Navigating Metro Manila’s traffic can be challenging, and understanding the Number Coding Scheme is crucial for drivers. This guide will break down everything you need to know about “Car Coding Time” and how it affects your daily commute.
What Exactly is the Number Coding Scheme?
The Number Coding Scheme, officially known as the Unified Vehicle Volume Reduction Program (UVVRP), is a traffic management strategy implemented by the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA). Its primary goal is to reduce traffic congestion on weekdays by restricting vehicle movement based on the last digit of their license plates.
Introduced in 1995, initially as a trial focusing on public utility vehicles, the scheme was later expanded to include all vehicles, especially those using EDSA (Epifanio de los Santos Avenue), a major Metro Manila thoroughfare. It’s important to note that the number coding scheme is not in effect during weekends and holidays. There was a temporary suspension of the UVVRP from March 13, 2020, to November 30, 2021, during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Is the Number Coding Scheme Currently Active?
Yes, as of June 2024, the expanded Number Coding scheme is in full effect. The MMDA reinstated the morning and evening peak hour restrictions starting August 15, 2022. This means that “car coding time” is enforced during these periods:
- Morning: 7:00 AM to 10:00 AM
- Evening: 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM
- Days: Monday to Friday (excluding holidays and weekends)
Vehicles affected by the coding scheme are allowed to drive between 10:01 AM and 4:59 PM and from 8:01 PM to 6:59 AM the next day. This schedule is currently being observed throughout Metro Manila, although some cities may have specific variations.
Which Days Are My Vehicle Restricted on Metro Manila Roads Based on Car Coding Time?
Knowing your “car coding time” is simple. It depends 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 digit of your license plate to determine your “car coding time” and the corresponding day your vehicle is restricted.
Understanding the Daily Car Coding Time Schedule
The standard “car coding time” in Metro Manila, since 2023, operates during peak traffic hours:
- Morning Rush Hour: 7:00 AM to 10:00 AM
- Afternoon/Evening Peak Hours: 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM
This schedule applies throughout the National Capital Region (NCR) on weekdays, Monday through Friday. However, it’s important to be aware of exceptions. For instance, Makati City implements a full-day coding scheme from 7 AM to 7 PM without “window hours.” If you plan to drive in Metro Manila on your vehicle’s coding day, always verify if your route includes areas with full-day coding or the standard peak hour schedule.
What are “Window Hours” in the Context of Car Coding Time?
“Window hours” refer to a period within the coding day when vehicles are exempted from the restriction. Specifically, in areas with “window hours,” you can drive your coded vehicle between 10:01 AM and 4:59 PM.
However, as mentioned, Makati City is a notable exception and does not observe “window hours,” implementing coding from 7 AM to 7 PM. Furthermore, “window hours” do not apply on Radial Roads, Circumferential Roads, and National Roads, even in cities that generally have window hours. Always confirm the specific “car coding time” rules and “window hour” policies for your destination.
Roads Covered by the Number Coding Scheme
According to the MMDA, the Number Coding Scheme applies to all major roads under their jurisdiction. These primary 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
- Marcos Highway
Be mindful of these roads during your “car coding time” to avoid violations.
Areas Exempted from the Number Coding Scheme
Certain areas and roads are not covered by the Number Coding Scheme. Primarily, these are tollways operated by private companies and some specific municipal roads. Here’s a list of areas where “car coding time” restrictions do 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 (e.g., NLEX Harbor Link)
Additionally, Muntinlupa City generally does not implement number coding, except for Ayala-Alabang National Road and Alabang-Zapote Road corner Buencamino and North Gate, which follow the MMDA scheme.
Vehicles Exempt from Number Coding
Certain types of vehicles are exempted from the Number Coding Scheme, ensuring essential services and public transportation remain operational. These exemptions generally 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 proper LTO Certification and special plates.
However, note that Makati City has a narrower list of exemptions. In Makati, exemptions are primarily for vehicles carrying senior citizen BluCard holders, emergency vehicles, vehicles on “official functions,” and electric vehicles.
Electric and Hybrid Vehicle Exemptions and Car Coding Time
Electric Vehicles (EVs) and hybrid vehicles are indeed exempt from the UVVRP, including “car coding time” restrictions. This exemption is mandated by Republic Act No. 11697, the Electric Vehicle Industry Development Act (EVIDA), promoting the use of environmentally friendly vehicles. To qualify for this exemption, the vehicle’s registration must clearly state that it is a hybrid or electric vehicle, and it should ideally have the designated EV or Hybrid vehicle plates.
Why Might My Hybrid Vehicle Not Be Exempt from Car Coding Time?
Not all “hybrid vehicles” are considered equal when it comes to coding exemptions. Some vehicles use “mild-hybrid” systems. Mild hybrids typically use a conventional internal combustion engine (ICE) combined with a small battery and electric motor. While they offer improved fuel efficiency, they cannot run solely on electric power.
Exemption from the Coding Scheme is generally reserved for hybrid vehicles recognized by the Department of Energy (DOE) as capable of electric-only propulsion. Before purchasing a vehicle expecting it to be coding exempt, it’s wise to consult the DOE’s list of recognized EVs and Hybrids. Mild-hybrid electric vehicles generally do not qualify for the exemption.
Penalties for Violating the Number Coding Scheme
Driving during your “car coding time” can result in penalties. Violating the Number Coding Scheme (UVVRP) will typically incur a fine ranging from P300 to P500, depending on the locality where the violation occurred. This fine needs to be settled within seven days to avoid additional penalties when you renew your driver’s license.
How to Pay Number Coding Violation Fines
Fines for number coding violations can be paid through various MMDA-approved channels, including:
- Landbank
- SM Bills Payment Centers
- Bayad Center
Additionally, Bayad Center partners like GCash, PayMaya, and GrabPay provide digital payment options for MMDA fines. In 2023, the MMDA also introduced handheld ticketing devices that can process on-the-spot fine payments.
City-Specific Rules and Car Coding Time Variations
While Metro Manila generally follows the MMDA’s Number Coding Scheme, some cities have specific rules or interpretations. Here’s a summary of city-specific regulations concerning “car coding time”:
- Alabang, Muntinlupa City: Mostly follows MMDA rules on Ayala-Alabang National Road and Alabang-Zapote Road corner Buencamino and North Gate. Fines vary for repeat offenses. Check local LGU social media for updates.
- Makati City: Full-day coding from 7 AM to 7 PM, no window hours. Standard P300 fine. Limited exemptions, mainly for senior BluCard holders, emergency vehicles, official functions, and EVs.
- Quezon City: Follows MMDA’s peak hour coding (7 AM-10 AM & 5 PM-8 PM) with window hours (10:01 AM-4:59 PM).
- Pasig City: Adheres to MMDA’s peak hour coding with window hours.
- Pasay City: Peak hour coding with window hours, but coding does not apply to Domestic Road, Ninoy Aquino Avenue, MIA Road, Sales Road, parts of Airport Road, and parts of Buendia (Gil Puyat).
- Parañaque City: Standard MMDA peak hour coding with window hours.
- Mandaluyong City: Follows MMDA’s peak hour coding with window hours.
- Manila City: Some areas follow peak hour coding with window hours, while others implement coding without window hours. Check specific locations within Manila.
- Valenzuela City: Peak hour coding with window hours on designated roads including MacArthur Highway and Mindanao Avenue (Barangay Ugong).
- Taguig City: Partially exempt. Coding applies to 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. Confirm if they have shifted to the MMDA’s peak hour schedule.
- Caloocan City: Peak hour coding with window hours, except Samson Road which has no window hours and is restricted throughout the coding period. Rules may have changed since pre-pandemic times, so verify current regulations.
Number Coding Scheme Outside Metro Manila
The UVVRP has extended beyond Metro Manila to address traffic issues in other urban areas. Cities like Baguio, Cabanatuan, and Dagupan also implement number coding, generally following the same license plate restrictions.
- Baguio City: Coding primarily in tourist areas like Session Road and Burnham Park, from 7 AM to 7 PM on weekdays in the Central Business District. P500 fine for violations.
- Cavite Province: Previously had a number 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 has evolved since its inception, and further changes are possible. In 2022, the MMDA explored more stringent options to further reduce traffic volume, including proposals for a two-day vehicle ban per week.
One proposal was an odd-even scheme:
- Mondays & Thursdays: Odd-numbered plates (1, 3, 5, 7, 9) restricted.
- Tuesdays & Fridays: Even-numbered plates (2, 4, 6, 8, 0) restricted.
- Wednesdays: No coding, all vehicles allowed.
Another more complex option considered restricting vehicles based on plate number groups across different days. However, as of now, neither of these more restrictive schemes has been implemented. While there are no recent updates on significant changes, it’s advisable to stay informed about potential future developments to the Number Coding Scheme and its impact on “car coding time.”
Staying updated on the Number Coding Scheme ensures you can navigate Metro Manila roads efficiently and avoid penalties related to “car coding time.” Always check for the latest announcements from the MMDA and local city governments for the most accurate and current information.
