Navigating the bustling streets of Metro Manila can be challenging, especially for motorists. One key regulation that impacts daily commutes is the Number Coding Scheme. Formally known as the Unified Vehicle Volume Reduction Program (UVVRP) and managed by the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA), this scheme is essential knowledge for anyone driving in the city. But what exactly is car coding, and how does it affect you?
What is the Number Coding Scheme?
The Number Coding Scheme is a traffic management initiative designed to reduce vehicle volume on Metro Manila roads during weekdays. It works by restricting vehicles based on the last digit of their license plates. Think of it as a way to manage traffic flow by controlling which cars can be on the road on any given day.
Introduced in 1995, initially on a trial basis for public utility vehicles (PUVs), the scheme has since expanded to include all vehicles, notably along EDSA. It’s important to remember that this car coding system is not in effect during weekends and holidays, offering some respite from weekday restrictions. Interestingly, during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, the UVVRP was temporarily suspended from March 13, 2020, to November 30, 2021, reflecting its adaptability to changing circumstances.
Is Number Coding Currently Active?
Yes, as of June 2024, the Number Coding scheme is active and enforced in Metro Manila. Since August 15, 2022, the MMDA has implemented an expanded scheme that includes both morning and evening peak hours. The current car coding hours are from 7:00 AM to 10:00 AM, and again from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM, Monday through Friday, excluding holidays and weekends.
During these “coding hours,” vehicles affected by the day’s restrictions are not allowed on designated roads. However, outside these hours, specifically between 10:01 AM and 4:59 PM, and from 8:01 PM to 6:59 AM the next day, coded vehicles can travel freely. This provides “window hours” for motorists to plan their journeys.
Which Days are Cars Coded?
Knowing your car’s coding day is crucial to avoid violations. The schedule is straightforward and based on 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
Simply check the last number on your license plate to determine your car’s coding day.
What Are the Number Coding Hours?
The expanded number coding scheme in Metro Manila is enforced during:
- Morning Rush Hour: 7:00 AM to 10:00 AM
- Afternoon/Evening Peak Hours: 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM
These times apply on weekdays, Monday to Friday, across the National Capital Region (NCR).
However, it’s important to note that some cities, like Makati City, operate under a “full-day” coding scheme from 7 AM to 7 PM without window hours. If your route includes driving in Metro Manila, especially through different cities, it’s essential to verify if your planned areas have window hours or implement the full-day scheme. Due diligence is key to avoiding unexpected penalties for car coding violations.
Understanding “Window Hours” in Car Coding
“Window hours” are periods within the day when coded vehicles are allowed to travel despite being on their coding day. As mentioned, Makati City is a notable exception, not implementing window hours and enforcing coding from 7 AM to 7 PM.
In areas that observe window hours, these are typically from 10:01 AM to 4:59 PM. This allows drivers to use their vehicles during the mid-day period without violating the car coding rules. However, it’s crucial to understand that window hours generally do not apply to Radial Roads, Circumferential Roads, and National Roads. Always double-check the specific rules for your intended routes as regulations can vary.
Roads Covered by the Number Coding Scheme
The MMDA enforces the number coding scheme 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
These are the primary roads where car coding is strictly implemented.
Areas Exempt from Number Coding
While car coding is widespread in Metro Manila, some areas and roads are exempt. Notably, privately operated tollways are generally not covered by the scheme. Exempt areas and roads include:
- 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 like NLEX Harbor Link
Additionally, certain areas within municipalities may not enforce the Number Coding Scheme. Always verify local regulations if you are unsure.
Vehicle Exemptions from Car Coding
Certain types of vehicles are exempt from the Number Coding Scheme, recognizing their essential roles or promotion of specific vehicle technologies. These exemptions generally apply across Metro Manila, but with key exceptions like Makati City having stricter rules. Generally exempted vehicles are:
- Public Utility Vehicles (PUVs) including buses, jeepneys, and tricycles
- Transport Network Vehicle Services (TNVS)
- 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 LTO Certification and special plates.
Important Note for Makati City: Makati City has a narrower list of exemptions, primarily including vehicles carrying senior citizen BluCard holders, emergency vehicles, vehicles on “official functions,” and electric vehicles. The broader exemptions do not automatically apply in Makati.
Electric and Hybrid Vehicle Exemption Explained
Electric Vehicles (EVs) and Hybrid Vehicles are exempt from the UVVRP due to Republic Act No. 11697, the Electric Vehicle Industry Development Act (EVIDA). This law promotes the use of EVs and hybrids, and the coding exemption is a significant incentive. To qualify, the vehicle’s certificate of registration must clearly state that the model is a hybrid or electric vehicle. Special EV and Hybrid vehicle plates issued by the LTO further signify this exemption.
Hybrid Vehicle Coding Exemption Caveats
It’s crucial to understand that not all vehicles marketed as “hybrid” qualify for the coding exemption. “Mild-hybrid” systems, which use a small electric motor to assist the internal combustion engine but cannot propel the vehicle on electricity alone, are not typically exempt.
Exemption is generally granted to vehicles recognized by the Department of Energy (DOE). Before purchasing a vehicle expecting a coding exemption, verify if it is on the DOE’s list of recognized EVs and Hybrids. Mild Hybrid Electric Vehicles are generally not recognized for coding exemption purposes.
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 location of the violation. This fine must be settled within seven days to avoid further complications during driver’s license renewal or additional penalties.
Paying Number Coding Fines
Fines for number coding violations can be paid through various MMDA-approved channels:
- Landbank
- SM Bills Payment
- Bayad Center
- Bayad Center partners like GCash, PayMaya, and GrabPay
In 2023, the MMDA also introduced handheld ticketing devices that allow for on-the-spot fine payments, providing more immediate resolution options.
City-Specific Coding Rules
While Metro Manila largely follows the MMDA’s scheme, some cities have specific nuances:
- Alabang, Muntinlupa City: Generally no coding, except MMDA scheme on Ayala-Alabang National Road and Alabang-Zapote Road corner Buencamino and North Gate. Fines vary by offense (P500-P1000). Check for updated rules post-pandemic.
- Makati City: Full-day coding 7 AM to 7 PM, no window hours. Standard P300 fine. Limited exemptions (senior BluCard holders, emergency vehicles, official functions, EVs).
- Quezon City: Follows MMDA coding 7 AM-10 AM and 5 PM-8 PM with window hours 10:01 AM-4:59 PM.
- Pasig City: Follows MMDA coding 7 AM-10 AM and 5 PM-8 PM with window hours 10:01 AM-4:59 PM.
- Pasay City: Coding 7 AM-10 AM and 5 PM-8 PM, window 10 AM-4 PM. Exemptions on Domestic Road, Ninoy Aquino Avenue, MIA Road, Sales Road, parts of Airport Road, and parts of Buendia (Gil Puyat).
- Parañaque City: Standard MMDA coding 7 AM-10 AM and 5 PM-8 PM, window 10 AM-4 PM.
- Mandaluyong City: Follows MMDA coding 7 AM-10 AM and 5 PM-8 PM, window 10 AM-4 PM.
- Manila City: Varied implementation. Some areas full-day coding, others follow MMDA 7 AM-10 AM and 5 PM-8 PM with window 10 AM-4 PM. Check specific locations.
- Valenzuela City: MMDA coding 7 AM-10 AM and 5 PM-8 PM, window 10:01 AM-4:59 PM on specified roads (MacArthur Highway, Maysan – Paso De Blas – Bagbaguin Road, etc.).
- Taguig City: Partially exempt. Coding on national roads within Taguig, including East Service Road, and Manuel L. Quezon Avenue.
- San Juan City: Coding 7 AM-7 PM. Window hours 10 AM-3 PM. Verify if updated to MMDA schedule.
- Caloocan City: Coding 7 AM-10 AM and 5 PM-8 PM. Window hours 10 AM-4 PM, except Samson Road (no window hours). Check for post-pandemic updates.
Number Coding Beyond Metro Manila
Car coding isn’t limited to Metro Manila. Cities outside NCR also implement the UVVRP to manage traffic, including:
- Baguio City: Coding in selected areas, primarily tourist spots like Session Road, Burnham Park, and Baguio City Market, 7 AM to 7 PM. P500 fine in the Central Business District.
- Cabanatuan and Dagupan: Adhere to the same daily license plate restriction as Metro Manila.
- Cavite Province: Previously had UVRS, but number coding is suspended under Provincial Ordinance 283-2020 until further notice.
Future Updates to the Coding Scheme
The Number Coding Scheme is not static and has evolved since 1995. The MMDA continuously explores ways to improve traffic flow. In 2022, they considered more stringent options, including:
- Odd-Even Scheme: Odd-numbered plates restricted Mondays/Thursdays, even-numbered plates Tuesdays/Fridays. Wednesdays no coding.
- More Complex Scheme: Different plate number groups restricted each day aiming for 40% traffic reduction.
As of now, these proposals have not been implemented due to public feedback and complexity concerns. However, motorists should remain aware of potential future changes to the car coding scheme as the MMDA seeks ongoing traffic management solutions.
Understanding the Number Coding Scheme is essential for hassle-free driving in Metro Manila and other Philippine cities. By knowing the rules, exemptions, and city-specific regulations, you can navigate the roads effectively and avoid penalties. Stay informed about any updates from the MMDA to ensure compliance with the latest car coding guidelines.
