By: Car Code Scanner Expert
Rush hour in Metro Manila is a daily challenge for drivers. To manage the notorious traffic congestion, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) implements a traffic management strategy known as the number coding scheme. This system restricts vehicle access on specific days based on the last digit of their license plates, especially during peak hours.
For experienced motorists in Manila, understanding and planning around this coding system is second nature. However, for newcomers or occasional drivers in the city, navigating these rules can be confusing.
This guide aims to clarify car coding in Manila, providing you with the essential information to confidently drive through the metropolitan streets and reach your destinations efficiently.
Understanding the Number Coding Scheme Schedule in Manila
The MMDA’s number coding scheme primarily applies to private vehicles. The restriction day for your vehicle depends on the last digit of your license plate number, as detailed below:
| License Plate Ending in | Coding Day |
|---|---|
| 1 and 2 | Monday |
| 3 and 4 | Tuesday |
| 5 and 6 | Wednesday |
| 7 and 8 | Thursday |
| 9 and 0 | Friday |
For further reading, you might find our guide on Circumferential Roads in Metro Manila (C1-C6) helpful for planning your routes.
City-Specific Coding Hours and Window Hours in Metro Manila
While the number coding scheme is generally in effect on weekdays across Metro Manila, there are “window hours” in most cities that offer some flexibility. These window hours allow vehicles affected by the coding scheme to be on the roads during specific periods. It’s crucial to note that Makati City operates with a unique coding scheme without window hours.
Refer to the table below for a city-by-city breakdown of coding hours and window hours:
| City | Coding Hours | Window Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Caloocan | 7 AM to 10 AM, 5 PM to 8 PM | 10:01 AM to 4:59 PM |
| Las Pinas | 7 AM to 10 AM, 5 PM to 8 PM | 10:01 AM to 4:59 PM |
| Makati | 7 AM to 7 PM | None |
| Mandaluyong | 7 AM to 10 AM, 5 PM to 8 PM | 10:01 AM to 4:59 PM |
| Malabon | 7 AM to 10 AM, 5 PM to 8 PM | 10:01 AM to 4:59 PM |
| Manila | 7 AM to 10 AM, 5 PM to 8 PM | 10:01 AM to 4:59 PM |
| Marikina | 7 AM to 10 AM, 5 PM to 8 PM (only on Marilaque/Marcos Highway) | 10:01 AM to 4:59 PM |
| Muntinlupa | 7 AM to 10 AM, 5 PM to 8 PM (only on Alabang-Zapote Road) | 10:01 AM to 4:59 PM |
| Navotas | 7 AM to 10 AM, 5 PM to 8 PM | 10:01 AM to 4:59 PM |
| Paranaque | 7 AM to 10 AM, 5 PM to 8 PM | 10:01 AM to 4:59 PM |
| Pasay | 7 AM to 10 AM, 5 PM to 8 PM | 10:01 AM to 4:59 PM |
| Pasig | 7 AM to 10 AM, 5 PM to 8 PM | 10:01 AM to 4:59 PM |
| Pateros | 7 AM to 10 AM, 5 PM to 8 PM | 10:01 AM to 4:59 PM |
| Quezon City | 7 AM to 10 AM, 5 PM to 8 PM | 10:01 AM to 4:59 PM |
| San Juan | 7 AM to 10 AM, 5 PM to 8 PM | 10:01 AM to 4:59 PM |
| Taguig | 7 AM to 10 AM, 5 PM to 8 PM | 10:01 AM to 4:59 PM |
| Valenzuela | 7 AM to 10 AM, 5 PM to 8 PM | 10:01 AM to 4:59 PM |
Understanding these nuances is key to smooth transportation in Metro Manila.
Major Roads Covered by the Number Coding Scheme
The MMDA’s number coding scheme is implemented on the following major thoroughfares in Metro Manila:
- Araneta Avenue
- Aurora Boulevard
- Bonifacio Avenue
- C5
- C6
- Del Pan Street
- EDSA (Epifanio de los Santos Avenue)
- Magsaysay Boulevard
- Marcos Highway
- Ortigas Avenue
- Quezon Avenue
- Quirino Avenue
- Recto Avenue
- Rizal Avenue
- Roxas Boulevard
- Shaw Boulevard
- South Luzon Expressway (SLEX)
- Taft Avenue
Exemptions from Car Coding in Manila
Despite the widespread implementation of car coding in Manila, certain roads and vehicle types are exempted. Knowing these exemptions can be beneficial for navigating the city.
Road Exemptions:
- Samson Road, Caloocan
- Sales Road
- MIA Road (Manila International Airport Road)
- Ninoy Aquino Avenue
- Domestic Road
- Bonifacio Global City (BGC)
- Skyway
- NAIA Expressway
- Parts of Airport Road
- Parts of Gil Puyat Avenue (formerly Buendia)
- Other tollways and sections of toll roads within Metro Manila
Vehicle Exemptions:
- Electric vehicles and hybrid vehicles
- Public Utility Vehicles (PUVs) including buses, jeepneys, and tricycles
- Transport Network Vehicle Services (TNVS)
- Motorcycles
- Garbage trucks
- Fuel trucks
- Ambulances
- Fire trucks
- Marked government vehicles
- Marked media vehicles
- Vehicles carrying essential or perishable goods
It is important to remember that Makati City’s coding scheme has a more limited list of exemptions, including:
- Ambulances, fire trucks, police patrol cars, and military vehicles on official duty
- Vehicles with diplomatic plates
- Marked government vehicles
- Marked media vehicles in official use
- Makati City-accredited tow trucks
- Vehicles used by medical practitioners during emergencies
- Vehicles driven by or carrying Senior Citizen Blu Card holders
Frequently Asked Questions About Manila Car Coding
To further clarify the car coding system in Manila, here are answers to some common questions:
1. What are the window hours for number coding?
Outside of Makati City, the window hours in Metro Manila are from 10:01 AM to 4:59 PM and then again from 8:01 PM to 6:59 AM the following day.
2. Is car coding enforced on holidays and weekends in Metro Manila?
No, the MMDA typically suspends number coding in Metro Manila on holidays and weekends. The scheme is also often lifted during severe weather events, public transportation disruptions, and occasionally for special events like the President’s State of the Nation Address (SONA).
3. Are healthcare workers exempt from car coding in Metro Manila?
As of May 2022, the MMDA provides exemption from the number coding scheme specifically for cars driven by or carrying doctors. To avail of this exemption, doctors must present a valid Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) ID. Other healthcare professionals are generally required to follow car coding rules in Manila. For the most up-to-date information, it’s best to check official MMDA announcements.
4. Are motorcycles covered by the car coding scheme?
Motorcycles are generally exempt from car coding in Metro Manila, with the exception of Makati City, where coding rules may apply to motorcycles.
5. What are the penalties for violating car coding rules?
Penalties for number coding violations typically range from ₱300 to ₱500, varying based on the location of the violation. It’s important to settle any fines within seven days to avoid potential increases and complications with driver’s license renewal.
Drive Smart and Master the Code
Manila’s car coding system might initially appear complex, but understanding its rules and exemptions is key to navigating the city’s traffic effectively. A strategic approach, like choosing a real estate location that minimizes your commute and keeps you close to essential services, can significantly reduce the impact of coding on your daily life.
Consider exploring ready-for-occupancy (RFO) condominiums offered by Federal Land in key Metro Manila cities such as Pasay, Taguig, Manila, Makati, San Juan, and Quezon City. Living closer to your workplace and frequented locations can help you bypass rush hour and enjoy more relaxed mornings, all while adhering to the coding regulations.
For more information, visit the Federal Land website, a leading real estate developer in the Philippines. Drive informed and beat the code!
