Navigating the roads of Metro Manila can be challenging, and understanding the Number Coding Scheme is crucial for every motorist. Officially known as the Unified Vehicle Volume Reduction Program (UVVRP), this initiative by the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) aims to ease traffic congestion by regulating vehicle movement based on license plate numbers. Whether you’re a daily commuter or a visitor, grasping the intricacies of “Manila Coding Car” rules will save you from fines and hassles.
Decoding the Number Coding Scheme
Introduced in 1995, the Number Coding Scheme initially targeted public utility vehicles but soon expanded to include all vehicles, especially along EDSA, Metro Manila’s main artery. This regulation restricts vehicle access on weekdays, Monday to Friday, depending on the last digit of your license plate. Weekends and holidays are exempt from this scheme. It’s worth noting that the UVVRP was temporarily suspended during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, from March 13, 2020, to November 30, 2021.
Current Status of Number Coding: Is It in Effect?
Yes, the Number Coding scheme is currently in effect in Metro Manila as of June 2024. The MMDA expanded its implementation starting August 15, 2022, to include both morning and evening peak hours. The restricted hours are from 7:00 AM to 10:00 AM and 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM, Monday to Friday, excluding holidays and weekends.
During these “coding hours,” vehicles covered by the scheme are not allowed on designated roads. However, “window hours” exist, allowing coded vehicles to travel between 10:01 AM and 4:59 PM and from 8:01 PM to 6:59 AM the next day. This window hour system applies to most areas in Metro Manila, but it’s essential to verify specific city regulations, as some areas like Makati City have different rules.
Identifying Your Car’s Coding Day
Knowing your “coding day” is straightforward. It depends on the last digit of your vehicle’s license plate. Here’s a simple breakdown to help you remember your “manila coding car” schedule:
- Mondays: Plates ending in 1 and 2
- Tuesdays: Plates ending in 3 and 4
- Wednesdays: Plates ending in 5 and 6
- Thursdays: Plates ending in 7 and 8
- Fridays: Plates ending in 9 and 0
Simply check the last number on your license plate to determine the day your vehicle is restricted from certain Metro Manila roads during coding hours.
Time Restrictions: When is Number Coding Enforced?
The expanded number coding scheme in Metro Manila is enforced during rush hours to manage traffic flow. Currently, these hours are:
- Morning: 7:00 AM to 10:00 AM
- Afternoon/Evening: 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM
These times are applicable on weekdays, Monday through Friday. Remember, some cities within Metro Manila, notably Makati City, implement a full-day coding scheme from 7 AM to 7 PM without window hours. Always confirm local city rules if you’re driving in Metro Manila, especially if your vehicle is scheduled for coding on that day.
Understanding “Window Hours”
“Window hours” are the periods within the day when vehicles restricted by the number coding scheme are allowed to drive on coded roads. These hours provide a respite from the restrictions, allowing motorists to use their vehicles during off-peak times. Generally, window hours are from 10:01 AM to 4:59 PM in areas that adhere to the standard MMDA scheme.
However, it’s crucial to understand that window hours do not apply to Radial Roads, Circumferential Roads, and National Roads in Metro Manila. Therefore, even during window hours, coded vehicles are still restricted on major thoroughfares like EDSA and C5. Always verify if your intended route and city of travel observe window hours to avoid violations.
Roads Covered by the Number Coding Scheme
The MMDA enforces the number coding scheme on all major roads under its jurisdiction. These primary 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 Street
- Marcos Highway
These are the main arteries of Metro Manila where the “manila coding car” rules are strictly implemented during coding hours.
Areas Exempt from Number Coding
While number coding is widespread in Metro Manila, some areas and roads are exempted. Notably, privately operated tollways are not covered by the scheme. Exempt areas and roads include:
- NAIA Expressway (NAIAX)
- Skyway System
- South Luzon Expressway (SLEX)
- Domestic Road
- Ninoy Aquino Avenue
- MIA Road
- Sales Road
- Parts of Airport Road
- Some sections of Buendia Avenue (Gil Puyat Avenue)
- Tollway extensions like NLEX Harbor Link
Additionally, certain cities or municipalities may have specific local exemptions or variations to the standard coding scheme. Always check local city ordinances for the most accurate information.
Vehicle Exemptions: Who Gets a Pass?
Certain types of vehicles are exempt from the number coding scheme to ensure public service and essential functions continue uninterrupted. These exemptions generally include:
- Public Utility Vehicles (PUVs), including buses, jeepneys, and tricycles
- Transport Network Vehicle Services (TNVS)
- Motorcycles
- Garbage trucks
- Fuel trucks
- Fire trucks
- Marked government vehicles
- Marked media vehicles
- Vehicles carrying essential or perishable goods
- Doctors with valid and updated PRC licenses
- Electric Vehicles (EVs) and Hybrid Vehicles with proper LTO certification and special plates
However, it’s important to note that Makati City has a more limited list of exemptions. In Makati, exemptions primarily apply to vehicles carrying senior citizen BluCard holders, emergency vehicles, vehicles on official functions, and electric vehicles. Always verify city-specific exemptions.
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 one of the incentives. To qualify, the vehicle’s registration must explicitly state that it is a hybrid or electric vehicle, and it should ideally have the special EV or Hybrid vehicle plates issued by the LTO.
Mild Hybrids and Coding Exemption: What You Need to Know
Not all “hybrid” vehicles qualify for the coding exemption. Mild-hybrid vehicles, which use a small electric motor and battery primarily to assist the internal combustion engine (ICE) but cannot run on electric power alone, are not typically exempted. The exemption is intended for vehicles that can operate in full electric mode.
To ensure your hybrid vehicle is exempt, verify that it is recognized by the Department of Energy (DOE). The DOE maintains a list of recognized EVs and Hybrids. Before purchasing a vehicle expecting a coding exemption, check the DOE list to confirm its eligibility. Mild hybrids, while fuel-efficient, usually do not meet the criteria for coding exemption.
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 city where the violation occurred. This fine must be paid within seven days to avoid additional penalties when renewing your driver’s license. Ignoring violations can lead to further complications and increased costs.
Payment Channels for Fines
Fines for number coding violations can be paid through various MMDA-approved channels for convenience. These include:
- Landbank
- SM Bills Payment centers
- Bayad Center outlets
- Bayad Center partner mobile apps like GCash, PayMaya, and GrabPay
In 2023, the MMDA also introduced handheld ticketing devices that allow for on-the-spot payment of fines, offering more immediate resolution for violations.
City-Specific Number Coding Rules
While Metro Manila generally follows the MMDA’s guidelines, specific cities have unique implementations or additional rules:
Alabang, Muntinlupa City
Muntinlupa City generally does not implement number coding, except on:
- Ayala-Alabang National Road
- Alabang-Zapote Road corner Buencamino and North Gate
Violations in these areas incur fines: P500 (first offense), P750 (second), and P1,000 (third and subsequent offenses). These rules may have been updated post-pandemic, so checking local LGU social media for current regulations is advisable.
Makati City
Makati City enforces number coding from 7 AM to 7 PM with no window hours. The standard fine is P300. Exemptions are limited to vehicles carrying senior citizen Blu Card holders, emergency vehicles, official function vehicles, and electric vehicles.
Quezon City, Pasig City, Pasay City, Parañaque City, Mandaluyong City, Valenzuela City
These cities generally follow the MMDA’s coding scheme: 7 AM to 10 AM and 5 PM to 8 PM coding periods with window hours from 10:01 AM to 4:59 PM.
- Pasay City: Coding does not apply to Domestic Road, Ninoy Aquino Avenue, MIA Road, Sales Road, parts of Airport Road, and parts of Buendia (Gil Puyat).
Manila City
Manila City has varied implementations. Some areas follow the standard 7 AM to 10 AM and 5 PM to 8 PM with window hours, while others implement coding without window hours. Motorists should check specific locations within Manila for applicable rules before traveling.
San Juan City
San Juan City currently implements coding from 7 AM to 7 PM, but with window hours from 10 AM to 3 PM. It’s uncertain if they have adopted the MMDA’s 7 AM to 10 AM and 5 PM to 8 PM scheme; check for updates from the city government.
Caloocan City
Caloocan City observes coding from 7 AM to 10 AM and 5 PM to 8 PM. Most roads have window hours from 10 AM to 4 PM, but Samson Road has no window hours, meaning coded vehicles are restricted throughout the entire coding period. Post-pandemic rule changes may apply, so verify current regulations.
Taguig City
Taguig City is partially exempt. Coding applies only to national roads within its boundaries, including East Service Road and Manuel L. Quezon Avenue.
Number Coding Beyond Metro Manila
Traffic congestion isn’t exclusive to Metro Manila. The UVVRP has extended to other cities, including Baguio, Cabanatuan, and Dagupan, all adhering to the same license plate-based restrictions.
Baguio City
Baguio City enforces coding in selected areas, particularly tourist hotspots like Session Road, Burnham Park, and Baguio City Market, from 7 AM to 7 PM. The Central Business District also follows this schedule on weekdays, with a P500 fine for violations.
Cavite Province
Cavite previously had the Unified Vehicular Reduction System (UVRS) from 6 AM to 7 PM on weekdays. However, Provincial Ordinance 283-2020 suspended the number coding scheme until further notice.
Future Updates to the Coding Scheme
The Number Coding Scheme is not static. The MMDA continuously explores ways to improve traffic management. In 2022, proposals for a more restrictive two-day-a-week ban were considered, including:
- Odd-Even Scheme: Odd-numbered plates banned Mondays and Thursdays; even-numbered plates Tuesdays and Fridays. Wednesdays as a “no coding” day.
- Complex Scheme: A more intricate system restricting different plate number groups on each weekday to achieve a 40% traffic reduction.
As of now, these proposals have not been implemented due to public criticism and complexity. However, the MMDA may introduce further modifications in the future. Staying informed about potential changes is essential for Manila motorists. Keep an eye on MMDA announcements and news updates regarding the “manila coding car” scheme to remain compliant and avoid unexpected traffic restrictions.
