Navigating the daily rush hour in Metro Manila can feel like a daunting task. To manage the notorious traffic congestion, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) implements a system known as car coding, or the number coding scheme. This traffic management strategy restricts vehicle access on major roads during peak hours based on the last digit of their license plates.
For seasoned drivers in Manila, understanding car coding is second nature, a crucial part of daily route planning. However, for newcomers or those less familiar, deciphering the system can be confusing.
This guide aims to clarify Car Coding In Manila, providing you with the essential information to confidently drive through the city streets and reach your destinations without unnecessary delays or violations. Whether you’re heading to key business districts, commercial centers, or exploring the vibrant city, understanding car coding is your first step to smoother journeys in Manila.
Decoding the Car Coding Scheme Schedule
The MMDA’s car coding scheme primarily applies to private vehicles. The restriction day for your vehicle is determined by the last number on your license plate. Here’s a straightforward breakdown:
| License Plate Last Digit | Coding Day |
|---|---|
| 1 and 2 | Monday |
| 3 and 4 | Tuesday |
| 5 and 6 | Wednesday |
| 7 and 8 | Thursday |
| 9 and 0 | Friday |
For further reading, you might find our guide on Circumferential Roads in Metro Manila (C1-C6) helpful for planning routes around the city.
City-Specific Car Coding Hours in Manila
While car coding is generally enforced across Metro Manila from Monday to Friday, the MMDA introduces some flexibility with “window hours” in most cities, allowing vehicle use during specific periods. However, it’s important to note that Makati City operates under its own, stricter traffic coding rules without window hours.
Refer to this table for the specific car coding hours and window hour policies across different cities:
| 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 |
Understanding these variations is key to avoiding car coding violations across different parts of Manila.
Major Roads Covered by Car Coding in Manila
The MMDA’s car coding scheme is implemented on these major thoroughfares:
- Araneta Avenue
- Aurora Boulevard
- Bonifacio Avenue
- C5
- C6
- Del Pan Street
- EDSA (Epifanio de los Santos Avenue)
- Magsaysay Boulevard
- Marcos Highway
- Ortigas Avenue
- Quezon Avenue
- Quirino Avenue
- Recto Avenue
- Rizal Avenue
- Roxas Boulevard
- Shaw Boulevard
- South Luzon Expressway (SLEX)
- Taft Avenue
Being aware of these roads is crucial for planning routes that comply with car coding regulations in Manila.
Exemptions from Car Coding: Roads and Vehicles
While car coding is widely applied in Manila, there are specific road segments and vehicle types that are exempted. Knowing these exemptions can be very helpful for certain drivers and situations.
Road Exemptions:
- Samson Road, Caloocan
- Sales Road
- MIA Road (Manila International Airport Road)
- Ninoy Aquino Avenue
- Domestic Road
- Bonifacio Global City (BGC)
- 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 vehicles
- Hybrid vehicles
- Public Utility Vehicles (PUVs) including buses and jeepneys
- Tricycles (PUVs but often with route restrictions)
- Transport Network Vehicle Services (TNVS) – ride-sharing services
- Motorcycles
- Garbage trucks
- Fuel trucks
- Ambulances
- Fire trucks
- Marked government vehicles
- Marked media vehicles
- Vehicles carrying essential or perishable goods
It’s important to remember that Makati City has a more limited list of exemptions within its jurisdiction:
- 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
These exemptions are vital for certain professions and vehicle types to ensure essential services are uninterrupted by car coding in Manila.
Frequently Asked Questions About Car Coding in Manila
To further clarify any confusion, here are answers to common questions about the car coding scheme in Manila:
1. What are the window hours for car coding in Manila?
Outside of Makati City, window hours are from 10:01 AM to 4:59 PM and then again from 8:01 PM to 6:59 AM the next day. During these hours, vehicles normally affected by coding can travel on roads within participating cities.
2. Is car coding enforced in Metro Manila during holidays and weekends?
No, the MMDA typically suspends car coding in Metro Manila on weekends and declared holidays. Car coding may also be lifted during special events, public transport crises, or occasions like the President’s State of the Nation Address (SONA). Always check for official announcements for specific suspensions.
3. Are healthcare workers exempt from car coding in Manila?
As of May 2022, the MMDA provides exemptions specifically for vehicles driven by or carrying medical doctors. To avail of this exemption, doctors must present a valid Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) ID. Other healthcare professionals are currently not exempted and must comply with car coding in Manila.
4. Are motorcycles included in the car coding scheme?
Motorcycles are generally exempt from car coding in Metro Manila, except within Makati City, where some restrictions may apply. Always verify local regulations, especially when driving in Makati.
5. What is the penalty for violating car coding rules?
Penalties for car coding violations usually range from ₱300 to ₱500, varying based on the city where the violation occurs. Prompt payment within seven days is advisable to avoid increased fines or complications with driver’s license renewals.
Navigate Manila Smart: Master Car Coding
Car coding in Metro Manila might initially seem complex, but understanding its rules and exemptions is crucial for efficient and stress-free driving. Effective navigation involves not just knowing the rules, but also planning routes and travel times accordingly.
For those seeking ultimate convenience, consider exploring residential options in strategically located areas within Metro Manila. Living near your workplace and essential services can significantly reduce your reliance on driving during peak hours and on coding days. Explore real estate locations that offer proximity to key areas and potentially minimize your need to navigate car coding restrictions daily.
Discover properties in prime Metro Manila locations on the Federal Land website, and find a home that complements a smart, city-centric lifestyle, making car coding a less significant factor in your daily commute.
