Navigating Metro Manila’s traffic can be challenging, and understanding regulations like the Number Coding Scheme is essential for every driver. Officially known as the Unified Vehicular Volume Reduction Program (UVVRP), this initiative by the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) aims to ease congestion by limiting vehicle movement based on license plate numbers. First launched in 1995, initially targeting public utility vehicles (PUVs) before expanding to all vehicles on EDSA, the Number Coding Scheme is a long-standing effort to manage traffic flow in the Philippines’ bustling capital region. It’s crucial to note that these rules are not in effect during weekends and holidays, offering some respite from weekday restrictions. The scheme was temporarily suspended during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, from March 2020 to late November 2021, but has since been reinstated and adjusted to address ongoing traffic concerns.
Is the Number Coding Scheme Currently Active?
Yes, as of June 2024, the expanded Number Coding scheme is in full effect in Metro Manila. Since August 15, 2022, the MMDA has broadened the scheme to include both morning and evening peak 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 every weekday (Monday to Friday), excluding holidays and weekends.
During these “coding hours,” vehicles restricted by the scheme are not allowed on covered roads. However, a “window period” exists, allowing coded vehicles to travel between 10:01 AM and 4:59 PM, and again from 8:01 PM to 6:59 AM the next day. This window period provides some flexibility for drivers, but it’s vital to be aware of the specific roads and cities where these rules apply, as variations exist, particularly in cities like Makati.
Decoding Your Car’s Coding Day in Metro Manila
Understanding your vehicle’s coding day is straightforward. The restriction is based on the last digit of your license plate number. Here’s a simple breakdown to help you determine when your car is affected:
- 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.
Remembering this pattern will help you plan your weekday commutes and avoid penalties.
Number Coding Hours and the Concept of “Window Hours”
The standard Number Coding Scheme in Metro Manila, as of 2023 and continuing into 2024, 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
However, the concept of “window hours” is crucial. “Window hours” refer to the period within the coding day when restricted vehicles are allowed to drive on coded roads. In most areas implementing the standard MMDA scheme, these window hours are from 10:01 AM to 4:59 PM.
It’s important to note that not all cities or roads within Metro Manila adhere to window hours. Makati City, for example, implements a full-day coding scheme from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM without window hours for most vehicles. Therefore, if your route takes you through Makati, you must strictly adhere to the coding rules for the entire day if your vehicle is not exempted.
Furthermore, even in areas with window hours, certain major roads like Radial Roads, Circumferential Roads, and National Roads may not be covered by these window periods. Always verify the specific regulations for your destination, especially if traveling during coding days.
Roads Covered by the Number Coding Scheme in Metro Manila
The MMDA enforces the Number Coding Scheme on all major thoroughfares under its jurisdiction. These primary roads are critical arteries of Metro Manila, and restrictions here significantly impact traffic flow. The roads covered include:
- EDSA
- C5 (Katipunan/CP Garcia)
- 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 planned route involves any of these roads during coding hours on your vehicle’s coding day, ensure you are either within the window hours (if applicable and outside of Makati) or your vehicle is exempt from the scheme.
Areas Exempted from Number Coding in Metro Manila
While the Number Coding Scheme is widespread, certain areas and roadways are excluded. Primarily, these exemptions aim to facilitate smoother travel to and from key locations or through areas where traffic management is handled differently. The areas and roads not covered by the Number Coding Scheme generally include:
- Tollways: Privately operated tollways are typically exempt. This includes:
- NAIA Expressway
- Skyway System
- South Luzon Expressway (SLEX)
- North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) and its Harbor Link extension
- Specific Roads in Vicinities:
- Domestic Road (Pasay)
- Ninoy Aquino Avenue (Pasay)
- MIA Road (Pasay)
- Sales Road (Pasay)
- Parts of Airport Road (Pasay/Paranaque)
- Some parts of Buendia/Gil Puyat Avenue (Makati/Pasay)
It’s important to note that while these roads themselves are exempt, entering or exiting them might still involve traversing coded roads. Plan your routes carefully to maximize the benefit of these exemptions.
Vehicle Exemptions from the Number Coding Scheme
Certain types of vehicles are granted exemptions from the Number Coding Scheme due to their essential functions or promotion of specific transportation policies. These exemptions generally apply across Metro Manila, although Makati City has some specific limitations. Vehicles typically exempted include:
- Public Utility Vehicles (PUVs): This category encompasses:
- Buses
- Jeepneys
- Taxis
- Tricycles
- Transport Network Vehicle Services (TNVS): Vehicles operating under ride-hailing platforms.
- Motorcycles: Two-wheeled vehicles are consistently exempt.
- Essential Service Vehicles:
- Garbage trucks
- Fuel trucks
- Fire trucks
- Ambulances
- Marked government vehicles
- Marked media vehicles
- Vehicles Carrying Essential Goods: Vehicles transporting perishable goods or essential commodities.
- Medical Professionals: Doctors with valid and updated PRC licenses (may require proof).
- Electric and Hybrid Vehicles: Legitimately certified by the LTO with special EV/Hybrid plates (more detail below).
Important Note for Makati City Exemptions: Makati City has a more restricted exemption policy. In Makati, exemptions are primarily limited to:
- Vehicles carrying senior citizen BluCard holders.
- Emergency vehicles.
- Vehicles on official functions.
- Electric vehicles.
Therefore, if you rely on a general exemption valid elsewhere in Metro Manila, verify its applicability in Makati City specifically.
Electric Vehicles and Hybrid Vehicle Exemption Explained
Electric Vehicles (EVs) and certain Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEVs) are exempt from the UVVRP due to Republic Act No. 11697, the Electric Vehicle Industry Development Act (EVIDA). This law promotes the adoption of EVs and HEVs to reduce emissions and fuel consumption.
To qualify for the exemption, the vehicle’s Certificate of Registration (CR) from the Land Transportation Office (LTO) must explicitly state that the vehicle model is a “hybrid” or “electric vehicle.” Furthermore, vehicles should ideally bear the special green EV plates or hybrid vehicle plates issued by the LTO to easily identify them as exempt.
Mild Hybrids and Coding Exemption: Why Some Hybrids Aren’t Exempt
It’s crucial to understand that not all vehicles marketed as “hybrid” are exempt from the Number Coding Scheme. Specifically, mild-hybrid vehicles typically do not qualify for exemption.
Mild-hybrid systems primarily use a small electric motor to assist the internal combustion engine (ICE), improving fuel efficiency and providing a slight power boost. However, unlike full hybrids or plug-in hybrids, mild hybrids cannot propel the vehicle using electric power alone.
The exemption under EVIDA and MMDA rules is generally intended for vehicles capable of running solely on electric power, even if only for limited distances. Since mild hybrids lack this capability, they are not recognized for coding exemption.
To ensure your hybrid vehicle is coding-exempt, verify if it’s officially recognized by the Department of Energy (DOE) as a qualifying EV or HEV. The DOE maintains a list of recognized models. Consulting this list before purchasing a vehicle marketed as “hybrid” is advisable if coding exemption is a significant factor in your decision.
Penalties for Number Coding Violations
Violating the Number Coding Scheme results in a traffic violation ticket and a corresponding fine. The standard fine for UVVRP violations ranges from ₱300 to ₱500, depending on the city or area where the violation occurs.
It’s essential to settle these fines promptly, typically within seven days of the violation. Failure to pay within this period may lead to additional penalties or complications when renewing your driver’s license or vehicle registration.
Paying Your Number Coding Violation Fine
The MMDA has made it increasingly convenient to pay fines for number coding violations. Payment channels include:
- Over-the-counter:
- Landbank branches
- SM Bills Payment counters
- Bayad Center outlets and partner locations
- Digital Payment Platforms:
- GCash (via Bayad Center)
- PayMaya (via Bayad Center)
- GrabPay (via Bayad Center)
- On-the-spot Payment (Limited): In 2023, the MMDA introduced handheld ticketing devices that, in some cases, allow for immediate payment via digital methods. However, on-the-spot payment may not always be available.
Utilizing digital payment platforms offers the most convenient way to settle fines and avoid further inconvenience.
City-Specific Number Coding Rules within Metro Manila
While Metro Manila generally follows the MMDA’s UVVRP guidelines, specific cities may have slight variations or additional rules. Here’s a city-by-city overview:
- Alabang, Muntinlupa City: Generally no coding, except on:
- Ayala-Alabang National Road
- Alabang-Zapote Road corner Buencamino and North Gate (MMDA scheme applies here)
- Penalties in these areas: ₱500 (1st offense), ₱750 (2nd), ₱1,000 (3rd and succeeding).
- Makati City: Full-day coding (7 AM to 7 PM) with NO window hours for most vehicles. Exemptions are very limited (BluCard holders, emergency vehicles, official functions, EVs). Fine: ₱300.
- Quezon City: Follows MMDA standard: 7 AM-10 AM & 5 PM-8 PM coding with window hours (10:01 AM – 4:59 PM).
- Pasig City: Follows MMDA standard: 7 AM-10 AM & 5 PM-8 PM coding with window hours (10:01 AM – 4:59 PM).
- Pasay City: 7 AM-10 AM & 5 PM-8 PM coding with window hours (10 AM – 4 PM). Exemptions on: Domestic Road, Ninoy Aquino Avenue, MIA Road, Sales Road, parts of Airport Road, parts of Buendia (Gil Puyat).
- Parañaque City: Follows MMDA standard: 7 AM-10 AM & 5 PM-8 PM coding with window hours (10 AM – 4 PM).
- Mandaluyong City: Follows MMDA standard: 7 AM-10 AM & 5 PM-8 PM coding with window hours (10 AM – 4 PM).
- Manila City: Mixed implementation. Some areas follow standard MMDA coding with window hours, while others may have no window hours. Check specific locations within Manila.
- Valenzuela City: Follows MMDA standard: 7 AM-10 AM & 5 PM-8 PM coding with window hours (10:01 AM – 4:59 PM). Roads include: MacArthur Highway, Maysan – Paso De Blas – Bagbaguin Road, Karuhatan – Gen. T. De Leon Road, etc. (see original article for full list).
- Taguig City: Partially exempt. Coding applies on national roads within Taguig, including East Service Road and Manuel L. Quezon Avenue.
- San Juan City: Coding from 7 AM to 7 PM, with window hours from 10 AM to 3 PM. Verify if they have shifted to the MMDA’s 7 AM-10 AM & 5 PM-8 PM schedule.
- Caloocan City: 7 AM-10 AM & 5 PM-8 PM coding with window hours (10 AM – 4 PM), except Samson Road, which has no window hours.
Always confirm the latest rules with the specific city’s local government unit (LGU) or traffic enforcement agency, as regulations can change.
Number Coding Beyond Metro Manila
The UVVRP’s principles have extended beyond Metro Manila to address traffic congestion in other urban centers. Cities outside of Metro Manila implementing some form of number coding include:
- Baguio City: Coding enforced in selected areas, especially tourist hotspots like Session Road, Burnham Park, and Baguio City Market. Coding hours: 7 AM to 7 PM in the Central Business District and key areas. Fine: ₱500.
- Cabanatuan City & Dagupan City: Implement number coding following the same daily license plate ending restrictions as Metro Manila, though specific hours may vary. Consult local ordinances for details.
- Cavite Province: Previously had a coding scheme, but it is currently suspended under Provincial Ordinance 283-2020 until further notice.
If traveling to these areas, especially Baguio, be aware of potential coding restrictions, particularly in central or tourist-heavy zones.
Future Updates to the Number Coding Scheme
The Number Coding Scheme is not static and has evolved since its inception. The MMDA continuously studies traffic management strategies and has considered more stringent measures.
In 2022, the MMDA explored two potential revisions to the UVVRP:
- Odd-Even Scheme: Banning odd-numbered plates on Mondays/Thursdays and even-numbered plates on Tuesdays/Fridays. Wednesdays would be “no coding” days.
- Expanded Two-Day Ban: A more complex system restricting different plate number combinations for two days a week, aiming for a 40% traffic reduction. (See original article for the detailed plate combinations).
As of 2024, neither of these proposed schemes has been implemented due to public feedback and complexity concerns. However, the MMDA may revisit these or other modifications in the future. Stay informed about potential changes by following MMDA announcements and news updates to ensure compliance with the latest traffic regulations.
