Navigating the bustling streets of Metro Manila can be challenging, especially with the ever-present traffic. One key regulation that drivers need to understand is the Number Coding Scheme. This guide, brought to you by carcodescanner.store, your trusted source for automotive expertise, will break down everything you need to know about Car Number Coding in Metro Manila for 2024.
What is the Number Coding Scheme?
The Number Coding Scheme, officially known as the Unified Vehicle Volume Reduction Program (UVVRP), is a traffic management initiative 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 an experiment focusing on public utility vehicles (PUVs), the scheme was later expanded to include all vehicles, particularly on major thoroughfares like Epifanio de los Santos Avenue (EDSA). 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 Number Coding Currently Active?
Yes, as of June 2024, the expanded Number Coding scheme is in full effect in Metro Manila. The MMDA reinstated and expanded the scheme on August 15, 2022, to include both morning and evening peak hours. The current operating hours are from 7:00 AM to 10:00 AM and 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM, Monday to Friday, excluding weekends and holidays.
Vehicles affected by the number coding on a given day are allowed to drive on Metro Manila roads between 10:01 AM and 4:59 PM, and again from 8:01 PM to 6:59 AM the next day. This “window hour” system provides some flexibility for drivers.
Which Days Are Cars Restricted Based on Plate Number?
Knowing your car’s coding day is crucial to avoid penalties. The schedule is straightforward and based on the last digit of your license plate:
- Monday: Vehicles with license plates ending in 1 and 2 are prohibited.
- Tuesday: Vehicles with license plates ending in 3 and 4 are prohibited.
- Wednesday: Vehicles with license plates ending in 5 and 6 are prohibited.
- Thursday: Vehicles with license plates ending in 7 and 8 are prohibited.
- Friday: Vehicles with license plates ending in 9 and 0 are prohibited.
Simply check the last digit of your license plate to determine your coding day.
What Are the Number Coding Hours?
The expanded number coding scheme in Metro Manila is enforced during peak traffic hours to maximize its impact on congestion reduction. These hours are:
- Morning Peak Hours: 7:00 AM to 10:00 AM
- Afternoon/Evening Peak Hours: 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM
These times are applicable on weekdays, Monday to Friday. However, it’s important to be aware that some cities within Metro Manila, like Makati City, implement a full-day coding scheme without window hours. Always verify the specific rules of the city you will be driving in.
Understanding “Window Hours”
“Window hours” refer to the period within the day when vehicles covered by the number coding scheme are allowed to travel on restricted roads. As mentioned, the standard window hours in Metro Manila are from 10:01 AM to 4:59 PM.
This means that if your car is coded for a particular day, you can still use it on Metro Manila roads during these window hours without violating the scheme. However, it is crucial to remember that window hours do not apply to Radial Roads, Circumferential Roads, and National Roads. Furthermore, some cities, like Makati, do not implement window hours at all. Always double-check the specific regulations for your destination.
Roads Covered by the Number Coding Scheme
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
- Marcos Highway
If your route involves any of these roads during coding hours on your vehicle’s coding day, you will be subject to the restrictions.
Areas Exempt from Number Coding
While the number coding scheme is widespread, certain areas and roads are exempted. Notably, privately operated tollways are not covered.
Here’s a list of roads and areas where the Number Coding Scheme 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 sections of Buendia Avenue (Gil Puyat Avenue)
- Tollway extensions (e.g., NLEX Harbor Link)
Additionally, specific local roads within certain municipalities may also be exempt. Always check local city ordinances for the most up-to-date information.
Vehicle Exemptions from Number Coding
Certain types of vehicles are exempted from the number coding scheme to ensure essential services and specific needs are met.
These exemptions generally include:
- Public Utility Vehicles (PUVs) – including buses, jeepneys, and tricycles
- Transport Network Vehicle Services (TNVS) – ride-hailing services
- 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 vehicle plates.
It’s important to note that exemptions can vary slightly by city. For example, Makati City has a more limited exemption list, primarily including vehicles carrying senior citizen BluCard holders, emergency vehicles, vehicles on official functions, and electric vehicles.
Electric Vehicles and Hybrid Vehicle Exemption
Electric vehicles (EVs) and hybrid vehicles enjoy exemption from the UVVRP due to Republic Act No. 11697, the Electric Vehicle Industry Development Act (EVIDA). This law promotes the use of EVs and hybrid vehicles to reduce emissions and support sustainable transportation.
To qualify for this exemption, the vehicle’s Certificate of Registration (CR) must explicitly state that the model is a hybrid or electric vehicle. Special EV and Hybrid vehicle plates issued by the LTO also help in identifying exempt vehicles.
Why Some Hybrids Are Not Exempt
It’s important to understand that not all vehicles marketed as “hybrid” are exempt from the coding scheme. “Mild-hybrid” vehicles, which utilize a small battery and electric motor primarily to assist the internal combustion engine (ICE) and do not offer electric-only driving capability, are generally not exempted.
Exemption is typically granted to hybrid vehicles recognized by the Department of Energy (DOE). The DOE maintains a list of recognized EVs and Hybrids. Before purchasing a vehicle expecting coding exemption, verify if the specific model is included in the DOE’s list to avoid any confusion. You can check the DOE’s list of recognized EVs and Hybrids for clarification.
Penalties for Number Coding Violations
Violating the number coding scheme can result in fines.
The standard fine for number coding violations ranges from P300 to P500, depending on the city where the violation occurs. This fine must be settled within seven days to avoid additional penalties when renewing your driver’s license.
Payment Channels for 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 offer convenient digital payment options. The MMDA has also implemented handheld ticketing devices that allow for on-the-spot fine payments in some instances.
City-Specific Number Coding Rules
While Metro Manila generally follows the MMDA’s unified scheme, some cities have specific nuances or additional regulations. Here’s a city-by-city breakdown:
- Alabang, Muntinlupa City: Generally no number coding, except on Ayala-Alabang National Road and Alabang-Zapote Road corner Buencamino and North Gate, which follow the MMDA scheme. Violations here have higher fines: P500 (1st offense), P750 (2nd offense), and P1,000 (3rd and subsequent offenses). Note that these penalties might be outdated, always confirm with local authorities.
- Makati City: Enforces number coding from 7 AM to 7 PM without window hours. Fine is P300. Exemptions are limited to vehicles with senior citizen BluCard holders, emergency vehicles, official function vehicles, and electric vehicles.
- Quezon City: Follows the MMDA standard: 7 AM to 10 AM and 5 PM to 8 PM with window hours from 10:01 AM to 4:59 PM.
- Pasig City: Adheres to the MMDA standard: 7 AM to 10 AM and 5 PM to 8 PM with window hours from 10:01 AM to 4:59 PM.
- Pasay City: Follows 7 AM to 10 AM and 5 PM to 8 PM coding with window hours from 10 AM to 4 PM. Exemptions apply on Domestic Road, Ninoy Aquino Avenue, MIA Road, Sales Road, parts of Airport Road, and parts of Buendia (Gil Puyat).
- Parañaque City: Implements the MMDA standardized scheme: 7 AM to 10 AM and 5 PM to 8 PM with window hours from 10 AM to 4 PM.
- Mandaluyong City: Now follows the MMDA scheme: 7 AM to 10 AM and 5 PM to 8 PM with window hours from 10 AM to 4 PM.
- Manila City: Has varied implementation. Some areas follow the 7 AM to 10 AM and 5 PM to 8 PM scheme with window hours, while others enforce coding without window hours. Check specific locations within Manila before driving.
- Valenzuela City: Implements 7 AM to 10 AM and 5 PM to 8 PM coding with window hours from 10:01 AM to 4:59 PM on designated roads: MacArthur Highway, Maysan – Paso De Blas – Bagbaguin Road, Karuhatan – Gen. T. De Leon Road, Gov. I. Santiago Road, Mindanao Avenue (Ugong), NLEX Service Road, T. Santiago Road, and Sapang Bakaw – Punturin – Bignay Road.
- Taguig City: Partially exempt. Coding applies to national roads within Taguig, including East Service Road and Manuel L. Quezon Avenue.
- San Juan City: Currently practices coding from 7 AM to 7 PM with window hours from 10 AM to 3 PM. It’s unclear if they have shifted to the MMDA’s 7-10 AM/5-8 PM scheme, so confirm locally.
- Caloocan City: Implements 7 AM to 10 AM and 5 PM to 8 PM coding, but Samson Road is not included in window hours and is restricted throughout coding hours. Check for updated rules.
Number Coding Outside Metro Manila
Traffic congestion isn’t limited to Metro Manila. The UVVRP has been extended to other cities, including:
- Baguio City: Enforces number coding primarily in tourist areas like Session Road, Burnham Park, and Baguio City Market from 7 AM to 7 PM in the Central Business District on weekdays. Fine is P500.
- Cabanatuan City & Dagupan City: Adhere to the same daily license plate restriction as Metro Manila.
- 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 is not static and has evolved since its inception. The MMDA continuously studies ways to improve traffic flow. In 2022, they explored more stringent options, including:
- Odd-Even Scheme: Odd-numbered plates restricted Mondays and Thursdays, even-numbered plates Tuesdays and Fridays. Wednesdays would be coding-free.
- Complex Scheme: A more intricate system restricting different plate number groups each day aiming for a 40% traffic reduction.
As of now, these more drastic changes have not been implemented due to public criticism and complexity concerns. However, it’s essential to stay informed about potential future updates to the Number Coding Scheme as the MMDA may introduce changes to further address traffic congestion in Metro Manila. Always refer to official MMDA announcements for the latest regulations.
