Navigating the bustling streets of Metro Manila comes with its own set of rules, and for drivers, understanding the Number Coding Scheme is crucial. 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 regulating vehicle movement based on license plate numbers. If you’re driving in Manila, especially as a visitor, grasping the intricacies of car coding and, importantly, the “Car Coding In Manila Penalty” for violations is essential to avoid unexpected fines and ensure smooth travels. Let’s break down everything you need to know about Manila’s number coding.
Understanding the Number Coding Scheme in Manila
The Number Coding Scheme in Manila, implemented by the MMDA, restricts vehicles on weekdays based on the last digit of their license plates. Introduced in 1995 and later expanded, this scheme is a key tool in managing traffic flow in this densely populated metropolis. It’s important to note that this regulation is not in effect during weekends and holidays. There was a temporary suspension of the UVVRP during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, from March 13, 2020, to November 30, 2021, but it has since been reinstated and expanded.
Is Number Coding Currently Active in Manila?
Yes, as of June 2024, the Number Coding scheme is actively enforced in Metro Manila. Since August 15, 2022, the MMDA has expanded the scheme to include both morning and evening rush hours. The current operational hours are from 7:00 AM to 10:00 AM and again from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM, applicable from Monday to Friday, excluding holidays and weekends.
During these “coding hours,” restricted vehicles are only permitted on the roads during the “window hours,” which are between 10:01 AM and 4:59 PM, and from 8:01 PM to 6:59 AM the next day. This is the prevailing scheme in Manila as of now.
Which Days Are Cars Coded in Metro Manila?
Knowing your car’s coding day is straightforward. It depends on the last digit of your license plate:
- 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.
So, if your license plate ends with a 3, your car is coded every Tuesday and cannot be on the specified Metro Manila roads during coding hours.
What Are the Number Coding Hours in Manila?
The expanded number coding scheme in Metro Manila, also known as the National Capital Region (NCR), is enforced during peak traffic periods:
- Morning Rush Hour: 7:00 AM to 10:00 AM
- Afternoon/Evening Peak Hours: 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM
These times are applicable on weekdays, Monday through Friday. However, it’s crucial to remember that some cities within Metro Manila, like Makati City, implement a full-day coding scheme. Always verify local city rules if you are unsure.
Understanding “Window Hours” in Manila Coding
“Window hours” provide a reprieve for coded vehicles. In areas that observe window hours, vehicles restricted by the number coding scheme can be driven during these times without penalty.
Window hours are specifically from 10:01 AM to 4:59 PM in areas with this provision. Outside of radial roads, circumferential roads, and national roads, you can navigate within these cities on your coding day during window hours. However, always double-check if your route includes roads where window hours are not applicable.
Roads Covered by the Number Coding Scheme in Manila
The MMDA enforces number coding on all major roads under its jurisdiction. These key thoroughfares include:
- EDSA (Epifanio de los Santos Avenue)
- C5 (Carlos P. Garcia Avenue)
- 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
It’s important to be aware of these roads to avoid penalties if your vehicle is coded.
Areas Exempt from Number Coding in Manila
Certain areas and roads are excluded from the Number Coding Scheme. Primarily, these are tollways and some specific municipal roads. The areas where number coding 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 like NLEX Harbor Link
These exemptions mainly consist of toll roads operated by private entities and roads leading to and from the airport.
Vehicles Exempt from the Manila Number Coding Scheme
Certain types of vehicles are exempted from the Number Coding Scheme in Manila to ensure public transport and essential services are not disrupted. These include:
- Public Utility Vehicles (PUVs): This includes buses, jeepneys, and even tricycles.
- Transport Network Vehicle Services (TNVS): Vehicles like Grab and Uber (though regulations may vary, it’s generally included).
- Motorcycles: Two-wheeled vehicles are not subject to number coding.
- Garbage trucks, fuel trucks, and Fire trucks: Essential service vehicles.
- Marked government vehicles and marked Media Vehicles: Vehicles on official duty.
- Motor vehicles carrying essential or perishable goods: Ensuring the flow of necessary supplies.
- Doctors with valid and updated PRC Licenses: For emergency medical accessibility.
- Electric Vehicles (EVs) and Hybrid Vehicles with legitimate LTO Certification and special EV and Hybrid vehicle plates.
However, exemptions can differ in specific cities like Makati. In Makati City, exemptions are more limited, primarily covering vehicles carrying senior citizen BluCard holders, emergency vehicles, vehicles on “official functions,” and electric vehicles.
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 hybrid vehicles. To qualify for exemption, the vehicle’s registration must clearly state it is a hybrid or electric vehicle, and often requires special plates.
Why Some Hybrids Aren’t Exempt from Coding
Not all “hybrid” vehicles are exempt. Mild-hybrid vehicles, which use a small battery and electric motor to assist the internal combustion engine but cannot run solely on electric power, are generally not exempt from the coding scheme.
Exemption is typically granted to vehicles recognized by the Department of Energy (DOE) as true hybrids or electric vehicles capable of electric-only propulsion. Before purchasing a vehicle expecting coding exemption, it’s crucial to check the DOE’s list of recognized EVs and Hybrids to confirm eligibility. Mild hybrids often do not meet this criteria.
Penalties for Violating the Number Coding Scheme in Manila
Getting caught violating the Number Coding Scheme in Manila will result in a fine. The standard “car coding in manila penalty” ranges from P300 to P500, depending on the city where the violation occurs.
This fine must be paid within seven days. Failure to do so may lead to additional penalties when you renew your driver’s license, adding further inconvenience. It’s always best to adhere to the coding rules to avoid these fines and contribute to smoother traffic flow.
Where to Pay Number Coding Violation Fines
You can settle your Number Coding Scheme violation fines through various MMDA-approved payment channels. These include:
- Landbank
- SM Bills Payment Centers
- Bayad Center
Additionally, Bayad Center partners like:
- GCash
- PayMaya
- GrabPay
can also be used for payment. In 2023, the MMDA also introduced handheld ticketing devices that can process payments on the spot, making fine settlement more immediate in some cases.
Number Coding Rules in Different Manila Cities
While Metro Manila follows a general framework, specific rules can vary slightly by city. Here’s a breakdown for some key cities:
Alabang, Muntinlupa City
Muntinlupa City generally does not implement number coding, except on these roads which follow the MMDA scheme:
- Ayala-Alabang National Road
- Alabang-Zapote Road corner Buencamino and North Gate
Violations in these areas incur fines: P500 for the first offense, P750 for the second, and P1,000 for subsequent offenses.
Makati City
Makati City enforces a stricter number coding rule from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM without window hours. The standard fine of P300 applies. Exemptions in Makati are limited to vehicles carrying senior citizen Blu Card holders, emergency vehicles, vehicles on official functions, and electric vehicles.
Quezon City, Pasig City, Pasay City, Parañaque City, Mandaluyong City, Valenzuela City
These cities generally follow the MMDA’s coding scheme of 7:00 AM to 10:00 AM and 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM with window hours from 10:01 AM to 4:59 PM.
- Pasay City‘s coding scheme 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).
Manila City
Manila City has varied implementation. Some areas follow the 7:00 AM to 10:00 AM and 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM with window hours, while others implement number coding without window hours. Always check specific locations within Manila before driving.
Taguig City
Taguig City is partially exempt. Only national roads within Taguig, including East Service Road and Manuel L. Quezon Avenue, implement the coding scheme.
San Juan City
San Juan City currently practices number coding from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM, with window hours from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM. It’s unclear if they have adopted the 7 AM-10 AM/5 PM-8 PM scheme.
Caloocan City
Caloocan City observes number coding from 7:00 AM to 10:00 AM and 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM. However, Samson Road in Caloocan is not included in the window hour system, meaning coding is enforced throughout the entire coding period on this road.
Number Coding Outside Metro Manila
The UVVRP extends beyond Metro Manila to other congested cities, including Baguio, Cabanatuan, and Dagupan. These cities typically follow the same license plate restrictions.
- Baguio City: Enforces coding in tourist areas like Session Road, Burnham Park, and the Baguio City Market from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM. The fine is P500.
- Cavite Province: Previously had a coding scheme but it is currently suspended under Provincial Ordinance 283-2020 until further notice.
Potential Future Updates to the Coding Scheme
The Number Coding Scheme in Manila has evolved since 1995, and further changes are possible. In 2022, the MMDA considered more stringent measures, including:
- Odd-Even Scheme: Banning odd-numbered plates on Mondays and Thursdays, and even-numbered plates on Tuesdays and Fridays. Wednesdays would be coding-free.
- Complex Scheme: A more complicated system restricting different plate number groups on each weekday to potentially reduce traffic by 40%.
As of now, these more drastic schemes have not been implemented due to public criticism. However, the MMDA may introduce updates in the future. Staying informed about potential changes is advisable for Manila drivers.
Navigating Manila’s traffic and coding scheme can be complex, but understanding the rules, exemptions, and especially the “car coding in manila penalty” helps ensure a smoother driving experience and avoids unexpected fines. Always stay updated on the latest MMDA announcements and local city regulations for the most accurate information.
