Navigating the bustling streets of Metro Manila can be challenging, especially for motorists. One crucial aspect to understand is the Number Coding Scheme, a traffic management initiative designed to reduce vehicle volume on major roads. As your go-to expert at carcodescanner.store, I’m here to break down everything you need to know about “Coding Car Manila” in 2024.
Understanding the Number Coding Scheme in Manila
So, what exactly is this Number Coding Scheme? Officially known as the Unified Vehicle Volume Reduction Program (UVVRP), it’s implemented by the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA). This scheme restricts vehicle movement on weekdays based on the last digit of your license plate number. This regulation applies to both private and public utility vehicles, aiming to ease traffic congestion during peak hours.
First introduced in 1995 as an experiment focused on public utility vehicles (PUVs), the Number Coding Scheme was later expanded to include all vehicles traveling along EDSA, Metro Manila’s main artery. It’s important to note that this scheme is not enforced during weekends and declared holidays, offering some respite for weekend drivers. Interestingly, the UVVRP was temporarily suspended between March 2020 and November 2021 during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, reflecting the dynamic nature of traffic management in response to societal shifts.
Is Number Coding Currently Active in Manila?
Yes, the Number Coding scheme is very much in effect as of June 2024. The MMDA expanded its implementation starting August 15, 2022, to include both morning and evening rush hours. The current “coding car Manila” schedule operates from 7:00 AM to 10:00 AM and again from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM, Monday to Friday. Remember, this is excluding holidays and weekends when the scheme is lifted.
During these “window hours,” coded vehicles are free to traverse Metro Manila roads between 10:01 AM and 4:59 PM, and then again from 8:01 PM to 6:59 AM the next day. This schedule is crucial for daily commuters and anyone planning to drive within Metro Manila.
Manila Number Coding Days: Which Day is Your Car Coded?
Knowing your car’s coding day is fundamental to avoiding traffic violations. The schedule is straightforward and based on the last digit of your vehicle’s license plate.
- Mondays: Vehicles with license plates ending in 1 and 2 are restricted.
- Tuesdays: Plates ending in 3 and 4 are coded.
- Wednesdays: Restrictions apply to plates ending in 5 and 6.
- Thursdays: Vehicles with plates ending in 7 and 8 are not allowed on coded roads.
- Fridays: Plates ending in 9 and 0 are restricted.
Simply check the last number on your license plate and match it to the corresponding day to determine your coding day.
Manila Number Coding Hours: When are Restrictions Enforced?
In Metro Manila, the expanded number coding scheme is enforced during peak traffic periods:
- Morning Rush Hour: 7:00 AM to 10:00 AM
- Afternoon/Evening Peak Hours: 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM
These hours are consistent throughout Metro Manila, although it’s essential to be aware of specific city exceptions, such as Makati City, which we will discuss later. If you’re planning your trips around “coding car Manila”, these timeframes are critical to remember.
Manila “Window Hours”: What Do They Mean?
The term “window hours” is crucial to understanding the flexibility within the Number Coding scheme. Window hours refer to the periods between the restricted hours when coded vehicles are allowed on the roads. In most areas of Metro Manila, these window hours are:
- Mid-day Window: 10:01 AM to 4:59 PM
These window hours provide a significant period during the day when drivers of coded vehicles can still navigate within Metro Manila without violating the scheme. However, it’s vital to note that some cities, like Makati City, do not observe window hours, implementing a full-day coding scheme. Also, major roads like Radial Roads, Circumferential Roads, and National Roads typically do not fall under the window hours system. Always double-check local regulations for your specific destination.
Roads Covered by the Number Coding Scheme in Manila
The MMDA enforces the Number Coding Scheme on all major thoroughfares under its jurisdiction. These primary roads are crucial arteries of Metro Manila, and restrictions here significantly impact traffic flow. The key roads 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 need to find an alternative route or travel outside of the restricted times.
Areas Exempt from Manila Number Coding
Fortunately for drivers, certain areas and roads are exempt from the Number Coding Scheme. These exemptions often include tollways and specific municipal roads, providing crucial alternatives for coded vehicles. Exempt areas include:
- Tollways:
- NAIA Expressway
- Skyway System
- South Luzon Expressway (SLEX)
- NLEX Harbor Link
- Specific Roads:
- Domestic Road
- Ninoy Aquino Avenue
- MIA Road
- Sales Road
- Parts of Airport Road
- Some parts of Buendia (Gil Puyat)
These exemptions are particularly helpful for those traveling to and from airports or traversing Metro Manila quickly using tollways.
Vehicles Exempt from Number Coding in Manila
Certain types of vehicles are also exempted from the “coding car Manila” restrictions, recognizing their essential roles or promoting specific vehicle technologies. These exemptions include:
- Public Utility Vehicles (PUVs): This includes buses, jeepneys, and even tricycles.
- Transport Network Vehicle Services (TNVS): Vehicles like Grab and Angkas are generally exempt.
- Motorcycles: Motorbikes are not covered by the number coding scheme.
- Essential Service Vehicles:
- Garbage trucks
- Fuel trucks
- Fire trucks
- Government and Media Vehicles: Marked government vehicles and marked media vehicles are typically exempt.
- Vehicles Carrying Essential Goods: Vehicles transporting perishable goods or essential supplies are often allowed.
- Doctors’ Vehicles: Doctors with valid and updated PRC licenses may be exempted.
- Electric and Hybrid Vehicles: Legitimately certified Electric Vehicles (EVs) and Hybrid vehicles with LTO certification and special plates are exempt under Republic Act No. 11697 (EVIDA).
It’s important to note that exemptions can vary by city. For instance, in Makati City, exemptions are more limited, primarily covering vehicles carrying senior citizen BluCard holders, emergency vehicles, vehicles on official functions, and electric vehicles. Always check specific city regulations for the most accurate information.
Electric Vehicles and Hybrid Car Coding Exemption in Manila
Electric Vehicles (EVs) and hybrid vehicles enjoy a significant advantage in Metro Manila: they are exempt from the Number Coding Scheme. This exemption is mandated by Republic Act No. 11697, the Electric Vehicle Industry Development Act (EVIDA), which aims to promote the adoption of cleaner vehicle technologies. To qualify for this exemption, your vehicle’s registration must clearly state that it is a hybrid or electric vehicle. This initiative encourages the use of environmentally friendly vehicles in Metro Manila.
Why Some Hybrid Cars Aren’t Exempt from Manila Coding
It’s crucial to understand that not all “hybrid vehicles” are created equal when it comes to coding exemptions. “Mild-hybrid” vehicles, which use a small battery and electric motor to assist the internal combustion engine but cannot run solely on electric power, are not typically exempt from the Number Coding Scheme.
The exemption applies to vehicles recognized by the Department of Energy (DOE) as true hybrid or electric vehicles capable of electric-only propulsion. Before purchasing a vehicle expecting a coding exemption, it’s wise to consult the DOE’s list of recognized EVs and Hybrids to ensure your chosen model qualifies. This distinction is essential for drivers considering hybrid technology for navigating “coding car Manila” regulations.
Penalties for Number Coding Violations in Manila
Violating the Number Coding Scheme in Manila comes with penalties. If caught, you will face a fine ranging from P300 to P500, depending on the location of the violation. It’s crucial to settle this penalty within seven days to avoid additional charges when you renew your driver’s license. Ignoring these violations can lead to further inconvenience and increased costs in the long run.
Paying Number Coding Fines in Manila
The MMDA offers several convenient channels to pay your Number Coding violation fines. These include:
- Landbank
- SM Bills Payment Centers
- Bayad Center Outlets
- Bayad Center Partners: GCash, PayMaya, and GrabPay
In 2023, the MMDA also introduced handheld ticketing devices that allow for on-the-spot fine payments, offering a more immediate way to resolve violations. These multiple payment options aim to make settling fines as hassle-free as possible.
City-Specific Number Coding Rules within Metro Manila
While the MMDA sets the general framework for the Number Coding Scheme, specific cities within Metro Manila may have unique implementations or additional rules. Here’s a breakdown of some key city regulations:
Alabang, Muntinlupa City
Muntinlupa City generally does not implement number coding, except on the following roads where the MMDA’s scheme applies:
- Ayala-Alabang National Road
- Alabang-Zapote Road corner Buencamino and North Gate
Violations in these areas incur fines ranging from P500 for the first offense to P1,000 for the third and subsequent offenses. However, it’s advised to check for updated rules as some regulations may have changed post-pandemic.
Makati City
Makati City, Metro Manila’s central business district, enforces a stricter Number Coding rule from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM with no window hours. The standard fine of P300 applies to violators. Exemptions in Makati are limited to vehicles carrying senior citizen Blu Card holders, emergency vehicles, vehicles on official functions, and electric vehicles.
Quezon City
Quezon City adheres to the MMDA’s coding scheme of 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.
Pasig City
Pasig City also follows the standard MMDA scheme of 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.
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 of 10:01 AM to 4:59 PM. However, key thoroughfares like Domestic Road, Ninoy Aquino Avenue, MIA Road, Sales Road, parts of Airport Road, and parts of Buendia (Gil Puyat) are exempt.
Parañaque City
Parañaque City follows the standardized MMDA coding scheme with coding 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.
Mandaluyong City
Mandaluyong City also aligns with the MMDA’s coding scheme, enforcing it 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.
City of Manila
Manila City has varied implementations. Some areas follow the standard MMDA coding with window hours (7:00 AM to 10:00 AM and 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM, window 10:01 AM to 4:59 PM), while others implement number coding without window hours. Drivers should check specific locations within Manila to determine the applicable rules.
Valenzuela City
Valenzuela City follows the MMDA’s coding scheme 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. This scheme applies to specific roads including MacArthur Highway, Maysan – Paso De Blas – Bagbaguin Road, and others listed in the original article.
Taguig City
Taguig City is partially exempt. Coding is implemented only on national roads within its boundaries, including East Service Road and Manuel L. Quezon Avenue, following the standard MMDA hours.
San Juan City
San Juan City currently practices number coding from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM, but with window hours from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM. It’s uncertain if they have fully adopted the MMDA’s updated hours, so checking local updates is recommended.
Caloocan City
Caloocan City observes number coding from 7:00 AM to 10:00 AM and 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM. However, Samson Road is not included in the window hour system, meaning restrictions apply throughout the coding period on this road.
Number Coding Scheme Outside Metro Manila
The Number Coding Scheme isn’t limited to Metro Manila. Cities like Baguio, Cabanatuan, and Dagupan have also extended the UVVRP to manage traffic congestion. These cities generally adhere to the same daily license plate restrictions as Metro Manila.
Baguio City
Baguio City enforces coding in selected areas, primarily tourist hotspots like Session Road, Burnham Park, and Baguio City Market, from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM. The Central Business District also implements coding on weekdays from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM, with a P500 fine for violations.
Cavite Province
Cavite Province previously had its own Unified Vehicular Reduction System (UVRS) but has suspended its number coding scheme under Provincial Ordinance 283-2020 until further notice.
Future Updates to the Manila Coding Scheme
The Number Coding Scheme in Manila has evolved significantly since its inception and is likely to continue to change. In 2022, the MMDA explored more stringent options, including a two-day vehicle ban per week, with proposals like odd-even schemes or more complex systems aiming for a 40% traffic reduction.
While these more drastic measures haven’t been implemented as of 2024 due to public criticism and complexity, the MMDA may introduce further updates in the future. It’s crucial for motorists to stay informed about potential changes to “coding car Manila” rules by regularly checking MMDA announcements and updates.
By understanding these guidelines and city-specific rules, you can navigate Metro Manila’s roads more effectively and avoid penalties associated with the Number Coding Scheme. Always stay updated with the latest announcements from the MMDA and local city authorities to ensure compliance and a smoother driving experience in Manila.
