Navigating Metro Manila’s traffic can feel like a daily marathon. It’s a well-known fact that driving in the metro often means getting stuck in a seemingly endless sea of cars. Therefore, smart trip planning is essential. Before you start your engine, you need to know if your vehicle is affected by the number coding scheme.
Are you confused about the latest number coding regulations? Struggling to remember the coding schedule and window hours? You’re not alone! Let’s refresh your understanding of number coding in Metro Manila.
What is Number Coding in Metro Manila?
The number coding scheme, officially known as the Modified Unified Vehicular Volume Reduction Program (UVVRP), is a traffic management strategy designed to reduce the volume of vehicles on the roads and alleviate traffic congestion. It’s a key traffic solution implemented in the Philippines to manage the consistently high traffic volume.
The Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) is responsible for implementing number coding across Metro Manila. This scheme aims to decrease traffic volume by an estimated 20% during peak hours in the morning and afternoon/evening.
What Are the MMDA Number Coding Hours?
When is number coding in effect? The expanded number coding scheme in the National Capital Region (NCR) operates during rush hours: from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m. in the morning and again from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. in the afternoon to evening, Monday through Friday.
However, number coding is not implemented on holidays and weekends, providing some respite from the restrictions.
The MMDA’s expanded number coding scheme[1] primarily targets private vehicles. The last digit of your vehicle’s license plate determines the day of the week your car is restricted from driving on Metro Manila roads.
Refer to this helpful guide to effectively plan your daily commutes:
For instance, if your license plate ends with the number 0, your vehicle is prohibited from being on EDSA and other major Metro Manila roads where the coding scheme is enforced on Fridays. Driving on your coding day will result in being apprehended, issued a ticket, and required to pay a penalty for UVVRP violation.
Where Does Number Coding Apply in Metro Manila?
Are you wondering if number coding affects major thoroughfares like EDSA and SLEX, or bustling cities such as Manila and Pasay?
According to the MMDA, number coding in the Philippines is enforced in all cities and municipalities within Metro Manila. However, Makati City operates its own traffic management and is excluded from the MMDA’s program, implementing its unique number coding scheme from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
The following major roads within MMDA-jurisdiction cities are subject to the number coding scheme:
- EDSA
- C5
- Recto Avenue
- Quirino Avenue
- Araneta Avenue
- C6
- Roxas Boulevard
- Taft Avenue
- South Luzon Expressway (SLEX)
- Shaw Boulevard
- Ortigas Avenue
- Bonifacio Avenue
- Rizal Avenue
- Quezon Avenue
- Marcos Highway
- Del Pan
- Magsaysay Boulevard
- Aurora Boulevard
Individual cities may also have their own specific traffic regulations and number coding ordinances on secondary roads within NCR. Prior to driving, it’s always best to check with the local government of your destination city regarding their specific number coding rules and other relevant traffic laws.
📍 Manila
Manila is a frequently visited city, known for being densely populated and having some of the most congested roads in the Philippines. The majority of roads in Manila adhere to the standard number coding hours of 7 a.m. to 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. However, it’s important to note that some roads within Manila do not have window hours, meaning the coding is continuously enforced during these periods.
📍 Makati
Makati implements its own number coding scheme from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. There are no window hours in Makati if you are driving a vehicle restricted by number coding. Violators will incur a ₱300 fine.
Exemptions in Makati are limited to vehicles transporting drivers or passengers holding senior citizen Blu Cards, those involved in medical emergencies, and vehicles on official duty.
📍 Pasig
Pasig City follows the MMDA’s number coding scheme, which is implemented from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
📍 Pasay
Number coding in Pasay is also in effect from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. However, certain major roads are exempted from the scheme, including Sales Road, MIA Road, Ninoy Aquino Avenue, and Domestic Road. Exemptions also extend to portions of Airport Road and Gil Puyat Avenue.
📍 Taguig
Taguig generally follows number coding in certain areas, particularly on national roads such as the East Service Road and Manuel L. Quezon Avenue. However, number coding is not implemented within Bonifacio Global City (BGC).
📍 Quezon City
Quezon City adheres to the MMDA number coding schedule, from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. This allows travel within Quezon City in coded vehicles during the window hours from 10:01 a.m. to 4:59 p.m.
📍 Marikina
Marikina City itself does not implement number coding. However, a section of Marcos Highway near Sta. Lucia East Mall and Ayala Malls Feliz is covered by the number coding scheme. If your vehicle is coded, avoid this route during the restricted hours of 7 a.m. to 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
📍 Muntinlupa
In Muntinlupa, the number coding scheme is limited to Ayala-Alabang National Road and Alabang-Zapote Road corner Buencamino and North Gate, and is enforced from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Number coding is not implemented along Commerce Avenue in Muntinlupa.
📍 Mandaluyong
Mandaluyong City implements the MMDA’s number coding scheme. To avoid penalties, ensure you travel during the window hours from 10:01 a.m. to 4:49 p.m. if your vehicle is coded.
📍 Caloocan
Caloocan City also follows the standard number coding system from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., with the exception of Samson Road, where no window hours are observed.
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Number Coding in Metro Manila: Frequently Asked Questions
The number coding scheme can be complex, leading to many questions. This FAQ section addresses some common queries.
1. Is there a new number coding scheme in Metro Manila?
The current expanded coding scheme has been in effect since August 15, 2022. As of now, the MMDA has not implemented any changes.
The MMDA has refuted social media rumors about cars being banned on major Metro Manila roads twice a week. The agency has confirmed that the coding hours remain 7 a.m. to 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. on weekdays.[2]
2. What are the number coding window hours in 2025?
Window hours refer to the period between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m., totaling seven hours, when vehicles restricted by number coding on a particular day are permitted on public roads. These window hours are expected to remain in 2025 unless officially announced otherwise by the MMDA.
3. Is number coding in Metro Manila implemented on holidays and weekends?
Number coding in NCR and adjacent cities is generally suspended on regular holidays and weekends.
The MMDA also typically announces number coding suspensions during significant calamities (typhoons, volcanic eruptions, etc.). Suspensions may also occur during public transport disruptions, such as nationwide transport strikes or temporary closures of MRT/LRT lines.
Coding may also be lifted on the day of the President’s State of the Nation Address (SONA). For instance, on July 24, 2023, the MMDA suspended the expanded number coding scheme for President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s SONA.
4. What types of vehicles are exempted from number coding?
According to the MMDA, the following vehicles are exempt from the number coding scheme:
- Public utility vehicles (PUVs)
- Transport network vehicle services (TNVS)
- Motorcycles
- Garbage trucks
- Ambulances
- Fire trucks
- Marked government vehicles
- Motor vehicles transporting essential and/or perishable goods
It’s important to note that these exemptions may not apply in Makati City, as per MMDA guidelines.
For more detailed information, refer to: Vehicle Coding Exemptions in the Philippines That Motorists Should Know
5. Are electric and hybrid cars exempted from number coding?
Not all hybrid vehicles are exempted. Mild hybrids are not exempt from the MMDA’s number coding and are also not permitted to park in designated electric vehicle parking spaces.
Refer to the Department of Energy (DOE)’s official list of recognized electric vehicles (EVs)[3] to confirm eligibility for coding exemptions.
6. Are senior citizens exempted from number coding in Metro Manila?
Under the expanded number coding scheme, there are no general exemptions for senior citizens. However, Makati City provides number coding exemptions for senior citizens who are residents, possess a senior citizen card, or are registered Makati voters.
Currently, the MMDA is considering the feasibility of implementing coding exemptions for senior citizens across Metro Manila[4].
7. Are healthcare and medical workers exempted from number coding in the Philippines?
No. Healthcare and medical workers are not currently exempted from number coding in Metro Manila. This means they must still adhere to number coding restrictions when using their vehicles during coding hours.
This excludes healthcare and medical workers responding to medical emergencies within Makati City, who may be granted exemptions in emergency situations.
8. Can I apply for a number coding exemption?
No, the MMDA does not issue individual number coding exemptions. Exemptions are strictly limited to the vehicle types listed in the official exemptions. For specific exemptions or requirements within your locality, it’s advisable to check with your local government unit.
9. What is Makati’s traffic reduction program?
Makati City operates a different number coding scheme from the rest of Metro Manila. In Makati, coded vehicles are restricted from driving anywhere in the city from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.[5], with no window hours provided.
However, Makati City’s coding scheme is automatically lifted on holidays.
Makati’s exemptions are limited to vehicles carrying Senior Citizen Blu Card holders as drivers or passengers, as well as motorists on official functions and those responding to medical emergencies (as outlined in the Makati Traffic Code).
For further details, see: [INFOGRAPHIC] A Guide to Driving in Makati
10. What is the penalty for number coding violations?
Violating the number coding scheme will result in a ₱500 fine[6], as per the Metro Manila Traffic Code’s single ticketing system.
11. Where can I pay the fine for a number coding violation?
The MMDA provides multiple payment channels for settling number coding violation fines, including:
- MMDA Traffic Management Division
- Landbank Link Biz Portal
- Bayad Center
- SM Bills Payment
- Maya
- GCash
- GrabPay
12. Is the truck ban on major Metro Manila roads still suspended?
Yes. The total truck ban on Metro Manila roads remains suspended until further notice, except on EDSA from Magallanes, Makati to North Avenue, Quezon City[7] and in the following areas:
- Makati Business District
- Ortigas Business District, Pasig City
- Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City
- Navotas City[8]
Similar to number coding exemptions, truck ban exemptions apply to garbage trucks, fuel trucks, and trucks carrying essential and/or perishable goods.
Violating the total truck ban policy carries a ₱2,000 fine (₱5,000 for violations in Navotas). Three truck ban violations may lead to the MMDA recommending a one-year suspension of your driver’s license to the Land Transportation Office (LTO).
How to Navigate Number Coding in Metro Manila
The number coding system can be inconvenient for vehicle owners, particularly those who travel extensively within Metro Manila. Here are some helpful tips to manage coding days:
🚗 Leave Earlier
Given that number coding primarily targets morning and afternoon/evening rush hours, you can still use your vehicle during off-peak times. If you have afternoon appointments, leave home earlier than usual.
Factor in potential traffic congestion to avoid being caught driving during restricted hours. Conversely, for evening departures, start your trip shortly after 8 p.m.
🚗 Book a Ride-Hailing Service
Since TNVS vehicles are exempt from number coding, booking a ride-hailing service is a convenient option. Enjoy the comfort and privacy of a personal ride without the hassle of driving yourself.
However, be prepared for high demand, especially in central business districts. Allocate extra time for booking your ride to ensure timely arrival for your appointments.
🚗 Consider Carpooling
Carpooling can be a more economical alternative to ride-hailing services. It can save you money, especially if you share costs with the vehicle owner. Explore Facebook groups to find carpool opportunities near your location.
Alternatively, organize carpools with family members, neighbors, close friends, or colleagues. Take turns offering rides based on each other’s number coding schedules.
Related reading: Carpooling in the Philippines: Weighing the Pros and Cons
🚗 Utilize Alternative Transportation
Consider other modes of transportation to reach your destination. Walking or biking can be viable options for shorter distances, offering the added benefit of exercise.
E-bikes and e-scooters can also be used. However, remember that they are prohibited on major thoroughfares, require registration, and necessitate wearing protective gear like helmets.
Final Thoughts
Before driving in Metro Manila, always check the number coding schedule. While it may seem like a temporary fix to a larger problem, understanding and adhering to the rules will prevent unnecessary stress, fines, and delays.
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