The Presidential Delegation of the Metropolitan Region declared an Environmental Alert for Thursday, July 9, 2026, following a recommendation from the Seremi of the Environment. The decision aims to protect public health due to poor ventilation conditions in the Santiago basin and meteorological projections that favor the accumulation of pollutants.
What are the vehicle restrictions for July 9?
Carabineros, the Ministry of Transport’s Inspection Unit, and the television surveillance network are supervising vehicle restrictions. For cars with the “Sello Verde,” restrictions apply to digits 4 and 5 within the Province of Santiago, including Puente Alto and San Bernardo.
Vehicles without the Sello Verde cannot circulate if their plates end in 8, 9, 0, or 1 outside the Américo Vespucio ring. This same restriction for non-Sello Verde vehicles (digits 8, 9, 0, 1) applies to cargo transport and pickup trucks inside the Américo Vespucio ring.
Motorcycles with digits 4 and 5 are restricted in the Province of Santiago and the communes of Puente Alto and San Bernardo.
Which heating and agricultural activities are banned?
The use of wood-burning heaters and wood-derived fuels is prohibited throughout the Metropolitan Region, according to authorities. Wood pellets are the only exception to this rule. The Seremi of Health, municipalities, and Carabineros are tasked with enforcing this ban.
Agricultural burns remain prohibited. The SAG and Conaf, both dependent on the Seremi of Agriculture, are responsible for monitoring these activities.
How are schools handling physical education?
The Ministry of Education, via the Seremi of Education RM, suggested that schools should not suspend physical education classes. Instead, they must modify the intensity of the activities.
The recommendation is to prioritize indoor activities and avoid high-demand efforts that require higher oxygen consumption to protect student health.
How can citizens report violations?
Authorities have established two specific channels for reporting. To report the use of wood heaters, citizens can call 600 360 7777. Reports regarding agricultural burns should be directed to Conaf at 130.
Because meteorological projections indicate a scenario favoring pollutant accumulation, these enforcement measures may continue if ventilation conditions do not improve.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which vehicles are exempt from the Sello Verde restrictions?
Vehicles with Sello Verde are only restricted if their plates end in 4 or 5 within the Province of Santiago, San Bernardo, and Puente Alto.
Are all wood-burning heaters prohibited?
Yes, except for those that use wood pellets.
Should physical education classes be canceled during the alert?
No, the Seremi of Education RM suggests modifying the intensity of activities and moving them indoors rather than suspending them.
Do you think these vehicle restrictions are sufficient to improve air quality during winter alerts?
