As a measure to alleviate traffic congestion, the provincial government of Cavite, Philippines, has implemented a number coding scheme, officially known as the Unified Vehicular Volume Reduction Program (UVVRP). Mirroring similar systems in Metro Manila and other Luzon cities, this initiative aims to manage the flow of vehicles on key roads within the province. If you’re driving in or planning a trip to Cavite, understanding this Car Coding In Cavite system is crucial to avoid penalties and ensure smooth travel. This guide provides a detailed overview of how the Cavite number coding scheme works.
Understanding the Car Coding Schedule in Cavite
The car coding in Cavite operates during peak hours to reduce traffic volume. The scheme is active during two periods each weekday, specifically from 7:00 AM to 10:00 AM and again from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM. During these hours, certain vehicles are prohibited from using major roads based on the last digit of their license plate number or conduction sticker.
Here’s a breakdown of the car coding in Cavite schedule by license plate ending number:
| License Plate Ending Number | Day |
|---|---|
| 1 and 2 | Monday |
| 3 and 4 | Tuesday |
| 5 and 6 | Wednesday |
| 7 and 8 | Thursday |
| 9 and 0 | Friday |
This schedule applies to private vehicles, trucks, and vans covered under the Unified Vehicular Reduction System (UVRS). Familiarizing yourself with this schedule is the first step to compliant driving and avoiding violations under the car coding in Cavite regulations.
Areas Covered by Car Coding in Cavite
The car coding in Cavite is not province-wide but is implemented on specific major thoroughfares known for experiencing heavy traffic. These key areas include:
- Aguinaldo Highway: This covers the stretch from Bacoor to the Dasmariñas-Silang Boundary, a heavily congested route serving as a major artery in Cavite.
- Governor’s Drive: The coding scheme applies to Governor’s Drive from Carmona to the Trece Martires City-Tanza Boundary, another critical road network in the province.
- Molino-Salawag-Paliparan Road (M.S.P.R.): Covering the route from Zapote in Bacoor to Paliparan in Dasmariñas City, this road is crucial for local commuters and is included in the car coding in Cavite scheme.
- Molino Boulevard: From Aguinaldo Highway to Molino-Salawag-Paliparan Road, this boulevard is also part of the covered areas to manage traffic flow effectively.
Traffic congestion is a common sight on Cavite roads, prompting the implementation of car coding.
Understanding these specific locations is vital for drivers to plan their routes and comply with car coding in Cavite, especially during the restricted hours.
A map illustrating the roads in Cavite where the number coding scheme is currently enforced.
Exemptions from Car Coding in Cavite
While the car coding in Cavite is broadly applicable, certain vehicles are exempted to ensure essential services and specific needs are met. Exemptions fall into two categories: automatic exemptions and those requiring application.
Vehicles Automatically Exempted:
- Public Utility Vehicles (PUVs): This includes public utility jeepneys (PUJs) and buses, which are essential for public transportation.
- Emergency Vehicles: Fire trucks, ambulances, police cars, and military vehicles with clear markings are exempted, including privately-operated ambulances and fire trucks.
- Medical Emergency Transport: Vehicles carrying individuals needing urgent medical attention are also exempt, prioritizing health emergencies.
- Government Vehicles: Vehicles bearing government plates are automatically exempted.
- Medical Practitioners’ Emergency Vehicles: Vehicles used by doctors during emergencies are also covered under automatic exemption.
- Enfranchised School Buses: School buses with proper franchise are exempted, facilitating student transport.
- Relief Goods Transport: Vehicles transporting relief goods to calamity-stricken or highly depressed areas are also exempt, supporting disaster response and aid.
School service vehicles with franchises are among those exempted from the car coding scheme in Cavite.
Vehicles Exempted by Application:
For certain vehicle types, exemptions from car coding in Cavite can be granted upon application to the Office of the Provincial Governor – Road Safety Division. These include:
- Vehicles Delivering Perishable Goods: Vehicles transporting commercial quantities of perishable goods can apply for exemption to ensure supply chains are maintained.
- Company Shuttle Services: Company-operated shuttle vehicles can seek exemption, supporting employee transportation.
- Vehicles for Persons With Disabilities (PWDs): Vehicles specially modified for PWD use are eligible for exemption to ensure mobility for individuals with disabilities.
- Public Utility Servicing Vehicles: Vehicles used by entities servicing public utilities can apply, ensuring essential services are uninterrupted.
- Funeral Service Vehicles: Vehicles used in funeral services are also considered for exemption.
- Vehicles of Specific Professionals: Vehicles used by doctors, prosecutors, public attorneys, and members of the judiciary can apply for exemption, recognizing their essential roles.
- Tourism Vehicles: Vehicles utilized by tourism agents can seek exemption, supporting the tourism sector.
- Business Locator Vehicles: Vehicles used by business locators may also be granted exemptions.
For vehicles requiring application-based exemptions, it is essential to follow the proper procedures and secure approval from the Road Safety Division to legally operate during coding hours.
Penalties for Violating Car Coding in Cavite
Non-compliance with car coding in Cavite results in penalties. Understanding these penalties is crucial for all drivers to avoid legal and financial repercussions.
| Violation | Penalty |
|---|---|
| Violation of UVRS (Number Coding Scheme) | PHP 300 fine, and driver’s license confiscation |
| Abuse of authority or exemptions (*) | PHP 5,000 fine and/or imprisonment of up to one (1) year, as determined by the court |
A traffic sign indicating the penalty for violating the number coding scheme in Cavite.
(*) Abuse of authority or exemption refers to actions such as apprehension without valid cause by officers or fraudulent exemption claims by vehicle owners. This includes unauthorized use, copying, or transfer of exemption stickers.
Confiscated licenses can be claimed at the Road Safety Division office between 2:00 PM and 5:00 PM, Mondays to Fridays. Violators have the option to contest tickets by presenting evidence like unedited photos and videos with digital timestamps to a committee consisting of the Provincial Legal Officer, the Chairman of the Transportation Committee, and a representative designated by the Provincial Governor, before paying the fine.
Implementation and Enforcement of Car Coding in Cavite
The primary body responsible for implementing and enforcing car coding in Cavite is the Office of the Provincial Governor, through its Road Safety Division. Cities and municipalities within Cavite can also be authorized to implement the scheme, with deputized local traffic enforcers.
The Provincial Governor holds the authority to amend the coding scheme and related ordinances and can enter agreements with other Local Government Units (LGUs) and entities for effective implementation.
The Cavite Provincial Office plays a central role in implementing and managing the car coding scheme.
The car coding in Cavite is a significant traffic management strategy aimed at improving road conditions in the province. By understanding the rules, schedules, exemptions, and penalties, motorists can contribute to the scheme’s success and ensure smoother commutes. Staying informed and compliant is key to navigating car coding in Cavite effectively.
Traffic situation on a typical day in Cavite, highlighting the need for traffic management solutions like car coding.
