Restrictions in Cúcuta for Halloween: the Mayor's Office issued a new decree prohibiting caravans and setting a special time for motorcycles

Bogotá authorities have implemented a comprehensive traffic management plan for the upcoming holiday bridge, which spans from Friday, October 30, to Monday, November 2. The District projects that approximately 871,083 vehicles will exit the capital during this period, while 1,001,879 vehicles are expected to return. To manage this massive flow of mobility associated with Halloween celebrations and the long weekend, more than 150 civil traffic agents, members of the Guide Group, and police officers will be deployed on high-demand roads throughout the weekend. The Mobility Secretariat has indicated it may activate reversible lanes, adjust signal timings, and implement other measures based on real-time traffic conditions. The primary corridors for departure toward municipalities in Cundinamarca, Boyacá, Tolima, and the Caribbean region include the North Highway, South Highway, Calle 80, Calle 13, and Carrera Séptima. Authorities advise drivers to check road conditions, depart early, and verify their vehicle’s mechanical status before traveling. On Saturday, October 31, a pilot operation will allow northbound exits via Carrera Séptima between Calle 193 and Calle 245. This measure, scheduled from 7:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., aims to provide an alternative route to the congested North Highway for residents heading to northern municipalities. For the return journey on Sunday and Monday, the Mobility Secretariat may activate a reversible lane on Carrera Séptima starting at 4:00 p.m., depending on demand. Additionally, intermittent signals may be used on the South Highway to facilitate entry for vehicles arriving from Soacha and other southern towns. These decisions will be coordinated with local authorities and the Strategic Mobility Center. A key component of the plan is the regional license plate restriction, known as pico y placa, which will take effect on Monday, November 2. This measure applies to private vehicles entering Bogotá through nine specific access corridors. From noon to 4:00 p.m., plates ending in even numbers (0, 2, 4, 6, and 8) are permitted to enter. From 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., plates ending in odd numbers (1, 3, 5, 7, and 9) are allowed. There are no regional restrictions before noon or after 8:00 p.m. The affected routes include the North Highway, South Highway, Calle 13, Calle 80, Carrera Séptima, Avenida Boyacá toward the Via al Llano, the Suba-Cota road, and the roads leading to La Calera and Choachí. Drivers are urged to check their plate numbers carefully, as Monday afternoon typically sees the highest volume of returning traffic. In addition to general traffic controls, Bogotá has adopted temporary restrictions specifically for motorcycles due to Halloween festivities. From Thursday, October 29, to Tuesday, November 3, motorcycle riders carrying passengers are prohibited from circulating between 6:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. Furthermore, circulation for all motorcycles is restricted between 8:00 p.m. and 4:00 a.m. in 19 designated road corridors. Outside these hours, motorcycle circulation remains unrestricted, though drivers should verify if their route includes one of the covered avenues. General safety recommendations include avoiding driving under the influence of alcohol, respecting speed limits, and following instructions from roadside agents. While Bogotá focuses on traffic flow, other Colombian cities have issued separate decrees targeting public order and safety during the same period. In Cúcuta, the Mayor’s Office issued Decree 0394 on October 29, 2026, aiming to protect minors and prevent accidents. The decree bans motorcycle convoys, mass gatherings, and rides in both urban and rural areas, regardless of whether participants block roads or alter traffic signals. The nightly curfew for motorcycles was temporarily advanced to start at 8:00 p.m. and end at 5:00 a.m. on October 29, 30, and November 1. However, on Saturday, October 31, the standard curfew under previous regulations will apply, prohibiting circulation from 11:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. An exception allows night-shift workers to ride motorcycles for strictly professional reasons, provided they carry proof of employment. The decree also prohibits riders and passengers from wearing masks, hoods, or costumes that obscure their faces, citing risks to helmet fit and visibility. It further bans hiding or altering license plates and using loud exhaust modifications such as free pipes or resonators that mimic gunshots. Violations are subject to fines up to 15 minimum daily wages and vehicle immobilization. Popayán has similarly tightened controls with Decree 20261000004355, issued on October 28, 2026. The city banned motorcycle passengers from 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 31, until 6:00 a.m. on Sunday, November 1, in both urban and rural zones. Fuel supply for motorcycles, motorbikes, and quad bikes is suspended during the same timeframe. From 2:00 p.m. on Friday, October 30, until 6:00 a.m. on Sunday, the transport of rubble, gas cylinders, and passengers in truck beds or external vehicle parts is prohibited. A temporary closure of Carrera 9 between Calle 4 and Calle 5, near the Metropolitan Police Command, will occur from 6:00 p.m. Saturday to 6:00 a.m. Sunday. The decree also bans the distribution, sale, transport, and use of fireworks, firecrackers, and balloons from midnight Friday until 6:00 a.m. Sunday. Drone operations over roads, parks, squares, and public events are restricted from 6:00 p.m. Friday to 6:00 a.m. Sunday. Public event organizers must obtain authorization from the Municipal Government Secretary. Hospitals in Popayán have been placed on yellow alert from 6:00 p.m. Friday to 8:00 p.m. Sunday, requiring health institutions to activate emergency plans and ensure staff and resource availability.