Rush hour in Metro Manila is a daily reality. To manage the relentless traffic congestion, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) implements a system known as the number coding scheme. This traffic management tool restricts vehicle movement on major roads during peak hours based on the last digit of their license plates.
For seasoned drivers in Manila, understanding and navigating the number coding system is second nature. However, for newcomers or occasional drivers, it can be a source of confusion.
If you find yourself in the latter group, this guide is for you. We’ll break down the intricacies of Car Coding In Manila Time, ensuring you can confidently navigate the city streets and reach your destinations without unexpected delays.
Understanding the Number Coding Scheme Schedule
The MMDA’s number coding scheme primarily targets private vehicles to reduce traffic volume. The schedule is determined by the last digit of your vehicle’s license plate number, assigning specific “coding days” when your car is restricted from major Metro Manila roads.
| 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 |
Further Reading: Comprehensive Guide to Circumferential Roads in Metro Manila (C1-C6)
Navigating Coding Hours and Window Hours Across Manila Cities
The number coding scheme generally operates on weekdays, Monday through Friday, across most roads in Metro Manila. However, to provide some flexibility for motorists, many cities within Metro Manila implement “window hours.” These window hours are periods within the coding day when vehicles are exempted from the restriction. It’s crucial to note that Makati City operates differently, enforcing its coding scheme without window hours.
Refer to the table below for a city-specific breakdown of coding hours and window hour policies:
| 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 |
Explore more about Metro Manila Transportation Options
Key Roads Covered by the Number Coding Scheme
The MMDA’s number coding scheme is implemented on the following 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
Exemptions to Number Coding: Roads and Vehicle Types
While the number coding system is broadly applied across Metro Manila, certain roads and vehicle categories are exempt. Understanding these exemptions is crucial for efficient navigation.
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
- Sections of Airport Road
- Sections of Gil Puyat Avenue (formerly Buendia)
- Other tollways and toll road sections within Metro Manila
Vehicle Exemptions:
- Electric vehicles (EVs) and hybrid vehicles
- Public Utility Vehicles (PUVs) including buses, jeepneys, and taxis (excluding tricycles in some areas)
- Transport Network Vehicle Services (TNVS) – cars operating under ride-hailing platforms
- Motorcycles
- Garbage trucks and waste disposal vehicles
- Fuel trucks and tankers
- Ambulances
- Fire trucks
- Clearly marked government vehicles
- Clearly marked media vehicles
- Vehicles carrying essential or perishable goods
Makati City, with its distinct coding scheme, has a narrower list of exemptions, primarily recognizing:
- Ambulances, fire trucks, police vehicles, and military vehicles on official duty
- Vehicles bearing diplomatic license plates
- Marked government vehicles
- Marked media vehicles actively in use for news coverage
- Makati City-accredited tow trucks
- Vehicles of medical practitioners during emergencies
- Vehicles driven by or carrying Senior Citizen Blu Card holders
Frequently Asked Questions About Car Coding in Manila Time
1. What are the standard window hours for number coding in Manila, excluding Makati City?
Outside of Makati City, the general 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. This allows for midday and overnight travel even on your coding day.
2. Is number coding enforced in Metro Manila during holidays and weekends?
No, the MMDA typically suspends the number coding scheme on weekends and declared public holidays. Additionally, the scheme may be lifted during severe weather events, public transportation disruptions, or special events like the President’s State of the Nation Address (SONA). Always check for official announcements from MMDA during these times.
3. Are healthcare workers automatically exempt from number coding in Metro Manila?
Currently, 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 still required to adhere to the standard number coding rules in Manila. It’s advisable to stay updated on MMDA advisories for any changes to this policy.
4. Are motorcycles included in the number coding scheme in Metro Manila?
Motorcycles are generally exempt from the number coding scheme in Metro Manila, with the exception of Makati City where motorcycles are covered by their specific coding rules.
5. What is the penalty for violating the number coding rules?
The standard fine for number coding violations ranges from approximately ₱300 to ₱500, depending on the specific city where the violation occurs. Prompt settlement of the fine within seven days is recommended to avoid potential increases and complications with driver’s license renewal.
Driving Smart and Beating the Code
Metro Manila’s car coding system, while designed to ease traffic, can initially seem complex. The key to stress-free commuting is proactive planning. Consider choosing a strategically located residence near your workplace and essential services.
For those seeking urban convenience, Federal Land offers a portfolio of ready-for-occupancy (RFO) condominiums in prime Metro Manila locations like Pasay, Taguig, Manila, Makati, San Juan, and Quezon City. Imagine bypassing the daily rush hour and enjoying more relaxed mornings simply by living closer to where you need to be.
Explore the Federal Land website to discover more about convenient city living solutions from one of the Philippines’ leading real estate developers.
