Navigating traffic in Metro Manila and other Philippine cities can be challenging. To manage congestion, the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) and local government units implement the Unified Vehicle Volume Reduction Program (UVVRP), more commonly known as the Number Coding Scheme. If you’re driving in the Philippines, especially in and around Metro Manila, understanding the “Car Number Coding Philippines 2022” rules is essential to avoid fines and ensure smooth travels. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the scheme, updated for 2022.
Understanding the Number Coding Scheme in the Philippines
The Number Coding Scheme is designed to reduce traffic volume by restricting vehicles from using roads on certain days of the week, based on the last digit of their license plates. This program primarily operates on weekdays, from Monday to Friday, aiming to alleviate traffic congestion during peak hours.
Introduced initially in 1995 as a trial to manage public utility vehicle traffic, the scheme’s scope expanded to include all vehicles on EDSA, Metro Manila’s main thoroughfare. While weekends and holidays see a suspension of number coding, the weekday restrictions remain crucial for daily commuters. The system has evolved over the years, with updates and modifications leading to the current regulations in effect in 2022.
Is Number Coding Currently in Effect? (2022 Update)
Yes, as of August 15, 2022, the MMDA has reinstated the Number Coding scheme with both morning and evening peak hour restrictions. The current “car number coding Philippines 2022” hours are from 7:00 AM to 10:00 AM and again from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM, applicable from Monday to Friday. It’s important to note that these restrictions are lifted during weekends and declared holidays.
Outside these peak hours, designated as “window hours,” vehicles affected by the coding scheme are permitted to drive. These window hours are from 10:01 AM to 4:59 PM and from 8:01 PM to 6:59 AM the following day. This provides a substantial period for motorists to use their vehicles without coding restrictions.
What’s the Goal of Number Coding?
The primary purpose of the UVVRP or Number Coding Scheme is to reduce traffic congestion in the Philippines, particularly in Metro Manila. By limiting the number of vehicles on the roads based on their license plate endings, the scheme aims to improve traffic flow and reduce travel times for everyone. This initiative is rooted in Section 1 of Memorandum Regulation No. 96-005. The 2022 implementation, effective August 2022, with its 7 AM to 10 AM and 5 PM to 8 PM coding hours, and “window hours” in between, is the latest iteration designed to manage traffic effectively.
Number Coding Days: Know Your Schedule
To comply with “car number coding Philippines 2022”, you need to know your vehicle’s coding day based on the last digit of your license plate. Here’s a simple breakdown to help you remember:
- 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.
Knowing these days is crucial for planning your weekday travels and avoiding violations.
Number Coding Hours: Peak and Window Times
The standard “car number coding Philippines 2022” hours, as implemented by the MMDA in August 2022, are divided into peak hours and window hours.
- Coding Hours (Restricted Driving Times): 7:00 AM to 10:00 AM and 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM. During these hours, vehicles covered by the day’s coding are not allowed on major roads.
- Window Hours (Unrestricted Driving Times): 10:01 AM to 4:59 PM and 8:01 PM to 6:59 AM the next day. During these times, coded vehicles can travel freely, in areas where window hours are applicable.
However, it’s important to note that some cities, like Makati City, have different implementations and may not observe window hours. Always check for specific city rules.
Window Hours Explained: Flexibility for Motorists
“Window hours” provide a period of relief for drivers, allowing vehicles restricted by the coding scheme to travel within cities without facing penalties. However, it’s crucial to understand that window hours are not applicable on Radial Roads, Circumferential Roads, and National Roads. While these major arteries remain restricted, drivers can often use secondary routes to navigate through cities during window hours. Always verify the specific window hour rules for the city you are traveling in, as they can vary.
In August 2022, the MMDA’s re-implementation of coding hours brought the window hours to the current 10:01 AM to 4:59 PM timeframe for areas adhering to the standard scheme.
Cities Without Window Hours in Metro Manila
While most cities in Metro Manila follow the standard “car number coding Philippines 2022” with window hours, Makati City stands out as the only city that currently does not implement window hours. In Makati, the number coding rule is in effect continuously from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM. All other cities within Metro Manila generally adhere to the MMDA’s standard coding scheme, including the window period from 10:01 AM to 4:59 PM.
Vehicle Exemptions from Number Coding
Certain types of vehicles are exempted from the “car number coding Philippines 2022” scheme to ensure essential services and public transportation are not disrupted. These exemptions generally include:
- Public Utility Vehicles (PUVs): This includes buses, jeepneys, and tricycles.
- Transport Network Vehicle Services (TNVS): Such as ride-hailing services.
- Motorcycles: Two-wheeled vehicles are generally exempt.
- Garbage Trucks, Fuel Trucks, and Fire Trucks: Essential service vehicles.
- Marked Government Vehicles and Marked Media Vehicles: Vehicles on official duty.
- Vehicles Carrying Essential or Perishable Goods: Ensuring the supply chain is maintained.
- Doctors with Valid and Updated PRC Licenses: For emergency medical response.
- Electric Vehicles (EVs) and Hybrid Vehicles with LTO Certification: Promoting eco-friendly transportation.
Important Note: These exemptions may not fully apply in Makati City. Always verify city-specific exemptions.
Penalties for Number Coding Violations
If you are caught violating the “car number coding Philippines 2022” rules by a traffic enforcer, you will incur a standard fine of P300. It’s crucial to settle this penalty within seven days to avoid further complications or additional fines when you renew your driver’s license. Prompt payment saves you from future hassles.
Number Coding Rules in Specific Cities
While the MMDA sets the general guidelines for “car number coding Philippines 2022”, specific cities and areas may have unique implementations or additional rules. Here’s a breakdown of rules in various locations:
Alabang, Muntinlupa City
Muntinlupa City generally does not implement number coding, except for the following roads that adhere to the MMDA’s coding scheme:
- Ayala-Alabang National Road
- Alabang-Zapote Road corner Buencamino and North Gate
Violations in these areas can result in fines: P500 for the first offense, P750 for the second, and P1,000 for the third and succeeding offenses. Note that these penalties and coding schemes might have been updated since pre-pandemic times.
Makati City: No Window Hours
As mentioned earlier, Makati City is unique in Metro Manila for having no window hours. The number coding rule is strictly enforced from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM. The standard fine of P300 applies to violators. However, Makati City offers exemptions for vehicles carrying senior citizen Blu Card holders (as drivers or passengers) and vehicles involved in official functions or medical emergencies, as per Makati City ordinances.
Quezon City
Quezon City follows the MMDA’s standard “car number coding Philippines 2022” scheme with coding hours from 7:00 AM to 10:00 AM and 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM, and window hours from 10:01 AM to 4:59 PM.
Pasig City
Pasig City, being part of Metro Manila, also adheres to the MMDA’s coding scheme with hours from 7:00 AM to 10:00 AM and 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM, and window hours from 10:01 AM to 4:59 PM.
Pasay City
Pasay City implements number coding from 7:00 AM to 10:00 AM and 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM with a window period from 10:01 AM to 4:59 PM. However, certain major roads are exempted, including Domestic Road, Ninoy Aquino Avenue, MIA Road, Sales Road, parts of Airport Road, and parts of Buendia (Gil Puyat).
Parañaque City
Parañaque City follows the standardized “car number coding Philippines 2022” scheme set by the MMDA. This means coding from 7:00 AM to 10:00 AM and 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM with window hours from 10:01 AM to 4:59 PM.
Mandaluyong City
Mandaluyong City currently follows the MMDA’s coding scheme, with coding hours from 7:00 AM to 10:00 AM and 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM, and window hours from 10:01 AM to 4:59 PM.
Manila City
Manila City has a varied implementation. Some areas in Manila implement number coding without window hours, while others follow the standard 7:00 AM to 10:00 AM and 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM coding period with window hours from 10:01 AM to 4:59 PM. It’s essential to be aware of specific road rules within Manila.
Valenzuela City
Valenzuela City implements the “car number coding Philippines 2022” scheme with coding hours from 7:00 AM to 10:00 AM and 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM, and window hours from 10:01 AM to 4:59 PM. This applies to the following roads:
- MacArthur Highway
- Maysan – Paso De Blas – Bagbaguin Road
- Karuhatan – Gen. T. De Leon Road
- Gov. I. Santiago Road (Malinta to Tatawid)
- Mindanao Avenue (Barangay Ugong)
- East and West NLEX Service Road
- T. Santiago Road
- Sapang Bakaw (Lawang Bato) – Punturin – Bignay Road
Taguig City
Taguig City is partially exempt from coding. However, coding is implemented on national roads within its boundaries, including East Service Road and Manuel L. Quezon Avenue.
San Juan City
San Juan City is reported to be practicing number coding from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM, with window hours from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM. It’s advisable to check for updates from the city regarding the adoption of the 7 AM to 10 AM and 5 PM to 8 PM scheme.
Caloocan City
Caloocan City observes number coding from 7:00 AM to 10:00 AM and 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM. While window hours (10:01 AM to 4:59 PM) apply to most roads, Samson Road is an exception and remains restricted throughout the entire coding period.
Number Coding Outside Metro Manila
The UVVRP extends beyond Metro Manila to regulate traffic in other Philippine cities, including Baguio, Cavite, Cabanatuan, and Dagupan. These cities generally follow the same daily license plate restriction.
Baguio City
Baguio City, the “City of Pines,” implements number coding in selected areas, mainly tourist zones like Session Road, Burnham Park, and Baguio City Market. The coding period is from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM in the Central Business District during weekdays, with a fine of P500 for violations.
Cavite City and Province
Cavite Province practices UVVRP on major thoroughfares from 6:00 AM to 7:00 PM on weekdays, including:
- Aguinaldo Highway (Bacoor to Dasmariñas-Silang boundary)
- Governor’s Drive (Carmona to Trece Martires City – Tanza boundary)
- Molino-Salawag-Paliparan Road (Zapote, Bacoor to Paliparan, Dasmariñas)
- Molino Boulevard
- Daang Hari Road (Aguinaldo Highway, Imus to Molino, Bacoor)
Window hours in Cavite typically last from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Violators face a fine of P300.
Future Changes to Number Coding
Traffic management is constantly evolving. While Pasig City previously experimented with an odd-even scheme, it has reverted to the standard number coding, indicating a dynamic approach to finding effective solutions. Proposals for a standardized 7 AM to 8 PM no-window-hours scheme across Metro Manila have been discussed, aiming for stricter traffic control. As traffic patterns normalize post-pandemic, further adjustments to the “car number coding Philippines 2022” and beyond are likely as authorities seek optimal traffic flow. The MMDA’s August 2022 return to the 7 AM to 10 AM and 5 PM to 8 PM scheme reflects this ongoing adaptation.
Metro Manila Number Coding During the Pandemic Context
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the MMDA suspended the number coding scheme in Metro Manila. However, it was reinstated on August 15, 2022, as traffic volumes returned to pre-pandemic levels. Makati City maintained a modified scheme during this period, exempting vehicles with two or more occupants. Beyond this occupancy rule, Makati also exempted:
- Motorcycles
- Ambulances
- Fire trucks
- Police patrol vehicles
- Military vehicles on official duty
- Diplomatic vehicles
- Government vehicles on official use
- Official media vehicles
- Accredited Makati tow trucks
- Vehicles of medical practitioners in emergencies
- Vehicles with Senior Citizen Blu Card holders
Understanding the current “car number coding Philippines 2022” rules is crucial for all drivers in Metro Manila and beyond. Stay informed about updates and city-specific regulations to ensure compliance and contribute to smoother traffic flow in the Philippines.
