Pollution in Chile

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Santiago has historically been one of the most polluted cities in Latin America, though recent improvements have changed its ranking. The Chilean capital, with more than 6 million inhabitants, and the metropolitan area as a whole are particularly affected, especially in winter (May-August). Pollution is mainly due to road traffic intensity and Santiago's geographical location in a valley between two mountains, which prevents pollutant dispersion. However, by 2021, Santiago had dropped from being among the top 5 most polluted Latin American capitals to number 8 in Chile's ranking of cities with highest PM2.5 concentrations.

The World Air Quality website has a real-time air quality index visual map.

However, authorities have made significant progress in reducing air pollution. The "Santiago Respira" plan, launched in 2014, has achieved measurable improvements through traffic restrictions, heating system updates, mass transit fleet improvements, and stricter regulations on pollutant emissions by industry. These efforts have resulted in a 17% decrease in national emergency room visits (500,000 fewer visits annually) and significant downward trends in PM2.5 levels in most Chilean cities with Air Quality Management Plans.

Levels of pollution alerts and restrictions associated in Santiago de Chile

There are several levels of pollution alerts, with different emergency measures:

Restriction during all winter (May-August) for old vehicles

The Chilean authorities implement traffic restrictions from Monday to Friday from 7:30 am to 9 pm throughout the entire Province of Santiago, plus the communes of Puente Alto and San Bernardo. These restrictions run from May 1 to August 31 each year and apply based on the last digit of the license plate and the vehicle's green stamp (sello verde) status.

• Vehicles WITH green stamp (sello verde) registered before September 1, 2011: Subject to two-digit daily restrictions (20% of vehicles). Vehicles registered after this date have no restrictions.

• Vehicles WITHOUT green stamp: Have absolute prohibition to circulate within the Américo Vespucio ring, regardless of license plate digit. In the rest of Santiago Province (including Puente Alto and San Bernardo), they have four-digit daily restrictions (40% of vehicles).

• Some motorcycles registered between 2002 and September 1st, 2010 are not allowed to circulate within the perimeter. This restriction impacts two digits per day (see table below).

Alerta ambiental (1st level of pollution)

Every day, four numbers of vehicles with non-catalytic converters are not allowed to circulate, which does not change anything in winter. From this level of pollution, the use of wood heating and agricultural combustion are prohibited.

Preemergencia

In addition to the traffic restrictions above, the restriction for vehicles with non-catalytic converters extends to six digits per day. From this level of pollution, the authorities recommend not to do any physical activity.

Emergencia

In addition to the traffic restrictions above, the restriction for vehicles with non-catalytic converters extends to eight digits per day and the restriction for vehicles with catalytic converters extends to two digits per day.

About new cars

Vehicles with green stamp registered after September 1, 2011 are excluded from regular restrictions. Electric vehicles, certified hybrids, and emergency vehicles are also exempt from all restrictions.

You can get more information on the website of the Unidad Operativa de Control de Transito. The Department of Transport and Telecommunications is very active on Twitter and many information is conveyed via the official account.

You can enter the number of your license plate on the website of the Department of Transport and Telecommunications to know the days on which you are not allowed to drive.

Fines

Restrictions compliance is controlled by police officers and cameras located on major roads. If you do not comply with the restrictions, you may be fined between 1 and 1.5 UTM (approximately $68,648 to $102,972 CLP as of 2025 - see our article on UTM if you are not familiar with this acronym). To find out if you have been fined, you can enter your license plate on the website of the Ministry of Justice.

If you use your car and take a highway, be careful not to use a motorway exit located inside the perimeter, it is likely that the access control cameras are used for this purpose.

Is pollution in Chile that bad? What can I do if I can not bear pollution?

The pollution is higher in July, during winter. And there are a few days during winter when it is really problematic, during which it is recommended not to go outside.

If you are allergic or have respiratory problems, you have several options:

• relocate near the coast, where the pollution problems are very limited due to the high amount of wind,
• in Santiago, choose to settle in communas higher in the mountains, such as Lo Barnechea, or San Carlos de Apoquindo in Las Condes (both being more expensive). You can also have a look at La Reina Alta and Alto Peñalolén, which are a bit cheaper but still offer nice properties.

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