Navigating the daily grind of Metro Manila traffic can be challenging, especially during rush hour. To manage congestion, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) implements a number coding scheme. This traffic management system restricts vehicles from major roads on specific days based on the last digit of their license plates during peak hours.
For seasoned drivers, understanding and following the number coding system is second nature. However, for newcomers or those less familiar, it can be a source of confusion. This guide aims to clarify the Metro Manila Car Coding 2022 regulations, ensuring you can confidently navigate the city streets and reach your destinations without unnecessary delays or violations.
Alt text: Metro Manila Car Coding 2022 guide banner, featuring text overlay “Number Coding in Manila: An Updated Guide for Motorists” against a blurred city traffic background, designed for a blog post.
Understanding the Metro Manila Car Coding Scheme
How the Number Coding Scheme Works
The MMDA’s number coding scheme primarily targets private vehicles to reduce traffic volume. The restriction day for your vehicle is determined by the last digit of your license plate number. Here’s a simple breakdown of the schedule:
| 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 |
Number Coding Hours and Window Hours Across Metro Manila Cities
The number coding scheme is generally enforced on weekdays, Monday to Friday, across most major roads in Metro Manila. To offer some flexibility for motorists, many cities implement “window hours.” During these window hours, vehicles covered by the coding scheme are permitted on the roads. However, it’s crucial to note that Makati City operates a stricter scheme without window hours.
Refer to the table below for the specific coding hours and window hours in different Metro Manila cities:
| 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 |
Navigating Metro Manila Roads with Car Coding
Major Roads Covered by the Number Coding Scheme
The MMDA’s number coding scheme is implemented on the following major 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
Exemptions: Roads and Vehicles Not Covered
While the number coding system is broadly applied across Metro Manila, certain roads and vehicle types are exempted. Understanding these exemptions is crucial for efficient navigation.
Exempted Roads
- Samson Road, Caloocan
- Sales Road
- MIA Road (Manila International Airport Road)
- Ninoy Aquino Avenue
- Domestic Road
- Bonifacio Global City (BGC)
- Skyway
- NAIA Expressway (Ninoy Aquino International Airport Expressway)
- Parts of Airport Road
- Parts of Gil Puyat Avenue (formerly Buendia)
- Other tollways and sections of toll roads within Metro Manila
Exempted Vehicles
- Electric vehicles and hybrid vehicles (promoting eco-friendly transport)
- Public Utility Vehicles (PUVs) including buses, jeepneys, and tricycles
- Transport Network Vehicle Services (TNVS) such as ride-sharing cars
- Motorcycles
- Garbage trucks and waste disposal vehicles
- Fuel trucks and tankers
- Ambulances and medical emergency vehicles
- Fire trucks and fire department vehicles
- Marked government vehicles with official plates
- Marked media vehicles properly identified for news coverage
- Motor vehicles carrying essential or perishable goods
It’s important to remember that Makati City has specific exemptions within its jurisdiction, even stricter than the general MMDA exemptions:
- Ambulances, fire trucks, police patrol cars, and military vehicles on official duty.
- Vehicles bearing diplomatic license plates.
- Marked government vehicles.
- Marked media vehicles used for official purposes.
- Makati City-accredited tow trucks.
- Vehicles driven by or carrying medical practitioners during emergencies.
- Vehicles with registered Makati City Senior Citizen Blu Card holders as drivers or passengers.
Frequently Asked Questions about Metro Manila Car Coding 2022
FAQs: Metro Manila Car Coding in Detail
1. What are the window hours in number coding?
Outside of Makati City, the standard window hours in Metro Manila are from 10:01 AM to 4:59 PM, and again from 8:01 PM to 6:59 AM the next day. During these hours, vehicles normally under coding restrictions can be on the specified roads.
2. Is there a number coding in Metro Manila on holidays and weekends?
No, the MMDA typically suspends the number coding scheme in Metro Manila on official national holidays and weekends (Saturdays and Sundays). The scheme may also be lifted during severe weather events, public transportation disruptions, or special events like the President’s State of the Nation Address (SONA).
3. Are healthcare workers exempted from number coding in Metro Manila?
As of 2022, the MMDA provides exemptions specifically for vehicles driven by or carrying medical doctors. To avail of this exemption, doctors need to present a valid Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) ID. Other healthcare professionals are generally required to adhere to the standard coding regulations.
4. Are motorcycles exempt from the number coding scheme?
Yes, motorcycles are generally exempt from the number coding scheme in Metro Manila, with the exception of Makati City, where restrictions may apply to motorcycles as well, depending on local ordinances.
5. What is the penalty for number coding violations?
The standard fine for violating the number coding scheme typically ranges from ₱300 to ₱500, but this can vary depending on the specific city where the violation occurs. It’s advisable to settle any fines within seven days to avoid potential increases or complications with driver’s license renewals.
Live Smart, Plan Ahead
The Metro Manila car coding system, while designed to ease traffic congestion, requires careful planning and awareness. By understanding the rules, schedules, and exemptions of Metro Manila car coding 2022, you can navigate the city more efficiently and avoid unnecessary penalties. Strategic planning and utilizing this guide will help you beat the code and make your daily commutes less stressful.
