Driving in Metro Manila can be challenging, and one of the key regulations drivers need to understand is the Number Coding Scheme. Formally known as the Unified Vehicle Volume Reduction Program (UVVRP), this initiative by the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) aims to ease traffic congestion by restricting vehicle movement based on the last digit of their license plates. Whether you’re a resident or a visitor, understanding how this scheme works is crucial to avoid penalties and navigate the city roads smoothly. Let’s dive into a comprehensive guide to Metro Manila’s car coding system in 2024.
Understanding the Metro Manila Number Coding Scheme
The Number Coding Scheme is essentially a traffic management tool designed to reduce the volume of vehicles on Metro Manila roads during weekdays. Implemented by the MMDA, it restricts vehicles from using certain roads based on the last digit of their license plate number. This program was first introduced in 1995 as an experiment, initially targeting public utility vehicles before expanding to cover all vehicles on EDSA, Metro Manila’s main thoroughfare. It’s important to note that the scheme is not in effect during weekends and official holidays. There was a temporary suspension of the UVVRP from March 2020 to November 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Is the Number Coding Scheme Currently Active in Metro Manila?
Yes, the Number Coding scheme is currently in effect in Metro Manila. The MMDA expanded its implementation on August 15, 2022, to include both morning and evening peak hours. The current operating hours are from 7:00 AM to 10:00 AM and 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM, applicable from Monday to Friday, excluding weekends and holidays.
During these “coding hours,” vehicles covered by the scheme are restricted from major roads. However, there are “window hours” in between, from 10:01 AM to 4:59 PM, and overnight from 8:01 PM to 6:59 AM the next day, when coded vehicles are allowed to travel. This is the scheme in practice as of June 2024.
Identifying Your Car’s Coding Day in Metro Manila
Determining your vehicle’s coding day is straightforward. It depends on the last digit of your license plate number:
- Mondays: Vehicles with license plates ending in 1 and 2.
- Tuesdays: Vehicles with license plates ending in 3 and 4.
- Wednesdays: Vehicles with license plates ending in 5 and 6.
- Thursdays: Vehicles with license plates ending in 7 and 8.
- Fridays: Vehicles with license plates ending in 9 and 0.
Simply check the last number on your license plate to know which day your vehicle is restricted from using coded roads during the specified hours.
Metro Manila Number Coding Hours: Morning and Evening Restrictions
The expanded number coding scheme in Metro Manila (National Capital Region or NCR) is enforced during peak traffic hours on weekdays:
- Morning Rush Hour: 7:00 AM to 10:00 AM
- Afternoon/Evening Peak Hours: 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM
This schedule applies from Monday to Friday. However, it’s crucial to note that some cities within Metro Manila, like Makati City, implement a full-day coding scheme from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM without window hours. Therefore, if you are driving in Metro Manila on a coding day, always verify if your route passes through areas with full-day coding or those observing window hours to avoid violations.
Understanding “Window Hours” in Metro Manila Coding
“Window hours” refer to a period within the coding day when restricted vehicles are allowed to travel on coded roads. In Metro Manila, for areas that observe window hours, this period is from 10:01 AM to 4:59 PM.
This means that even if it’s your car’s coding day, you can still drive within cities observing window hours during this midday period without violating the scheme. However, it’s essential to remember that Radial Roads, Circumferential Roads, and National Roads within Metro Manila generally do not observe window hours. Always check specific city regulations and road classifications to be certain.
Roads Covered by the Metro Manila Number Coding Scheme
The MMDA enforces the number coding scheme on all major roads under its jurisdiction. These primary thoroughfares include:
- EDSA (Epifanio de los Santos Avenue)
- C5 Road
- Recto Avenue
- Quirino Avenue
- Araneta Avenue
- C6 Road
- Roxas Boulevard
- Taft Avenue
- Shaw Boulevard
- Ortigas Avenue
- Magsaysay Boulevard
- Aurora Boulevard
- Quezon Avenue
- Bonifacio Avenue
- Rizal Avenue
- Del Pan Street
- Marcos Highway
Avoid these roads during coding hours on your vehicle’s designated day to comply with the UVVRP.
Areas Exempt from the Number Coding Scheme in Metro Manila
Certain areas and roads within Metro Manila are exempted from the Number Coding Scheme. These exemptions primarily include tollways and some specific municipal roads. The roads where the Number Coding Scheme does not apply are:
- NAIA Expressway (Ninoy Aquino International Airport Expressway)
- Skyway System
- South Luzon Expressway (SLEX)
- Domestic Road
- Ninoy Aquino Avenue
- MIA Road
- Sales Road
- Parts of Airport Road
- Some parts of Buendia Avenue (Gil Puyat Avenue)
- Tollway extensions (e.g., NLEX Harbor Link)
Additionally, specific areas within some cities may not enforce coding. Always check local city ordinances for the most updated information.
Vehicles Exempt from Metro Manila Car Coding
Certain types of vehicles are exempted from the Metro Manila Number Coding Scheme to ensure public transport and essential services are not disrupted. These exempted vehicles include:
- Public Utility Vehicles (PUVs): This includes buses, jeepneys, and even tricycles.
- Transport Network Vehicle Services (TNVS): Vehicles like those operating under Grab or Angkas.
- Motorcycles
- Garbage trucks, fuel trucks, and fire trucks: Essential service vehicles.
- Marked government vehicles and marked media vehicles: Officially marked vehicles.
- Motor vehicles carrying essential or perishable goods: For delivery of necessities.
- Doctors with valid and updated PRC Licenses: For medical professionals on duty.
- Electric Vehicles (EVs) and Hybrid Vehicles: With proper LTO Certification and special EV/Hybrid vehicle plates.
Important Note for Makati City: Makati City has stricter exemption rules. Exemptions are limited to vehicles carrying senior citizen BluCard holders, emergency vehicles, vehicles on “official functions,” and electric vehicles. The broader exemptions applicable in other parts of Metro Manila may not apply in Makati City.
Electric and Hybrid Vehicle Exemption from Number Coding
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 hybrid vehicles by granting them exemptions from traffic schemes like number coding. To qualify for this exemption, the vehicle’s Certificate of Registration must clearly identify it as a hybrid or electric vehicle.
Why Some “Hybrid” Vehicles Aren’t Coding Exempt
It’s important to understand that not all vehicles marketed as “hybrid” are exempt from the coding scheme. Some vehicles utilize “mild-hybrid” systems. Mild hybrids use a small battery and electric motor to assist the internal combustion engine (ICE), primarily for fuel efficiency and a slight power boost. However, mild hybrids cannot run solely on electric power.
The exemption from the Number Coding Scheme applies only to vehicles recognized by the Department of Energy (DOE) as full hybrids or electric vehicles, capable of electric-only propulsion. Before purchasing a vehicle advertised as coding exempt, verify if it is listed by the DOE as a recognized EV or hybrid to ensure compliance. You can check the DOE’s list of recognized EVs and Hybrids for confirmation.
Penalties for Violating the Number Coding Scheme
Violating the Number Coding Scheme in Metro Manila will result in a fine. The standard penalty ranges from ₱300 to ₱500, depending on the city where the violation occurs. This fine must be paid within seven days to avoid additional penalties during driver’s license renewal.
Payment Options for Number Coding Violation Fines
Fines for number coding violations in Metro Manila can be paid through various MMDA-approved channels, including:
- Landbank
- SM Bills Payment Centers
- Bayad Center
Additionally, Bayad Center partners like GCash, PayMaya, and GrabPay offer digital payment options for settling MMDA fines. In 2023, the MMDA also introduced handheld ticketing devices that allow for on-the-spot fine payments, offering more convenient options for drivers.
City-Specific Number Coding Rules within Metro Manila
While Metro Manila generally follows the MMDA’s unified coding scheme, some cities have specific rules or variations. Here’s a breakdown of city-specific regulations:
Alabang, Muntinlupa City
Muntinlupa City generally does not implement number coding, except on the following roads which follow the MMDA scheme:
- Ayala-Alabang National Road
- Alabang-Zapote Road corner Buencamino and North Gate
Violations in these areas incur fines: ₱500 for the first offense, ₱750 for the second, and ₱1,000 for the third and subsequent offenses. Note that these penalties may have been updated post-pandemic; always check with local LGU social media for the latest rules.
Makati City
Makati City’s Central Business District enforces a full-day number coding rule from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM without window hours. The standard fine for violations is ₱300. Exemptions in Makati are very limited:
- Vehicles carrying senior citizen BluCard holders (driver or passenger)
- Emergency vehicles
- Vehicles on official functions
- Electric vehicles
Quezon City, Pasig City, Pasay City, Parañaque City, Mandaluyong City, Valenzuela City
These cities generally follow the MMDA’s coding scheme with window hours:
- Coding Hours: 7:00 AM to 10:00 AM and 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM
- Window Hours: 10:01 AM to 4:59 PM
Exceptions in Pasay City: Coding does not apply to thoroughfares like Domestic Road, Ninoy Aquino Avenue, MIA Road, Sales Road, parts of Airport Road, and parts of Buendia (Gil Puyat Avenue).
Roads in Valenzuela City: The coding scheme is implemented on specific roads including MacArthur Highway, Maysan – Paso De Blas – Bagbaguin Road, and others listed in the original article.
Manila City
Manila City has varied implementation. Some areas follow the MMDA’s window hour scheme (7 AM-10 AM & 5 PM-8 PM with 10:01 AM-4:59 PM window), while others implement coding without window hours. Drivers in Manila should be particularly aware of specific area regulations.
San Juan City
San Juan City currently practices number coding from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM, but with window hours from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM. It’s unclear if they have fully adopted the MMDA’s 7 AM-10 AM and 5 PM-8 PM scheme. Check for updates from San Juan City authorities.
Caloocan City
Caloocan City implements the standard 7:00 AM to 10:00 AM and 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM coding period. While window hours (10 AM to 4 PM) apply to most roads, Samson Road is exempted from window hours, meaning coding is enforced there throughout the entire coding period. Verify current rules with Caloocan City LGU.
Number Coding Implementation Outside Metro Manila
The UVVRP is not limited to Metro Manila. Other cities in the Philippines also implement number coding to manage traffic congestion, including:
- Baguio City: Enforces coding in selected areas, especially tourist hotspots like Session Road, Burnham Park, and the Baguio City Market. Coding hours in Baguio are 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM in the Central Business District on weekdays, with a ₱500 fine for violations.
- Cabanatuan and Dagupan City: These cities also adhere to the same daily license plate restriction system as Metro Manila.
- Cavite Province: Previously had the Unified Vehicular Reduction System (UVRS), but the number coding scheme is currently suspended under Provincial Ordinance 283-2020 until further notice.
Potential Future Updates to the Number Coding Scheme
The Metro Manila Number Coding Scheme has evolved since its inception. In 2022, the MMDA considered further modifications to reduce traffic, proposing two new formats:
- Odd-Even Scheme: Banning odd-numbered plates on Mondays and Thursdays, and even-numbered plates on Tuesdays and Fridays. Wednesdays would be no-coding days.
- More Complex Scheme: Restricting plate numbers 1,2,3,4 on Mondays; 5,6,7,8 on Tuesdays; 9,0,1,2 on Wednesdays; 3,4,5,6 on Thursdays; and 7,8,9,0 on Fridays.
As of now, these proposals have not been implemented due to public criticism regarding the two-day ban and complexity. The MMDA has not announced recent updates, but it’s advisable to stay informed about potential future changes to the Number Coding Scheme.
Stay Updated on Metro Manila Car Coding
Navigating Metro Manila traffic requires understanding and complying with the Number Coding Scheme. While this guide provides comprehensive information for 2024, traffic regulations can change. Always verify the latest rules and advisories from the MMDA and local city government units before driving in Metro Manila to ensure a smooth and penalty-free journey.
