Baguio City, known for its cool climate and scenic spots, is a popular destination, especially for those seeking respite from the heat or wanting to explore its unique attractions. Many visitors opt to drive their own vehicles for convenience and flexibility. To manage traffic flow, Baguio City implements a number coding scheme. Understanding this scheme, also known as Baguio City Car Coding, is crucial for a smooth and hassle-free visit.
Understanding the Baguio City Number Coding Scheme
The number coding scheme in Baguio City is a traffic management measure active on weekdays. It restricts vehicles from entering or operating within designated zones based on the last digit of their license plates. This Baguio City car coding system aims to alleviate traffic congestion, particularly during peak hours. The restriction is in effect from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM on weekdays, Monday to Friday.
Days and Numbers: Baguio Car Coding Schedule
Here’s a simple breakdown of the Baguio City car coding schedule:
| Number Code (Last Digit of Plate Number) | Day Prohibited |
|---|---|
| 1 & 2 | Monday |
| 3 & 4 | Tuesday |
| 5 & 6 | Wednesday |
| 7 & 8 | Thursday |
| 9 & 0 | Friday |
For vehicles without license plates but with conduction stickers, the last digit of the conduction sticker number is used to determine the Baguio City car coding day.
Baguio City Car Coding Zone: Areas Covered
It’s important to note that the Baguio City car coding scheme is not city-wide. It is implemented only within a specific zone. Crucially, the roads forming the perimeter line of this zone are excluded from the coding scheme. This means you can traverse these perimeter roads even if your vehicle is subject to coding on that day.
Perimeter Roads: Roads NOT Included in Car Coding
The following roads define the perimeter of the Baguio City car coding zone and are not part of the restricted area:
- Naguilian Road (from Bokawkan Road junction to Abanao Street junction)
- Abanao Street Extension (to Yandoc Street junction)
- Yandoc Street
- Legarda Road (to Marcos Highway junction)
- Marcos Highway (from Legarda Road junction to BGH Circle)
- Kennon Road (from BGH Circle to Military Cut-Off Road junction)
- Military Cut Off Road (to Military Circle)
- South Drive (from Military Circle to Teacher’s Camp Road)
- M. Roxas Road (to Trancoville Bridge)
- Bokawkan Road (including the section of Magsaysay Avenue below the Flyover, from La Trinidad Road and Trancoville Bridge junction to Naguilian Road junction)
To avoid violations of Baguio City car coding, vehicles under restriction can utilize these perimeter roads to navigate around the city without entering the coded zone.
For a more detailed visual understanding, interactive maps are available online to clearly delineate the Baguio City car coding zone.
Exemptions from Baguio City Car Coding
Certain vehicles are exempted from the Baguio City car coding scheme. These exemptions are in place for essential services or specific circumstances:
- Chartered mini-buses used for educational tours or excursions to Baguio City.
- Government vehicles displaying red plates, used for official government functions.
- Vehicles of the Philippine Postal Corporation while actively delivering mail.
- Armored vehicles used by banks for secure transport of large sums of money.
- Emergency vehicles responding to situations posing immediate danger to life or safety.
- Water delivery trucks assisting in fire suppression efforts.
- Service vehicles of public utility companies conducting emergency repairs within the Baguio City car coding zone.
- School service vehicles registered with the Land Transportation and Regulatory Board, transporting preschool, elementary, and high school students between 6:00 AM to 9:00 AM and 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM, specifically to schools located inside the coding zone.
- Private vehicles and chartered public utility vehicles of tourists participating in sanctioned events like conventions, conferences, and assemblies. Participating groups must provide attendees with stickers or documentation as proof of participation for Baguio City car coding exemption.
Important Note: Exemption passes are no longer issued by the Traffic Unit. Exemptions are based on vehicle type and purpose as defined above.
Suspension of Baguio City Car Coding
The Baguio City car coding scheme is typically suspended only under specific circumstances, and such suspensions are formally announced through an Administrative Order issued by the City Mayor. These conditions include:
a. Public disturbances or natural disasters.
b. Major official celebrations or city-sponsored events for a limited duration.
Parking Regulations in Baguio City
Vehicles restricted under the Baguio City car coding scheme are also prohibited from parking on roads or streets within the perimeter line from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM, Monday to Friday.
Pay parking areas are available throughout Baguio City, providing secure locations to park your vehicle while exploring. Patience may be needed when searching for parking, especially during peak tourist seasons, holidays, and weekends.
Penalties for Violating Baguio City Car Coding
Violations of the Baguio City car coding ordinance are classified as “NON-OBSERVANCE OF TRAFFIC CONTROL SIGNALS AND SIGNS” under City Ordinance Numbered 7-84. This is similar to disobeying a “No Entry” sign.
Law enforcement officers will confiscate the driver’s license of anyone found in violation upon issuing a citation ticket. Licenses can be retrieved after payment of a standard fine of P500.00 at the Office of the City Treasurer.
SOURCE: Ordinance No. 1 series of 2003
