Navigating the bustling streets of Metro Manila and other Philippine cities often means contending with heavy traffic. To manage vehicle volume and ease congestion, authorities have implemented a system known as the Number Coding Scheme, or formally the Unified Vehicle Volume Reduction Program (UVVRP). This guide, brought to you by carcodescanner.store, your trusted source for automotive expertise, will decode everything you need to know about car coding in the Philippines. Whether you’re a resident or a visitor planning to drive, understanding these regulations is crucial to avoid fines and ensure smooth travels.
Understanding the Number Coding Scheme (UVVRP)
So, what exactly is the Number Coding Scheme? Implemented by the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA), it’s a traffic management initiative designed to reduce the number of vehicles on major roads during weekdays. The scheme restricts vehicle movement based on the last digit of their license plates.
First introduced in 1995, initially as an experiment focusing on public utility vehicles (PUVs), the Number Coding Scheme has evolved to encompass private vehicles as well and expanded its reach beyond just EDSA (Epifanio de los Santos Avenue), Metro Manila’s main thoroughfare. It’s important to note that this scheme is not in effect on weekends and declared holidays. Interestingly, the UVVRP was temporarily suspended from March 2020 to November 2021 during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Is the Number Coding system currently active? Yes, it is. Since August 15, 2022, the MMDA has expanded the Number Coding scheme to include both morning and evening rush 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.
During these “coding hours,” vehicles affected by the day’s restrictions are not allowed on covered roads. However, there are “window hours” in between, allowing coded vehicles to travel between 10:01 AM and 4:59 PM, and again from 8:01 PM to 6:59 AM the next day. This expanded scheme is the standard as of June 2024.
Knowing when your car is affected is straightforward. The restriction days are based on the last digit of your license plate:
- Mondays: Plates ending in 1 and 2
- Tuesdays: Plates ending in 3 and 4
- Wednesdays: Plates ending in 5 and 6
- Thursdays: Plates ending in 7 and 8
- Fridays: Plates ending in 9 and 0
The expanded number coding scheme in Metro Manila, or the National Capital Region (NCR), is enforced during the typical rush hours: morning (7 AM to 10 AM) and afternoon/evening (5 PM to 8 PM) on weekdays.
However, it’s vital to be aware of variations. For example, Makati City implements a full-day coding scheme from 7 AM to 7 PM without window hours. If your route takes you through Metro Manila, especially Makati, always double-check for specific local rules to avoid violations.
“Window hours” are the periods between 10:01 AM and 4:59 PM in most areas (excluding those with special restrictions like Makati City) where coded vehicles are permitted to drive. These hours offer a reprieve for drivers on their coding days, allowing them to run errands or travel within cities without incurring penalties during these off-peak times. However, remember that radial roads, circumferential roads, and national roads are generally NOT included in the window hours system. Always confirm the window hour policies for your specific destinations.
Where Does Number Coding Apply?
The MMDA’s Number Coding Scheme covers all major roads under its jurisdiction. These principal 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
However, the Number Coding Scheme does not apply everywhere. Certain areas and roads are exempt. Notably, privately operated tollways are excluded.
Specifically, these areas and roads are not covered by the Number Coding Scheme:
- 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 (like NLEX Harbor Link)
Exemptions from the Coding Scheme
Certain types of vehicles are exempted from the Number Coding Scheme, recognizing their essential functions or promoting eco-friendly transportation.
The following vehicles are exempt from the standard Number Coding rules:
- 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 Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) licenses
- Electric Vehicles (EVs) and Hybrid Vehicles with proper Land Transportation Office (LTO) Certification and special EV/Hybrid vehicle plates.
It’s crucial to remember that Makati City has a more limited list of exemptions. In Makati, exemptions apply only to:
- Vehicles carrying senior citizen BluCard holders
- Emergency vehicles (ambulances, fire trucks, police cars)
- Vehicles on official government functions
- Electric vehicles
Electric vehicles (EVs) and hybrid vehicles enjoy exemption due to Republic Act No. 11697, the Electric Vehicle Industry Development Act (EVIDA). This law promotes the use of EVs and hybrids by exempting them from traffic restrictions like the coding scheme. To qualify, the vehicle’s registration must clearly state it is a hybrid or electric vehicle.
However, not all “hybrid” vehicles are exempt. “Mild-hybrid” vehicles, which use a small electric motor primarily to assist the gasoline engine and cannot run solely on electric power, are not typically exempted. Exemption is usually granted to full hybrids and plug-in hybrids that can operate in electric-only mode and are officially recognized by the Department of Energy (DOE).
To confirm if your hybrid vehicle is coding-exempt, it’s best to check the DOE’s list of recognized EVs and Hybrids. This list is a valuable resource when considering purchasing a vehicle with the expectation of coding exemption.
Penalties and Fines for Violations
Violating the Number Coding Scheme comes with penalties. If you are caught driving a coded vehicle on restricted roads during coding hours, you will incur a fine.
The standard fine for a Number Coding violation ranges from ₱300 to ₱500, depending on the location of the violation. This fine must be settled within seven days. Failure to pay within this timeframe may result in additional penalties when you renew your driver’s license, causing further inconvenience and increased costs.
Payment for number coding violations can be made through various MMDA-approved channels, including:
- Landbank branches
- SM Bills Payment counters
- Bayad Center outlets and partners like:
- GCash
- PayMaya
- GrabPay
In 2023, the MMDA also introduced handheld ticketing devices that allow for on-the-spot payment of fines, providing a more convenient option for settling violations quickly.
City-Specific Coding Rules
While Metro Manila generally follows the MMDA’s guidelines, some cities have specific rules or localized implementations.
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Alabang, Muntinlupa City: Muntinlupa City generally does not implement number coding, except on these roads where the MMDA’s coding scheme is followed:
- Ayala-Alabang National Road
- Alabang-Zapote Road corner Buencamino and North Gate
Violations in these areas carry fines: ₱500 for the first offense, ₱750 for the second, and ₱1,000 for subsequent offenses. Note that these penalties may have been updated post-pandemic; always check local government social media for the most current information.
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Makati City: Makati City enforces a strict number coding rule from 7 AM to 7 PM with no window hours. The standard fine is ₱300. Exemptions are limited to vehicles carrying senior citizen Blu Card holders, emergency vehicles, vehicles on official functions, and electric vehicles.
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Quezon City, Pasig City, Pasay City, Parañaque City, Mandaluyong City, Valenzuela City: These cities generally follow the MMDA’s coding scheme of 7 AM to 10 AM and 5 PM to 8 PM with window hours from 10:01 AM to 4:59 PM. Pasay City exempts certain thoroughfares like Domestic Road and Ninoy Aquino Avenue. Valenzuela City applies coding to specific roads including MacArthur Highway and Maysan – Paso De Blas – Bagbaguin Road.
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Manila City: Manila has varied coding rules depending on the area. Some locations within Manila implement coding without window hours, while others follow the standard MMDA schedule with window hours. Always verify the specific area’s rules before driving in Manila.
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San Juan City: San Juan City currently practices number coding from 7 AM to 7 PM, with window hours from 10 AM to 3 PM. It’s advisable to check if they have adopted the MMDA’s 7 AM-10 AM/5 PM-8 PM schedule.
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Caloocan City: Caloocan City observes the usual 7 AM to 10 AM and 5 PM to 8 PM coding period. However, Samson Road is exempted from window hours, meaning coded vehicles are restricted on Samson Road throughout the entire coding period.
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Taguig City: Taguig City is partially exempted. Coding is implemented only on national roads within its boundaries, including East Service Road and Manuel L. Quezon Avenue.
Coding Schemes Outside Metro Manila
Traffic congestion isn’t limited to Metro Manila. The UVVRP has been extended to other cities, including Baguio, Cabanatuan, and Dagupan, all adhering to the same license plate-based restriction.
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Baguio City: Baguio City, a popular tourist destination, enforces coding in specific areas, primarily tourist spots like Session Road, Burnham Park, and the Baguio City Market. The coding period in Baguio is 7 AM to 7 PM, similar to Makati City. In Baguio’s Central Business District, the coding scheme is implemented on weekdays from 7 AM to 7 PM, with a ₱500 fine for violations.
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Cavite Province: Cavite Province previously used the Unified Vehicular Reduction System (UVRS) with coding from 6 AM to 7 PM on major roads. However, Provincial Ordinance 283-2020 has suspended the coding scheme until further notice.
Future Updates to the Coding Scheme
The Number Coding Scheme has been modified several times since 1995, and further changes are possible. In 2022, the MMDA studied more stringent measures to further reduce traffic, proposing two new UVVRP formats that would ban vehicles for two days per week.
One proposal is an odd-even scheme:
- Mondays and Thursdays: Vehicles with plates ending in odd numbers (1, 3, 5, 7, 9) restricted.
- Tuesdays and Fridays: Vehicles with plates ending in even numbers (2, 4, 6, 8, 0) restricted.
- Wednesdays: No coding, all vehicles allowed.
Another, more complex option aimed for a 40% traffic reduction:
- Mondays: Plates ending in 1, 2, 3, 4 restricted.
- Tuesdays: Plates ending in 5, 6, 7, 8 restricted.
- Wednesdays: Plates ending in 9, 0, 1, 2 restricted.
- Thursdays: Plates ending in 3, 4, 5, 6 restricted.
- Fridays: Plates ending in 7, 8, 9, 0 restricted.
As of now, neither of these proposed schemes has been implemented, facing criticism for the two-day ban and complexity. While the MMDA hasn’t announced recent updates, it’s always wise to stay informed about potential future developments to the Number Coding Scheme.
Conclusion
Understanding the Coding Of Cars In The Philippines, particularly the Number Coding Scheme, is essential for every driver in Metro Manila and other participating cities. By knowing the rules, exemptions, and city-specific variations, you can navigate Philippine roads more efficiently, avoid penalties, and contribute to easing traffic congestion. Remember to stay updated on any changes to the scheme and always check local regulations for your specific destinations. For the latest information, refer to the official MMDA website and local government announcements. Drive safely and responsibly!
