By: Car Repair Expert at carcodescanner.store
For drivers in Metro Manila and other urban centers in the Philippines, traffic congestion is a daily challenge, especially during rush hours. To manage this persistent issue, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) and local government units implement traffic management strategies, most notably the number coding scheme. This regulation restricts vehicle movement on specific days based on the last digit of their license plates, aiming to reduce the volume of cars on major roads during peak times.
Understanding car coding is essential for every motorist in the Philippines. Whether you’re a seasoned driver or new to navigating Philippine roads, grasping the nuances of this system can save you from traffic violations and ensure smoother commutes. This guide provides an updated overview of car coding in the Philippines today, focusing on Manila and Metro Manila areas, to help you confidently plan your drives and avoid getting caught off guard by coding restrictions.
Decoding the Number Coding Scheme in Metro Manila
The core of the number coding scheme in Metro Manila revolves around your vehicle’s license plate number. Private vehicles are assigned a “coding day” based on the last digit of their license plate. On this day, these vehicles are restricted from traversing major Metro Manila roads during designated hours.
| 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 |
See Also: Comprehensive Guide to Circumferential Roads in Metro Manila (C1-C6)
City-Specific Car Coding Hours and Window Hours
While the general number coding scheme is consistent across Metro Manila, the implementation details, particularly the hours of restriction and the presence of “window hours,” can vary by city. Window hours are periods within the coding day when vehicles are exempted from the restriction, offering some flexibility to motorists. However, it’s crucial to note that Makati City operates under a different traffic coding system without window hours.
The following table outlines the specific coding hours and window hour policies for different cities within Metro Manila:
| 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 |
Major Roads Covered by Number Coding
The MMDA’s number coding scheme is implemented on the following key thoroughfares in Metro Manila, which are crucial to be aware of when planning your routes:
- Araneta Avenue
- Aurora Boulevard
- Bonifacio Avenue
- C5 Road
- C6 Road
- 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 from Car Coding: Roads and Vehicles
While car coding is broadly applied, certain roads and vehicle types are exempted. Knowing these exemptions can be beneficial for navigating Metro Manila, especially when time is of the essence.
Exempted Roads:
- Samson Road, Caloocan
- Sales Road
- MIA Road (MIA Avenue)
- Ninoy Aquino Avenue
- Domestic Road
- Bonifacio Global City (BGC)
- Skyway
- NAIA Expressway
- Parts of Airport Road
- Parts of Gil Puyat Avenue (formerly Buendia)
- Tollways and sections of toll roads within Metro Manila
Exempted Vehicles:
- Electric vehicles (EVs) and hybrid vehicles
- Public Utility Vehicles (PUVs) including buses, jeepneys, and taxis (excluding tricycles)
- Transport Network Vehicle Services (TNVS) – ride-hailing services
- Motorcycles
- Garbage trucks and waste disposal vehicles
- Fuel and petroleum trucks
- Ambulances and medical emergency vehicles
- Fire trucks and fire department vehicles
- Clearly marked government vehicles
- Clearly marked media vehicles
- Vehicles carrying essential or perishable goods
It is important to remember that Makati City’s coding scheme has a more limited list of exemptions, primarily recognizing:
- Ambulances, fire trucks, police cars, and military vehicles on official duty
- Vehicles with diplomatic license plates
- Marked government vehicles
- Marked media vehicles in official use
- 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 Today
1. What are the window hours for car coding in Metro Manila?
Outside of Makati City, window hours are in effect from 10:01 AM to 4:59 PM and again from 8:01 PM to 6:59 AM the next day.
2. Is car coding enforced on holidays and weekends in Metro Manila?
No, the MMDA typically suspends number coding in Metro Manila on weekends and declared public holidays. Coding may also be lifted during special circumstances like severe weather events, public transportation disruptions, or significant national events such as the President’s State of the Nation Address (SONA).
3. Are healthcare workers exempt from car coding in Metro Manila currently?
As of May 2022, the MMDA has provided exemptions 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 generally still required to comply with car coding regulations in Manila. It is advisable to check for the most current guidelines as policies can evolve.
4. Are motorcycles covered by the car coding scheme?
Motorcycles are generally exempt from the number coding scheme in Metro Manila, with the exception of Makati City, where coding rules may apply to motorcycles. Always verify local regulations when driving in Makati.
5. What is the penalty for violating car coding regulations?
Penalties for number coding violations usually range from ₱300 to ₱500, varying depending on the city where the violation occurs. Prompt settlement of fines within seven days is recommended to avoid increased penalties and potential issues with driver’s license renewal.
Smart Driving in the Philippines: Mastering Car Coding
Car coding in the Philippines, particularly in Metro Manila, is a system designed to alleviate traffic congestion. While it may appear complex at first, understanding the rules, schedules, and exemptions is key to navigating Philippine roads efficiently and legally. For those living and working in Metro Manila, considering residential locations strategically situated near workplaces and essential services, like condominiums in key cities such as Pasay, Taguig, Manila, Makati, San Juan, and Quezon City offered by developers like Federal Land, can significantly reduce the impact of car coding on daily commutes.
By staying informed and planning your journeys with car coding in mind, you can experience smoother travels and contribute to better traffic flow in Philippine cities today. For further information on real estate options that promote convenient city living, visit the Federal Land website, a leading property developer in the Philippines.
