Navigating Metro Manila traffic can be challenging, and one key aspect for drivers to understand is the Number Coding Scheme. Formally known as the Unified Vehicle Volume Reduction Program (UVVRP), this initiative by the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) regulates vehicle movement on weekdays to ease congestion. It’s essential for motorists in the Philippines to grasp how this scheme works to avoid penalties and plan their commutes effectively.
What Exactly is the Number Coding Scheme?
The Number Coding Scheme is a traffic management tool implemented by the MMDA to reduce traffic volume in Metro Manila. It works by restricting vehicles from using major roads based on the last digit of their license plates on specific weekdays. Introduced in 1995, initially as an experiment for public utility vehicles (PUVs), it was later expanded to include all vehicles, especially along EDSA, a major thoroughfare. It’s important to note that the scheme is suspended during weekends and holidays. There was also a temporary suspension during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic from March 2020 to November 2021.
Is Number Coding Currently Active?
Yes, the Number Coding scheme is in effect as of June 2024. Since August 15, 2022, the MMDA broadened its implementation to include both morning and evening rush hours. The current schedule restricts coded vehicles during these times:
- Morning: 7:00 AM to 10:00 AM
- Evening: 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM
- Days: Monday to Friday
- Exemptions: Weekends and holidays
During the “window hours” between 10:01 AM and 4:59 PM, and from 8:01 PM to 6:59 AM the next day, vehicles are allowed to travel even on their coding days, in areas where window hours are applicable.
Decoding Your Car’s Coding Day
Knowing your car’s coding day is straightforward. It depends on the last digit of your license plate number:
- Monday: Plates ending in 1 and 2
- Tuesday: Plates ending in 3 and 4
- Wednesday: Plates ending in 5 and 6
- Thursday: Plates ending in 7 and 8
- Friday: Plates ending in 9 and 0
Simply check the last number on your license plate to determine which day your vehicle is restricted.
When is Number Coding Enforced?
In Metro Manila, the expanded number coding scheme is enforced during:
- Morning Rush Hour: 7:00 AM to 10:00 AM
- Afternoon/Evening Peak Hours: 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM
- Weekdays: Monday to Friday
However, it’s crucial to be aware that some cities within Metro Manila have different implementations. For example, Makati City enforces a full-day coding scheme from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM without window hours. If you’re driving in Metro Manila, especially on a coding day, always verify if your route and destination have window hours or full-day coding.
Understanding “Window Hours”
“Window hours” refer to a period within the coding day when restricted vehicles are allowed to travel. In areas with window hours, you can drive your coded vehicle between 10:01 AM and 4:59 PM. This provides some flexibility for drivers. However, Radial Roads, Circumferential Roads, and National Roads within Metro Manila typically do not observe window hours. Always confirm the specific window hour policies for the areas you plan to drive through.
Roads Covered by the Number Coding Scheme
The MMDA enforces the number coding scheme on all major roads under its jurisdiction in Metro Manila. These 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
Areas Exempted from Number Coding
While number coding is widespread, certain areas and roads are exempt. Notably, tollways operated by private companies are not covered. Exempt areas include:
- 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 Avenue (Gil Puyat Avenue)
- Tollway extensions like NLEX Harbor Link
Additionally, specific municipalities may have exemptions within their jurisdiction.
Vehicle Exemptions from Number Coding
Certain types of vehicles are also exempt from the Number Coding Scheme:
- Public Utility Vehicles (PUVs) including buses, jeepneys, and tricycles
- Transport Network Vehicle Services (TNVS)
- Motorcycles
- Garbage trucks, fuel trucks, and fire trucks
- Marked government vehicles and 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 EV/Hybrid plates.
It’s important to note that Makati City has a more limited 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
Electric vehicles (EVs) and hybrid vehicles are exempted from the UVVRP due to the Electric Vehicle Industry Development Act (EVIDA) or Republic Act No. 11697. This law promotes the use of EVs and hybrids. To qualify for exemption, the vehicle’s Certificate of Registration must clearly state that the model is a hybrid or electric vehicle.
Mild Hybrids and Coding Exemptions
Not all vehicles marketed as “hybrid” are exempt. Mild-hybrid vehicles, which use a small electric motor to assist the gasoline engine but cannot run on electricity alone, are not typically exempted. Exemption is granted to vehicles recognized by the Department of Energy (DOE). It’s advisable to check the DOE’s list of recognized EVs and Hybrids before purchasing a vehicle expecting a coding exemption.
Penalties for Number Coding Violations
Violating the Number Coding Scheme results in a fine. The standard fine ranges from P300 to P500, depending on the location of the violation. This fine must be paid within seven days to avoid additional penalties when renewing your driver’s license.
Paying Number Coding Fines
Fines for number coding violations can be paid through various MMDA-approved channels:
- Landbank
- SM Bills Payment
- Bayad Center
- Bayad Center partners like GCash, PayMaya, and GrabPay
In 2023, the MMDA also introduced handheld ticketing devices that allow for on-the-spot fine payments.
City-Specific Number Coding Rules
While Metro Manila generally follows the MMDA guidelines, some cities have specific rules:
- Alabang, Muntinlupa City: Generally no coding, except for Ayala-Alabang National Road and Alabang-Zapote Road corner Buencamino and North Gate (using MMDA scheme). Violations have escalating fines.
- Makati City: Full-day coding from 7 AM to 7 PM, no window hours. Exemptions are limited.
- Quezon City: Follows MMDA scheme: 7 AM to 10 AM and 5 PM to 8 PM with window hours.
- Pasig City: Follows MMDA scheme: 7 AM to 10 AM and 5 PM to 8 PM with window hours.
- Pasay City: 7 AM to 10 AM and 5 PM to 8 PM coding with window hours, but exemptions on major thoroughfares like Domestic Road and Ninoy Aquino Avenue.
- Parañaque City: Follows standardized MMDA scheme with window hours.
- Mandaluyong City: Follows MMDA scheme: 7 AM to 10 AM and 5 PM to 8 PM with window hours.
- Manila City: Varied implementation; some areas with no window hours, others following the MMDA scheme. Check specific locations.
- Valenzuela City: Follows MMDA scheme with window hours on specific roads like MacArthur Highway and Mindanao Avenue.
- Taguig City: Partially exempt; coding on national roads within, including East Service Road and Manuel L. Quezon Avenue.
- San Juan City: 7 AM to 7 PM coding with window hours from 10 AM to 3 PM. City may adopt MMDA’s new schedule.
- Caloocan City: 7 AM to 10 AM and 5 PM to 8 PM coding, Samson Road has no window hours.
Number Coding Outside Metro Manila
Number coding is not exclusive to Metro Manila. It has been extended to other cities facing traffic congestion, including:
- Baguio City: Coding in tourist areas like Session Road and Burnham Park, 7 AM to 7 PM in the Central Business District.
- Cabanatuan and Dagupan: Adhere to the same daily license plate restrictions as Metro Manila.
- Cavite Province: Number coding was previously implemented but is currently suspended under Provincial Ordinance 283-2020.
Potential Future Updates to the Coding Scheme
The MMDA continuously studies ways to improve traffic flow. In 2022, they considered more restrictive proposals, including:
- Odd-Even Scheme: Odd-numbered plates restricted Mondays and Thursdays, even-numbered plates Tuesdays and Fridays. Wednesdays as no-coding days.
- Complex Scheme: More intricate daily restrictions based on plate number groupings, aiming for a 40% traffic reduction.
As of now, these more drastic schemes have not been implemented due to public criticism. However, the MMDA may introduce further changes in the future. Staying updated on MMDA announcements and news is recommended for all motorists in the Philippines.
By understanding the Number Coding Scheme, its rules, exemptions, and city-specific implementations, drivers in the Philippines can navigate roads more efficiently and avoid unnecessary fines. Always stay informed about the latest traffic regulations to ensure a smoother driving experience.
