Navigating the bustling streets of Metro Manila can be challenging, especially with the ever-present traffic. To manage vehicle volume and ease congestion, the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) implements the Unified Vehicle Volume Reduction Program (UVVRP), more commonly known as the Number Coding Scheme. This regulation restricts vehicles from using roads based on the last digit of their license plates during specific days of the week. Understanding this scheme is crucial for drivers in the Philippines to avoid penalties and plan their commutes effectively.
What is the Number Coding Scheme?
The Number Coding Scheme, officially the Unified Vehicle Volume Reduction Program (UVVRP), is a traffic management initiative by the MMDA. It aims to reduce traffic congestion in Metro Manila by limiting the number of vehicles on the roads during weekdays. This is achieved by prohibiting vehicles, both private and public, from traversing certain routes based on the final digit of their license plate number. Initially introduced in 1995 as a trial targeting public utility vehicles (PUVs) and EDSA, the scheme has evolved and been updated over the years to its current form. Weekends and holidays are exempt from number coding, allowing unrestricted vehicle movement.
Alt text: Overview of Number Coding in the Philippines, showing congested Metro Manila traffic and highlighting the concept of license plate based vehicle restrictions.
Is Number Coding Currently in Effect in the Philippines?
Yes, as of August 15, 2022, the MMDA has reinstated the Number Coding scheme with specific morning and evening peak hours. The current operational hours are from 7:00 AM to 10:00 AM and again from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM, applicable every Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday. These restrictions are lifted during weekends and officially declared holidays.
Between these peak hours, designated “window hours” from 10:01 AM to 4:59 PM and from 8:01 PM to 6:59 AM the next day provide a period where coded vehicles are allowed to drive without restriction, in areas where window hours are applicable.
What is the Objective of the Number Coding Scheme?
The primary purpose of the UVVRP or Number Coding Scheme is to alleviate the severe traffic congestion plaguing Metro Manila and other urban areas in the Philippines. By restricting vehicle usage based on license plate numbers, the scheme intends to reduce the volume of cars on public roads at any given time. This initiative is rooted in Section 1 of Memorandum Regulation No. 96-005. As of August 2022, the scheme operates with coding hours from 7 AM to 10 AM and 5 PM to 8 PM, with the intervening period designated as “window hours” where restrictions are lifted, offering drivers some flexibility during the day.
What are the Number Coding Days Based on Plate Numbers?
To effectively comply with the Number Coding scheme, drivers and vehicle owners must be aware of their vehicle’s plate number, particularly the last digit, to determine restricted travel days.
- Mondays: Vehicles with license plates ending in 1 and 2 are prohibited.
- Tuesdays: Vehicles with license plates ending in 3 and 4 are prohibited.
- Wednesdays: Vehicles with license plates ending in 5 and 6 are prohibited.
- Thursdays: Vehicles with license plates ending in 7 and 8 are prohibited.
- Fridays: Vehicles with license plates ending in 9 and 0 are prohibited.
Alt text: Number coding days and ending digits in the Philippines, visually associating days of the week with the corresponding prohibited last digits of license plates.
What are the Number Coding Hours in the Philippines?
The standard Number Coding period, according to the UVVRP, was initially from 7 AM to 8 PM. However, in August 2022, the MMDA revised the hours to two distinct periods: 7 AM to 10 AM and 5 PM to 8 PM. It’s important to note that while most of Metro Manila follows these hours, certain areas like Makati City maintain the older, longer coding hours from 7 AM to 7 PM. Drivers should always verify specific city regulations to avoid violations.
Understanding “Window Hours” in Number Coding
“Window hours” provide a reprieve for drivers, allowing coded vehicles to travel freely within specific timeframes without facing penalties. However, it’s crucial to understand that window hours are not universally applicable. Major thoroughfares like Radial Roads, Circumferential Roads, and National Roads typically do not observe window hours. While these major roads might be restricted, drivers can often utilize secondary routes to navigate through cities during window hours. Always confirm the window hour policies of the specific locality you intend to travel through, as they can vary.
Following the pandemic, in August 2022, the MMDA re-evaluated and adjusted coding hours. Currently, in areas observing window hours, these are generally set from 10:01 AM to 4:59 PM, providing a midday period of unrestricted travel for coded vehicles.
Which Cities in Metro Manila Do Not Have Number Coding Window Hours?
Makati City stands out as the only city within Metro Manila that does not implement window hours for the Number Coding scheme. In Makati, the number coding rule is continuously enforced from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. All other cities within Metro Manila generally adhere to the standard MMDA coding scheme, which includes window hours between 10:01 AM and 4:59 PM. Drivers in Makati need to be particularly mindful of the continuous coding hours to avoid violations.
What Vehicles are Exempt from the Number Coding Scheme?
Certain types of vehicles are exempted from the Number Coding scheme, recognizing their essential roles or unique characteristics. These exemptions, however, may not apply in all cities, particularly Makati. The generally exempted vehicles include:
- Public Utility Vehicles (PUVs), encompassing buses, jeepneys, and even tricycles in some areas.
- Transport Network Vehicle Services (TNVS) such as ride-hailing services.
- Motorcycles, which are seen as efficient for navigating traffic.
- Essential service vehicles like garbage trucks, fuel trucks, and fire trucks.
- Clearly marked government vehicles and media vehicles on official duty.
- Vehicles transporting essential or perishable goods, ensuring supply chains are maintained.
- Doctors, provided they possess a valid and updated PRC license, recognizing their need for mobility in emergencies.
- Electric Vehicles (EVs) and Hybrid Vehicles, often requiring LTO certification to confirm their classification.
Alt text: Number coding exemptions in the Philippines, listing various vehicle types and professions that are typically exempt from the traffic scheme.
It’s crucial to remember that these exemptions may vary, and drivers should always check for specific local regulations, especially in cities like Makati where exemptions might be more limited.
What are the Penalties for Number Coding Violations?
Violating the Number Coding scheme will result in a standard fine of P300. It is important to settle this penalty within seven days to avoid further complications. Unpaid violations can lead to additional fines and potential hassles when renewing your driver’s license. Prompt payment is advised to avoid escalating issues.
Number Coding Rules in Specific Areas
While the MMDA sets the general framework for the Number Coding scheme, specific cities and municipalities within and outside Metro Manila may have localized rules or variations. Here’s a breakdown of some specific areas:
Alabang, Muntinlupa City
Muntinlupa City generally does not implement number coding, but exceptions exist on certain roads that follow the MMDA’s coding scheme:
- Ayala-Alabang National Road
- Alabang-Zapote Road corner Buencamino and North Gate
Violations in these areas incur fines: P500 for the first offense, P750 for the second, and P1,000 for the third and subsequent offenses. Note that these rules and penalties might have been updated since the pandemic.
Makati City
As Metro Manila’s Central Business District, Makati City enforces number coding strictly with no window hours, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. The standard fine of P300 applies. However, Makati City provides exemptions for vehicles carrying senior citizen Blu Card holders (as drivers or passengers), vehicles on official functions, and medical emergencies, as defined in the Makati City code.
Quezon City, Pasig City, Pasay City, Parañaque City, Mandaluyong City, Manila 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, Manila City has some areas without window hours, while other roads follow the standard MMDA schedule. Pasay City’s coding scheme does not apply to major thoroughfares like Domestic Road, Ninoy Aquino Avenue, MIA Road, Sales Road, parts of Airport Road, and parts of Buendia (Gil Puyat). Valenzuela City implements the scheme on specific roads like MacArthur Highway and Mindanao Avenue.
Taguig City
Taguig City is partially exempt, with coding schemes applied only to national roads within its boundaries, including East Service Road and Manuel L. Quezon Avenue.
San Juan City
San Juan City currently practices number coding from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. with window hours from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. It is uncertain if they have adopted the 7 AM to 10 AM and 5 PM to 8 PM schedule with 10 AM to 4 PM window hours.
Caloocan City
Caloocan City observes the standard 7 AM to 10 AM and 5 PM to 8 PM coding period with window hours from 10 AM to 4 PM, except for Samson Road, where coding is enforced throughout the entire period without window hours. Rules may have changed since pre-pandemic times.
Is Number Coding Implemented Outside of Metro Manila?
Yes, the UVVRP extends beyond Metro Manila to regulate traffic in other cities, including Baguio, Cavite, Cabanatuan, and Dagupan. These cities generally follow the same daily license plate restrictions.
Baguio City
Baguio City, the “City of Pines,” implements number coding primarily in tourist areas like Session Road, Burnham Park, and the Baguio City Market. Coding hours are from 7 AM to 7 PM, similar to the National Capital Region (NCR), and mainly affect the Central Business District. Violators face a fine of P500.
Cavite City
Cavite City enforces UVVRP on weekdays from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. on major roads like Aguinaldo Highway and Governor’s Drive. Window hours are typically from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., and the penalty for violation is P300.
Potential Future Changes to Number Coding
Traffic management is a dynamic challenge, and changes to the UVVRP are expected. Pasig City, for instance, discontinued its odd-even scheme, reverting to the standard number coding, indicating a willingness to adapt and seek better solutions. While window hours offer flexibility, there have been proposals for a standardized 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. no-window-hours scheme across Metro Manila. Currently, Radial Roads, Circumferential Roads, and National Roads already operate without window hours. As traffic patterns evolve and new strategies are considered, further modifications to the Number Coding scheme are likely in the future. The MMDA’s August 2022 decision to revert to the 7 AM to 10 AM and 5 PM to 8 PM schedule reflects the ongoing adjustments to traffic management in response to changing conditions post-pandemic.
Metro Manila Number Coding Scheme During the Pandemic
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the MMDA suspended the Number Coding scheme in Metro Manila. However, the program was reinstated on August 15, 2022, as traffic volumes returned to pre-pandemic levels. Makati City maintained a modified scheme during the pandemic, exempting vehicles with two or more occupants. Makati also provides exemptions for motorcycles, ambulances, fire trucks, police vehicles, military vehicles, diplomatic vehicles, government vehicles, media vehicles, Makati-accredited tow trucks, vehicles of medical practitioners in emergencies, and vehicles with Senior Citizen Blu Card holders.
