Navigating Metro Manila’s traffic can be challenging, and understanding the car coding scheme is essential for every driver. Officially 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 the metro, knowing the ins and outs of Car Coding In Metro Manila can save you time, money, and a lot of hassle. Let’s break down everything you need to know about this traffic management system as of June 2024.
Understanding the Number Coding Scheme in Metro Manila
So, what exactly is the number coding scheme? In essence, it’s a system designed to reduce the volume of vehicles on Metro Manila roads during weekdays. Implemented by the MMDA, the car coding scheme restricts vehicles from using certain roads based on the last digit of their license plates. This regulation applies to both private and public utility vehicles from Monday to Friday.
First introduced in 1995 as a trial, initially focusing on public utility vehicles (PUVs), the scheme was later expanded to include all vehicles on EDSA, a major thoroughfare in Metro Manila. It’s important to note that car coding in Metro Manila is not enforced during weekends and holidays. Interestingly, the UVVRP was temporarily suspended from March 2020 to November 2021 during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Is Car Coding Currently in Effect in Metro Manila?
Yes, car coding is currently active in Metro Manila. The MMDA expanded the scheme effective August 15, 2022, reintroducing morning and evening coding hours. The current schedule for car coding in Metro Manila is from 7:00 AM to 10:00 AM and from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM, Monday to Friday, excluding holidays and weekends.
During these “window hours,” vehicles affected by the car coding in Metro Manila are allowed to travel between 10:01 AM and 4:59 PM, and again from 8:01 PM to 6:59 AM the next day. This is the operative scheme as of June 2024, so if you’re planning to drive, especially during rush hours, be mindful of your car’s coding day to avoid violations.
What Days Are Cars Coded Under the Metro Manila Scheme?
Knowing your car’s coding day is crucial for avoiding traffic violations. The schedule for car coding in Metro Manila is straightforward and based on the last digit of your vehicle’s license plate:
- Mondays: Vehicles with license plates ending in 1 and 2 are restricted.
- Tuesdays: Vehicles with license plates ending in 3 and 4 are restricted.
- Wednesdays: Vehicles with license plates ending in 5 and 6 are restricted.
- Thursdays: Vehicles with license plates ending in 7 and 8 are restricted.
- Fridays: Vehicles with license plates ending in 9 and 0 are restricted.
Simply check the last number on your license plate and match it to the corresponding day to determine your car’s coding day in Metro Manila.
What Are the Number Coding Hours in Metro Manila?
As mentioned, the expanded car coding in Metro Manila is enforced during peak traffic hours. Specifically, the number coding hours are:
- Morning: 7:00 AM to 10:00 AM
- Afternoon/Evening: 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM
These car coding hours are in effect on weekdays, Monday to Friday, excluding holidays. However, it’s important to note that some cities within Metro Manila, like Makati City, implement a full-day coding scheme without window hours. Always verify city-specific rules if you are traveling to different parts of Metro Manila.
Understanding “Window Hours” in Metro Manila Coding
“Window hours” refer to the periods within the day when coded vehicles are allowed to drive on roads covered by the car coding in Metro Manila. These hours provide a break in the restrictions, allowing coded vehicles to travel during off-peak times.
In areas implementing window hours, specifically those following the MMDA’s expanded scheme, the window hours are from 10:01 AM to 4:59 PM. During this period, vehicles that are coded for that day can travel without penalty. However, it’s crucial to remember that Radial Roads, Circumferential Roads, and National Roads within Metro Manila are not included in the window hours system and remain restricted during coding hours. Always double-check local guidelines, as some areas may have specific exceptions or variations.
Roads Covered by Car Coding in Metro Manila
The car coding scheme in Metro Manila applies to all major roads under the jurisdiction of the MMDA. These primary thoroughfares are crucial arteries of the metro and are subject to the UVVRP. The roads covered include:
- EDSA
- C5
- 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
- Marcos Highway
If your route includes any of these roads during coding hours on your vehicle’s coding day, you will be in violation of the car coding in Metro Manila.
Areas Exempt from Metro Manila Number Coding
While car coding in Metro Manila is widespread, some areas and roads are exempt from the scheme. Notably, tollways managed by private entities are not covered. Here are specific locations and road types where car coding in Metro Manila does not apply:
- Tollways:
- NAIA Expressway
- Skyway System
- South Luzon Expressway (SLEX)
- NLEX Harbor Link
- Other Roads:
- Domestic Road
- Ninoy Aquino Avenue
- MIA Road
- Sales Road
- Parts of Airport Road
- Some parts of Buendia (Gil Puyat)
Additionally, specific areas within certain municipalities may not enforce the number coding scheme, or have different rules. Always check local city ordinances for the most accurate information when driving in Metro Manila.
Vehicles Exempt from Car Coding in Metro Manila
Certain types of vehicles are exempted from the car coding in Metro Manila, recognizing their essential functions or promoting specific vehicle technologies. These exemptions include:
- Public Utility Vehicles (PUVs), including tricycles
- Transport Network Vehicle Services (TNVS)
- Motorcycles
- Garbage trucks
- Fuel trucks
- Fire trucks
- Marked government vehicles
- Marked media vehicles
- Vehicles carrying essential or perishable goods
- Doctors with valid and updated PRC licenses
- Electric Vehicles (EVs) and Hybrid Vehicles with LTO certification and special plates.
However, it’s important to note that these exemptions may vary in certain cities like Makati. In Makati City, exemptions are more limited, primarily applying to vehicles carrying senior citizen BluCard holders, emergency vehicles, vehicles on official functions, and electric vehicles. Always verify city-specific exemptions.
Electric and Hybrid Vehicle Exemptions from Car Coding
Electric vehicles (EVs) and hybrid vehicles enjoy exemption from car coding in Metro Manila due to Republic Act No. 11697, the Electric Vehicle Industry Development Act (EVIDA). This law promotes the use of EVs and hybrid electric vehicles by exempting them from traffic schemes like car coding.
To qualify for this exemption, the vehicle’s Certificate of Registration (CR) must explicitly state that the model is a hybrid or electric vehicle. Furthermore, these vehicles often bear special EV or Hybrid vehicle plates issued by the Land Transportation Office (LTO), making them easily identifiable as exempt from car coding in Metro Manila.
Mild-Hybrid Vehicles and Car Coding Exemption
While hybrid vehicles are generally exempt, it’s crucial to understand that not all “hybrid” vehicles qualify for exemption from car coding in Metro Manila. Specifically, mild-hybrid vehicles are typically not exempt.
Mild-hybrid systems use a small battery and electric motor to assist the internal combustion engine (ICE), primarily improving fuel efficiency but not providing electric-only propulsion. Because mild-hybrids cannot run solely on electric power, they are not recognized for car coding exemption under the EVIDA law.
To ensure your hybrid vehicle is exempt, check the Department of Energy (DOE) list of recognized EVs and Hybrids. This list clarifies which models are officially recognized and qualify for the car coding exemption. Before purchasing a vehicle expecting it to be coding-exempt, verify its status with the DOE.
Penalties for Violating Car Coding in Metro Manila
Violating the car coding scheme in Metro Manila will result in penalties. If caught driving your coded vehicle during restricted hours on covered roads, you will incur a fine.
The standard fine for violating car coding in Metro Manila ranges from P300 to P500, depending on the location where the violation occurs. This fine must be paid within seven days to avoid additional penalties during driver’s license renewal.
How to Pay Car Coding Violation Fines in Metro Manila
Paying your car coding violation fine in Metro Manila is now more convenient with multiple MMDA-approved payment channels. You can settle your fines through:
- Landbank
- SM Bills Payment Centers
- Bayad Center
Additionally, Bayad Center partners, including digital payment platforms like GCash, PayMaya, and GrabPay, can also be used to pay MMDA fines. In 2023, the MMDA also introduced handheld ticketing devices that allow for on-the-spot fine payments, further streamlining the process.
City-Specific Car Coding Rules within Metro Manila
While the MMDA provides the general framework for car coding in Metro Manila, specific cities within the metro may have slight variations or additional rules. Here’s a summary of city-specific regulations:
Alabang, Muntinlupa City
Muntinlupa City generally does not implement car coding, except on the following roads where the MMDA’s coding scheme is followed:
- 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 the third and subsequent offenses. Note that these penalties may have been updated since pre-pandemic times, so checking with local authorities is advised.
Makati City
Makati City, Metro Manila’s central business district, enforces a stricter car coding rule from 7 AM to 7 PM without window hours. The standard fine of P300 applies to violators. 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 expanded car coding scheme with hours from 7 AM to 10 AM and 5 PM to 8 PM, and window hours from 10:01 AM to 4:59 PM.
- Pasay City has exemptions on thoroughfares like Domestic Road, Ninoy Aquino Avenue, MIA Road, Sales Road, parts of Airport Road, and parts of Buendia (Gil Puyat).
- Valenzuela City enforces coding on specific roads including MacArthur Highway, Maysan – Paso De Blas – Bagbaguin Road, and others listed in the original article.
Manila City
Manila City has varied implementation. Some areas follow the standard MMDA coding hours with window hours, while others implement car coding without window hours. Check specific locations within Manila to understand the applicable rules.
Taguig City
Taguig City is partially exempt. Car coding applies only to national roads within its boundaries, including East Service Road and Manuel L. Quezon Avenue.
San Juan City
San Juan City currently implements car coding from 7 AM to 7 PM, with window hours from 10 AM to 3 PM. It’s unclear if they have adopted the MMDA’s expanded scheme, so verifying current local rules is recommended.
Caloocan City
Caloocan City follows the standard MMDA coding hours (7 AM to 10 AM and 5 PM to 8 PM) with window hours, except for Samson Road, where car coding is enforced throughout the entire coding period without window hours. Again, verify current rules as some may have changed.
Car Coding Outside of Metro Manila
Car coding schemes are not exclusive to Metro Manila. Cities outside the metro area, facing increasing traffic congestion, have also implemented similar programs. These include:
- Baguio City
- Cabanatuan
- Dagupan
These cities generally adhere to the same license plate restriction system as Metro Manila. Baguio City, particularly in tourist areas like Session Road and Burnham Park, enforces coding from 7 AM to 7 PM in the Central Business District on weekdays, with a P500 fine for violations.
Cavite province previously had a car coding scheme, but it is currently suspended under Provincial Ordinance 283-2020 until further notice.
Potential Future Updates to the Car Coding Scheme
The car coding scheme in Metro Manila has evolved since its inception in 1995, and further changes are possible. In 2022, the MMDA considered more stringent measures to further reduce traffic volume, including proposals for two-day-a-week vehicle bans.
Proposed options included:
- Odd-Even Scheme: Odd-numbered plates restricted Mondays and Thursdays, even-numbered plates Tuesdays and Fridays. Wednesdays would be no-coding days.
- More Complex Scheme: A more intricate daily schedule aiming for a 40% traffic reduction, with plate number groupings rotating through restricted days.
As of now, these more drastic schemes have not been implemented, facing public criticism for their potential inconvenience and complexity. The MMDA has not recently announced further changes, but it is advisable to stay informed about potential future developments to car coding in Metro Manila.
Staying updated on car coding in Metro Manila is essential for smooth and compliant driving. Always check for the latest announcements from the MMDA and specific city traffic bureaus to ensure you are following the most current regulations and avoid unnecessary fines.
