Daily rush hour traffic in Metro Manila is a significant challenge for drivers. To manage this, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) implements a number coding scheme. This system restricts vehicle access on certain days based on the last digit of their license plates during peak hours, a concept known as Manila Car Coding Time.
For seasoned drivers, understanding and planning around the Manila car coding time is routine. However, for new drivers or visitors, navigating this system can be confusing. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of Manila car coding time, helping you confidently drive through Metro Manila streets and reach your destinations efficiently.
Understanding the Manila Number Coding Scheme
The MMDA’s number coding scheme primarily targets private vehicles. The restriction day for your vehicle is determined by the last digit of your license plate number. Knowing your designated Manila car coding time is crucial for daily commuting.
| 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 |
Alt text: Manila car coding time guide banner showing schedule for motorists.
Manila Car Coding Time: Hours and “Window Hours” Explained
The Manila car coding time generally applies throughout Metro Manila from Monday to Friday. To offer some flexibility, most cities under MMDA jurisdiction implement “window hours.” These are periods within the day when the number coding scheme is lifted, allowing vehicles affected by Manila car coding time to be on the road. Makati City is a notable exception, operating without window hours and enforcing Manila car coding time strictly.
Refer to the table below for a city-specific breakdown of Manila car coding time and window hours:
| 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 |
Roads Where Manila Number Coding is in Effect
The MMDA’s number coding scheme and its associated Manila car coding time are implemented on the following major thoroughfares:
- Araneta Avenue
- Aurora Boulevard
- Bonifacio Avenue
- C5
- C6
- Del Pan
- EDSA
- 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 from Manila Car Coding Time
While Manila car coding time is widely enforced, certain roads and vehicle types are exempted. Understanding these exemptions can be beneficial for navigating Metro Manila.
Road Exemptions:
- Samson Road, Caloocan
- Sales Road
- MIA Road
- Ninoy Aquino Avenue
- Domestic Road
- BGC (Bonifacio Global City)
- Skyway
- NAIA Expressway
- Parts of Airport Road
- Parts of Gil Puyat Avenue (formerly Buendia)
- Other tollways and sections of toll roads within Metro Manila
Vehicle Exemptions:
- Electric and hybrid vehicles
- Public utility vehicles (PUVs) including tricycles
- Transport Network Vehicle Services (TNVS)
- Motorcycles
- Garbage trucks
- Fuel trucks
- Ambulances
- Fire trucks
- Marked government vehicles
- Marked media vehicles
- Vehicles carrying essential or perishable goods
Makati City, with its distinct coding scheme, recognizes a more limited set of exemptions:
- Ambulances, fire trucks, police patrol cars, and military vehicles on official duty
- Vehicles with diplomatic license plates
- Marked government vehicles
- Marked media vehicles in official use
- Makati City-accredited tow trucks
- Vehicles used by medical practitioners during emergencies
- Vehicles driven by or carrying Senior Citizen Blu Card holders
Frequently Asked Questions About Manila Car Coding Time
1. What are the “window hours” within Manila car coding time?
Except in Makati City, 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.
2. Is Manila car coding time enforced on holidays and weekends?
No, the MMDA typically suspends Manila car coding time during holidays and weekends. Suspensions may also occur during calamities, public transport disruptions, or special events like the President’s State of the Nation Address (SONA).
3. Are healthcare workers exempt from Manila car coding time in Metro Manila?
Currently, only cars driven by or carrying doctors are exempted from Manila car coding time upon presentation of a valid Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) ID. Other healthcare workers are still subject to the scheme.
4. Are motorcycles affected by Manila car coding time?
Motorcycles are generally exempt from Manila car coding time in Metro Manila, except within Makati City.
5. What is the penalty for violating Manila car coding time?
Penalties for violating Manila car coding time typically range from ₱300 to ₱500, varying by location. Prompt settlement within seven days is advised to avoid increased fines or issues with driver’s license renewal.
Drive Smart and Navigate Manila Car Coding Time Effectively
Understanding Manila car coding time is essential for efficient commuting in Metro Manila. By being aware of the schedule, hours, and exemptions, you can plan your journeys to minimize disruption and avoid penalties. Staying informed about Manila car coding time is key to a smoother driving experience in the city.
