Navigating the bustling streets of Metro Manila can be challenging, especially with the ever-present traffic. One key regulation that every motorist needs to understand is the Number Coding Scheme, also known as the Unified Vehicular Volume Reduction Program (UVVRP). As your trusted auto repair expert from carcodescanner.store, I’m here to break down everything you need to know about car coding in the Philippines for 2024, ensuring you stay informed and compliant.
Decoding the Number Coding Scheme in the Philippines
First, let’s clarify what the Number Coding Scheme is all about. Implemented by the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA), this scheme is designed to reduce traffic congestion during weekdays. It works by restricting vehicles from using specific roads based on the last digit of their license plates. This initiative, which began experimentally in 1995 with public utility vehicles (PUVs) and later expanded to all vehicles on EDSA, is a crucial part of traffic management in Metro Manila. It’s important to note that the scheme is not in effect during weekends and holidays. Interestingly, it was temporarily suspended during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic from March 2020 to late November 2021.
Is Number Coding Currently in Effect in the Philippines?
Yes, the Number Coding scheme is currently active and enforced in Metro Manila. Since August 15, 2022, the MMDA broadened the scheme to include both morning and evening rush hours. The current operating 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,” vehicles affected by the day’s restrictions are allowed to drive on covered roads between 10:01 AM and 4:59 PM, and then again from 8:01 PM to 6:59 AM the next day. This is the standard scheme as of June 2024, but it’s always wise to stay updated with any potential changes from MMDA.
Which Days Are My Vehicle Restricted Under the Car Coding Scheme?
Understanding your vehicle’s coding day is straightforward. It depends on the last digit of your license plate number:
- 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.
Simply check the last number on your plate, and you’ll know which day your vehicle is restricted from certain Metro Manila roads.
What Are the Number Coding Hours in Metro Manila?
As mentioned, the expanded number coding scheme in Metro Manila is enforced during:
- Morning Rush Hour: 7:00 AM to 10:00 AM
- Afternoon/Evening Peak Hours: 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM
These hours are applicable on weekdays, Monday through Friday. However, it’s crucial to be aware that some cities within Metro Manila, like Makati City, implement a full-day coding scheme from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM without “window hours.” Therefore, if your route includes passing through different cities, especially Makati, always verify the specific coding rules for those areas.
Understanding “Window Hours” in the Philippines Number Coding
“Window hours” refer to the periods within the daytime coding scheme when coded vehicles are allowed to travel on restricted roads. In areas that implement window hours, these are from 10:01 AM to 4:59 PM. This provides a significant window for drivers to use their vehicles even on their coding day.
However, it’s vital to remember that Radial Roads, Circumferential Roads, and National Roads are generally NOT included in the window hours system. Always double-check the specific road and city regulations to avoid violations.
Which Roads are Covered by the Number Coding Scheme in Metro Manila?
The MMDA enforces the Number Coding Scheme on all major roads under its jurisdiction. These key thoroughfares 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 Street
- Marcos Highway
If your daily commute or planned route involves any of these roads during coding hours, ensure your vehicle is not restricted on that day.
Areas Exempted from Number Coding in Metro Manila
Fortunately, some areas and roads are not covered by the Number Coding Scheme. This provides some relief for motorists. Notably, privately operated tollways are generally exempt. Here’s a list of areas and roads where number coding typically does not apply:
- NAIA Expressway
- Skyway System
- South Luzon Expressway (SLEX)
- Domestic Road
- Ninoy Aquino Avenue
- MIA Road
- Sales Road
- Parts of Airport Road
- Some parts of Buendia (Gil Puyat Avenue)
- Tollway extensions (like NLEX Harbor Link)
Keep in mind that while these roads are generally exempt, it’s always best to check for specific updates, especially if there are roadworks or temporary changes in traffic regulations.
Which Vehicles are Exempt from the Car Coding Scheme in the Philippines?
Certain types of vehicles are exempted from the Number Coding Scheme to ensure public transportation and essential services are not disrupted. These exemptions generally include:
- Public Utility Vehicles (PUVs): This includes buses, jeepneys, and even tricycles.
- Transport Network Vehicle Services (TNVS): Vehicles like Grab and Angkas are typically exempt.
- Motorcycles: Motorbikes are not covered by the coding scheme.
- Garbage trucks, fuel trucks, and fire trucks: Essential service vehicles are exempt.
- Marked government vehicles and marked media vehicles: Officially marked vehicles are usually exempt.
- Vehicles carrying essential or perishable goods: Vehicles transporting necessary supplies are often exempt.
- Doctors with valid and updated PRC Licenses: Physicians on duty are generally exempt.
- Electric Vehicles (EVs) and Hybrid Vehicles: With proper LTO certification and special EV/Hybrid plates, these vehicles are exempt.
Important Note: Makati City has stricter exemption rules. In Makati, exemptions are primarily limited to vehicles carrying senior citizen BluCard holders, emergency vehicles, vehicles on official functions, and electric vehicles. Always confirm city-specific exemptions when traveling in Makati.
Electric Vehicles and Hybrid Vehicles: Coding Exemption Explained
As highlighted above, electric vehicles (EVs) and hybrid vehicles are exempt from the UVVRP. This is thanks to Republic Act No. 11697, the Electric Vehicle Industry Development Act (EVIDA), which promotes the adoption of EVs in the Philippines. To qualify for this exemption, your vehicle’s registration should clearly state that it is a hybrid or electric vehicle.
Why Might My Hybrid Vehicle Not Be Exempt from Coding?
It’s important to understand that not all “hybrid” vehicles are treated the same under the exemption rules. Some vehicles use “mild-hybrid” systems. Mild hybrids utilize a combustion engine with a small battery and electric motor, mainly for fuel efficiency and power assist, but they cannot run solely on electric power.
Because mild-hybrid vehicles cannot operate in full electric mode, they are not exempt from the Number Coding Scheme. Exemption is typically granted to vehicles recognized by the Department of Energy (DOE) as true EVs or hybrids capable of electric-only propulsion. Before purchasing a vehicle expecting coding exemption, it’s advisable to check the DOE’s list of recognized EVs and Hybrids to confirm eligibility.
Penalties for Violating the Number Coding Scheme
Violating the Number Coding Scheme can result in fines. The standard penalty for a UVVRP violation is between P300 to P500, depending on the locality where the violation occurs. It’s crucial to settle this fine within seven days to avoid additional penalties when you renew your driver’s license.
Where to Pay Number Coding Violation Fines
Paying your number coding violation fine is now more convenient with multiple MMDA-approved payment channels:
- Landbank
- SM Bills Payment Centers
- Bayad Center Outlets
- Bayad Center partners like GCash, PayMaya, and GrabPay
Additionally, the MMDA has implemented handheld ticketing devices that can process payments on the spot, providing an immediate payment option.
City-Specific Number Coding Rules within Metro Manila
While the MMDA sets the general framework, specific cities within Metro Manila may have slight variations in their number coding implementation. Here’s a quick overview of rules in key cities:
- Alabang, Muntinlupa City: Generally follows MMDA coding, but largely no coding scheme except for Ayala-Alabang National Road and Alabang-Zapote Road corner Buencamino and North Gate. Violations here have city-specific fines.
- Makati City: Strict 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM coding with NO window hours. Limited exemptions, mainly for senior citizen BluCard holders, emergency vehicles, official functions, and EVs. Fine is P300.
- Quezon City: Adheres to MMDA’s 7:00 AM to 10:00 AM and 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM coding with window hours (10:01 AM to 4:59 PM).
- Pasig City: Follows MMDA’s 7:00 AM to 10:00 AM and 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM coding with window hours (10:01 AM to 4:59 PM).
- Pasay City: Implements 7:00 AM to 10:00 AM and 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM coding with window hours (10:01 AM to 4:59 PM), but exemptions on major thoroughfares like Domestic Road, Ninoy Aquino Avenue, MIA Road, Sales Road, parts of Airport Road, and parts of Buendia.
- Parañaque City: Standard MMDA 7:00 AM to 10:00 AM and 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM coding with window hours (10:01 AM to 4:59 PM).
- Mandaluyong City: Now follows MMDA’s 7:00 AM to 10:00 AM and 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM coding with window hours (10:01 AM to 4:59 PM).
- Manila City: Varied implementation. Some areas follow 7:00 AM to 10:00 AM and 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM with window hours, while others have no window hours. Check specific locations within Manila.
- Valenzuela City: MMDA’s 7:00 AM to 10:00 AM and 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM coding with window hours (10:01 AM to 4:59 PM) on specified roads like MacArthur Highway, Maysan – Paso De Blas – Bagbaguin Road, etc.
- Taguig City: Partially exempt. Coding applies to national roads within, including East Service Road and Manuel L. Quezon Avenue, following MMDA’s 7:00 AM to 10:00 AM and 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM coding with window hours.
- San Juan City: Operates 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM coding with window hours from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Confirm if they have shifted to MMDA’s hours.
- Caloocan City: Generally 7:00 AM to 10:00 AM and 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM coding with window hours, but Samson Road is exempt from window hours (full-day coding).
Number Coding Implementation Outside Metro Manila
Traffic congestion isn’t exclusive to Metro Manila. The UVVRP has been extended to other cities, including:
- Baguio City: Implements coding in specific areas, especially tourist spots like Session Road, Burnham Park, and Baguio City Market, from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM on weekdays. Central Business District also follows this schedule. Fine is P500.
- Cabanatuan and Dagupan: Adhere to the same daily license plate restriction as Metro Manila.
- Cavite Province: Previously had a coding scheme (UVRS), but it is currently suspended under Provincial Ordinance 283-2020 until further notice.
Potential Future Updates to the Coding Scheme
The Number Coding Scheme is not static and has evolved since its inception. The MMDA continuously explores ways to further reduce traffic. In 2022, they considered more stringent options:
- Odd-Even Scheme: Odd-numbered plates restricted Mondays and Thursdays, even-numbered plates Tuesdays and Fridays, with Wednesdays as a no-coding day.
- Complex Scheme: A more intricate system restricting different plate number groups each day to achieve a 40% traffic reduction.
As of now, these proposals have not been implemented, facing criticism for complexity and potential inconvenience. However, it’s crucial to stay informed about any future announcements from the MMDA regarding changes to the Number Coding Scheme.
Stay Updated on Car Coding Philippines
Navigating the car coding rules in the Philippines requires attention to detail and staying updated with the latest regulations. As your car expert from carcodescanner.store, I recommend regularly checking for updates from the MMDA and your local city government units to ensure you’re always compliant. Understanding and following these rules helps ensure smoother traffic flow for everyone in Metro Manila and beyond. Drive safely and stay informed!
