Navigating Metro Manila’s notorious rush hour traffic is a daily challenge for drivers. To manage congestion, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) implements a traffic management strategy known as the number coding scheme. This system restricts vehicle access on major roads based on the last digit of their license plates during peak hours. Understanding car coding in Manila is crucial for efficient commuting.
For those unfamiliar, or even seasoned drivers needing a refresher, this guide will clarify the car coding scheme in Manila for 2022. Mastering these rules will help you navigate Manila’s streets smoothly and reach your destinations without unnecessary delays.
Understanding the Car Coding Scheme Schedule
The MMDA’s car coding scheme primarily targets private vehicles. The restriction day for your vehicle depends on the final number on your license plate. Here’s a straightforward breakdown:
| License Plate Ending in | Coding Day |
|---|---|
| 1 and 2 | Monday |
| 3 and 4 | Tuesday |
| 5 and 6 | Wednesday |
| 7 and 8 | Thursday |
| 9 and 0 | Friday |
This schedule dictates when certain vehicles are prohibited from driving on specified roads within Metro Manila.
Car Coding Hours and “Window Hours” Across Manila Cities
The car coding scheme is generally active on weekdays, Monday through Friday, across most of Metro Manila. However, to provide some flexibility for motorists, “window hours” are in place in most cities, allowing vehicles covered by the coding scheme to be on the roads during these times. A key exception is Makati City, which operates a distinct traffic coding system without window hours.
Refer to the table below for the specific coding hours and window hour policies for different cities within Metro Manila:
| City | Coding Hours | Window Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Caloocan | 7 AM to 10 AM, 5 PM to 8 PM | 10:01 AM to 4:59 PM |
| Las Pinas | 7 AM to 10 AM, 5 PM to 8 PM | 10:01 AM to 4:59 PM |
| Makati | 7 AM to 7 PM | None |
| Mandaluyong | 7 AM to 10 AM, 5 PM to 8 PM | 10:01 AM to 4:59 PM |
| Malabon | 7 AM to 10 AM, 5 PM to 8 PM | 10:01 AM to 4:59 PM |
| Manila | 7 AM to 10 AM, 5 PM to 8 PM | 10:01 AM to 4:59 PM |
| Marikina | 7 AM to 10 AM, 5 PM to 8 PM (only on Marilaque/Marcos Highway) | 10:01 AM to 4:59 PM |
| Muntinlupa | 7 AM to 10 AM, 5 PM to 8 PM (only on Alabang-Zapote Road) | 10:01 AM to 4:59 PM |
| Navotas | 7 AM to 10 AM, 5 PM to 8 PM | 10:01 AM to 4:59 PM |
| Paranaque | 7 AM to 10 AM, 5 PM to 8 PM | 10:01 AM to 4:59 PM |
| Pasay | 7 AM to 10 AM, 5 PM to 8 PM | 10:01 AM to 4:59 PM |
| Pasig | 7 AM to 10 AM, 5 PM to 8 PM | 10:01 AM to 4:59 PM |
| Pateros | 7 AM to 10 AM, 5 PM to 8 PM | 10:01 AM to 4:59 PM |
| Quezon City | 7 AM to 10 AM, 5 PM to 8 PM | 10:01 AM to 4:59 PM |
| San Juan | 7 AM to 10 AM, 5 PM to 8 PM | 10:01 AM to 4:59 PM |
| Taguig | 7 AM to 10 AM, 5 PM to 8 PM | 10:01 AM to 4:59 PM |
| Valenzuela | 7 AM to 10 AM, 5 PM to 8 PM | 10:01 AM to 4:59 PM |
Understanding Manila car coding hours and window hours is essential for planning your daily commute.
Major Roads Covered by the Number Coding Scheme
The MMDA’s number coding scheme is enforced on the following key thoroughfares in Metro Manila:
- Araneta Avenue
- Aurora Boulevard
- Bonifacio Avenue
- C5 Road
- C6 Road
- Del Pan Street
- EDSA (Epifanio de los Santos Avenue)
- Magsaysay Boulevard
- Marcos Highway
- Ortigas Avenue
- Quezon Avenue
- Quirino Avenue
- Recto Avenue
- Rizal Avenue
- Roxas Boulevard
- Shaw Boulevard
- South Luzon Expressway (SLEX)
- Taft Avenue
These are the primary roads where motorists need to be mindful of the car coding regulations during restricted hours.
Exemptions from Car Coding in Manila
While car coding in Manila is widely implemented, there are specific exemptions for certain roads and vehicle types. It’s important to know these exemptions to avoid confusion.
Roads Exempt from Car Coding:
- Samson Road, Caloocan
- Sales Road
- MIA Road (Manila International Airport Road)
- Ninoy Aquino Avenue
- Domestic Road
- Bonifacio Global City (BGC)
- Skyway
- NAIA Expressway
- Parts of Airport Road
- Parts of Gil Puyat Avenue (formerly Buendia)
- Other tollways and sections of toll roads within Metro Manila
Vehicles Exempt from Car Coding:
- Electric vehicles and hybrid vehicles (Eco-friendly vehicles are often incentivized)
- Public Utility Vehicles (PUVs) including buses, jeepneys, and tricycles
- Transport Network Vehicle Services (TNVS) – ride-hailing services
- Motorcycles (Except in Makati City under specific regulations)
- Garbage trucks and other waste management vehicles
- Fuel trucks and other essential goods transport
- Ambulances and other emergency medical vehicles
- Fire trucks and other emergency response vehicles
- Marked government vehicles
- Marked media vehicles – vehicles clearly identified as press
- Motor vehicles carrying essential or perishable goods
It is crucial to remember that Makati City has a more limited list of exemptions for its unique coding scheme:
- Ambulances, fire trucks, police patrol cars, and military vehicles on official duty
- Vehicles displaying diplomatic license plates
- Marked government vehicles
- Marked media vehicles in official use
- Makati City-accredited tow trucks
- Vehicles used by medical practitioners during emergencies
- Vehicles driven by or carrying Senior Citizen Blu Card holders
Frequently Asked Questions About Car Coding in Manila
To further clarify the car coding scheme, here are answers to common questions:
1. What are the window hours for car coding?
Outside of Makati City, the window hours in Metro Manila are from 10:01 AM to 4:59 PM and then again from 8:01 PM to 6:59 AM the following day. Vehicles under coding can travel during these periods.
2. Is car coding enforced on holidays and weekends in Metro Manila?
No, the MMDA typically suspends the car coding scheme on holidays and weekends. Additionally, it may be lifted during significant events such as severe weather, public transportation crises, or special occasions like the President’s State of the Nation Address (SONA).
3. Are healthcare workers exempt from car coding in Metro Manila?
As of May 2022, the MMDA provides exemptions specifically for cars driven by or carrying doctors. To qualify, doctors must present their valid Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) ID. Other healthcare professionals are generally required to follow the car coding rules in Manila.
4. Are motorcycles covered by the car coding scheme?
Motorcycles are generally exempt from car coding in Metro Manila, with the exception of specific regulations that may apply in Makati City. It’s always best to check local Makati traffic ordinances for the most up-to-date rules.
5. What is the penalty for violating car coding rules?
Fines for car coding violations typically range from ₱300 to ₱500, depending on the city where the violation occurs. Prompt payment within seven days is recommended to avoid increased fines or complications with driver’s license renewal.
Navigate Manila Roads Smartly
Car coding in Manila can seem complex at first glance. However, understanding the schedule, hours, covered roads, and exemptions is key to navigating Metro Manila efficiently in 2022. Planning your routes and being aware of your vehicle’s coding day will help you avoid traffic violations and contribute to smoother traffic flow for everyone. For further convenience, consider residential options in strategic locations within key cities like Pasay, Taguig, Manila, Makati, San Juan, and Quezon City, minimizing your commute and maximizing your time.
Rush hour traffic in Manila underscores the importance of understanding and adhering to car coding regulations.
