended stay, follow local news or check the local Secretaría de Movilidad website.
Possible Exemptions:
In Bogotá, you may pay for a “Pico y Placa Solidario” pass.
Carpooling with multiple passengers is sometimes permitted as an exemption, but the rules vary.
Some rental car companies, in coordination with local authorities, can guide you on any official exemptions – but don’t assume a rental car is automatically exempt; it almost never is.
Fines and Penalties: Violations can be expensive. A typical penalty might exceed $100 USD, and in worst-case scenarios, the car may be impounded. It’s not worth the risk –plan accordingly.
Good luck on your Colombian adventure -- we hope you feel like a Pico y Placa authority after reading this!
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