Navigating Metro Manila’s traffic can be challenging, and understanding the Number Coding Scheme is crucial for every driver. As your trusted auto repair experts at carcodescanner.store, we’re here to break down everything you need to know about this vehicle volume reduction program.
Understanding the Number Coding Scheme
Let’s start with the basics: What exactly is the Number Coding Scheme? Officially known as the Unified Vehicle Volume Reduction Program (UVVRP), this initiative by the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) aims to manage traffic flow during weekdays. It restricts vehicle movement based on the last digit of their license plates, limiting road access on specific days.
Introduced in 1995, initially as an experiment focused on public utility vehicles (PUVs), the scheme was later expanded to include all vehicles, especially on EDSA. It’s important to remember that number coding is not enforced during weekends and holidays. During the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, the UVVRP was temporarily paused from March 13, 2020, to November 30, 2021.
Is Number Coding Currently Active?
Yes, the Number Coding scheme is in effect as of June 2024. Since August 15, 2022, the MMDA broadened the scheme to include morning and evening rush hours. The current schedule restricts coded vehicles from roads between 7:00 AM to 10:00 AM and again from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM, from Monday to Friday, excluding holidays and weekends.
During these “coding hours,” vehicles are restricted. However, a “window period” exists allowing coded vehicles to travel between 10:01 AM and 4:59 PM, and from 8:01 PM to 6:59 AM the next day. This is the generally followed scheme, but variations exist in certain cities, which we’ll discuss later.
Which Days Are Cars Coded?
Knowing your car’s coding day is simple. Just check the last digit of your license plate:
- Monday: Plates ending in 1 and 2
- Tuesday: Plates ending in 3 and 4
- Wednesday: Plates ending in 5 and 6
- Thursday: Plates ending in 7 and 8
- Friday: Plates ending in 9 and 0
Remember this simple pattern to avoid driving on your car’s coding day in Metro Manila.
Number Coding Hours: Morning and Afternoon Rush
In Metro Manila, the expanded number coding scheme is enforced during peak traffic times:
- Morning Rush Hour: 7:00 AM to 10:00 AM
- Afternoon/Evening Peak Hours: 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM
This schedule applies on weekdays, Monday to Friday, in the National Capital Region (NCR). However, it’s crucial to note exceptions. For instance, Makati City implements a full-day coding scheme from 7 AM to 7 PM with no window hours. Always verify specific city rules before driving, especially if passing through different Metro Manila areas.
Window Hours Explained
“Window hours” provide a period within the day when coded vehicles are allowed on the roads. In areas implementing window hours, specifically those outside of Radial Roads, Circumferential Roads, and National Roads, you can drive your coded car between 10:01 AM to 4:59 PM.
However, remember that Makati City is a notable exception and does not observe window hours. Always double-check the specific regulations of the city you are driving in to avoid violations.
Roads Covered by the Number Coding Scheme
The MMDA enforces number coding on all major roads under its jurisdiction. These key thoroughfares include:
- EDSA
- C5
- Recto Avenue
- Quirino Avenue
- Araneta Avenue
- C6
- Roxas Boulevard
- Taft Avenue
- Shaw Boulevard
- Ortigas Avenue
- Magsaysay Boulevard
- Aurora Boulevard
- Quezon Avenue
- Bonifacio Avenue
- Rizal Avenue
- Del Pan
- Marcos Highway
Avoid these roads during coding hours on your vehicle’s restricted day to comply with the UVVRP.
Areas Exempt from Number Coding
Certain areas and roads are not covered by the Number Coding Scheme. These exemptions primarily include tollways managed by private companies and some specific municipal roads. Here’s a list of areas where number coding generally does not apply:
- NAIA Expressway
- Skyway System
- South Luzon Expressway (SLEX)
- Domestic Road
- Ninoy Aquino Avenue
- MIA Road
- Sales Road
- Parts of Airport Road
- Some parts of Buendia (Gil Puyat)
- Tollway extensions (e.g., NLEX Harbor Link)
Additionally, some municipalities may have specific local exemptions within their jurisdiction. Always verify local city ordinances for the most accurate information.
Vehicle Exemptions from Number Coding
Certain vehicle types are exempted from the Number Coding Scheme in Metro Manila. These include:
- Public Utility Vehicles (PUVs) including buses, jeepneys, and tricycles
- Transport Network Vehicle Services (TNVS) – ride-sharing services
- Motorcycles
- Garbage trucks, fuel trucks, and fire trucks
- Marked government vehicles and marked media vehicles
- Vehicles carrying essential or perishable goods
- Doctors with valid and updated PRC licenses
- Electric Vehicles (EVs) and Hybrid Vehicles with proper LTO certification and special plates
Important Note: Makati City has fewer exemptions. In Makati, exemptions are typically limited to vehicles carrying senior citizen BluCard holders, emergency vehicles, vehicles on official functions, and electric vehicles.
Electric Vehicle (EV) Exemption and Hybrid Clarification
Electric vehicles and hybrid vehicles are indeed exempt from the UVVRP due to Republic Act No. 11697, the Electric Vehicle Industry Development Act (EVIDA). This law promotes EV adoption by exempting them from traffic schemes like number coding. To qualify, vehicle registrations must clearly state the model as “hybrid.”
Hybrid Vehicle Exemption Caveat
It’s important to understand that not all vehicles marketed as “hybrid” are exempt. “Mild-hybrid” vehicles, which use a small electric motor to assist the combustion engine but cannot run solely on electric power, are not typically exempt from the Number Coding Scheme.
Exemption is generally granted to vehicles recognized by the Department of Energy (DOE). Before purchasing a vehicle expecting coding exemption, consult the DOE’s list of recognized EVs and Hybrids to confirm its eligibility. True hybrids and EVs capable of electric-only propulsion are usually exempt.
Penalties for Number Coding Violations
Violating the Number Coding Scheme results in a fine. The standard penalty ranges from P300 to P500, depending on the locality where the violation occurs. Fines must be paid within seven days to avoid further complications during driver’s license renewal.
Paying Number Coding Fines
Fines for number coding violations can be paid through MMDA-approved channels such as:
- Landbank
- SM Bills Payment Centers
- Bayad Center
Additionally, Bayad Center partners like GCash, PayMaya, and GrabPay offer digital payment options for MMDA fines. In 2023, MMDA also introduced handheld ticketing devices that can process on-the-spot fine payments.
City-Specific Number Coding Rules
While Metro Manila generally follows the MMDA scheme, some cities have specific rules or interpretations:
Alabang, Muntinlupa City
Muntinlupa City generally does not implement number coding, except on these roads which follow the MMDA scheme:
- Ayala-Alabang National Road
- Alabang-Zapote Road corner Buencamino and North Gate
Violations in these areas incur fines starting at P500 for the first offense, increasing for subsequent offenses. Always verify current rules with local LGU social media for the most up-to-date information.
Makati City
Makati City enforces a stricter number coding rule from 7 AM to 7 PM with no window hours. The standard fine is P300. Exemptions are very limited, primarily for vehicles carrying senior citizen Blu Card holders, emergency vehicles, vehicles on official functions, and EVs.
Quezon City, Pasig City, Pasay City, Parañaque City, Mandaluyong City, Valenzuela City
These cities generally adhere to the MMDA’s coding scheme of 7 AM to 10 AM and 5 PM to 8 PM with window hours from 10:01 AM to 4:59 PM. However, always confirm any local road-specific exemptions or changes. Pasay City, for example, has coding exemptions on major thoroughfares like Domestic Road and Ninoy Aquino Avenue.
Manila City
Manila has varied implementations. Some areas follow the standard MMDA schedule with window hours, while others enforce number coding without window hours. Be aware of the specific area within Manila and its coding rules before driving.
San Juan City
San Juan City currently practices number coding from 7 AM to 7 PM, but does have window hours from 10 AM to 3 PM. It’s advisable to check if they have updated to the 7 AM-10 AM / 5 PM-8 PM MMDA schedule.
Caloocan City
Caloocan City operates number coding from 7 AM to 10 AM and 5 PM to 8 PM. While window hours (10 AM to 4 PM) apply to most roads, Samson Road is an exception and has no window hours, meaning coding is enforced throughout the entire coding period on Samson Road.
Taguig City
Taguig City is partially exempt. Number coding applies mainly to national roads within Taguig, including East Service Road and Manuel L. Quezon Avenue. Local roads may have different rules.
Number Coding Beyond Metro Manila
The UVVRP is not exclusive to Metro Manila. Cities like Baguio, Cabanatuan, and Dagupan also implement number coding to manage traffic. These cities typically follow the same license plate-based restrictions.
Baguio City, a popular tourist destination, enforces coding in key areas like Session Road, Burnham Park, and the City Market from 7 AM to 7 PM. Violations in Baguio incur a P500 fine.
Cavite province previously had its own coding scheme (UVRS) but has suspended it under Provincial Ordinance 283-2020 until further notice.
Future Updates to the Coding Scheme?
The Number Coding Scheme has evolved since 1995, and further changes are possible. In 2022, the MMDA considered more stringent measures, including proposals for two-day-a-week vehicle bans.
One proposal was an odd-even scheme, banning odd-numbered plates on Mondays and Thursdays, and even-numbered plates on Tuesdays and Fridays, with Wednesdays as a “no coding” day. Another more complex scheme was also considered to reduce traffic by a larger percentage.
As of now, these more drastic changes have not been implemented, likely due to public criticism regarding complexity and inconvenience. However, the MMDA may still introduce updates in the future. Stay informed about potential changes to the Number Coding Scheme to ensure compliance and smooth driving in Metro Manila.
This guide from carcodescanner.store aims to provide you with a comprehensive understanding of the Number Coding Scheme in Metro Manila and surrounding areas for 2024. Drive safely and be coding-aware!
