The Metropolitan Manila area, like many bustling urban centers, grapples with traffic congestion. To combat this, the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) implemented a traffic management strategy known as the Number Coding Scheme. Understanding this scheme, sometimes referred to as Color Coding Car Manila due to its association with traffic management in the city, is crucial for motorists navigating Manila’s roads. This guide, brought to you by carcodescanner.store, your trusted source for automotive expertise, will break down everything you need to know about this system to ensure smooth and compliant driving in Manila.
What is the Number Coding Scheme?
The Number Coding Scheme, officially known as the Unified Vehicle Volume Reduction Program (UVVRP), is a traffic regulation implemented by the MMDA to reduce traffic volume in Metro Manila. It works by restricting vehicles from using major roads on certain weekdays based on the last digit of their license plate number. This system applies to both private and public utility vehicles during weekdays, Monday through Friday.
Initially introduced in 1995 as a trial program targeting public utility vehicles, the Number Coding Scheme was later expanded to include all vehicles traveling along EDSA (Epifanio de los Santos Avenue), a major artery in Metro Manila. The scheme is suspended on weekends and holidays. Over the years, the MMDA has updated the system several times, leading to the current version in effect today.
Is Number Coding Currently in Effect?
Yes, as of August 15, 2022, the Number Coding scheme is active in Metro Manila and includes both morning and evening peak hours. The restricted 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. Weekends and holidays are excluded from the scheme.
Vehicles affected by the number coding are permitted to use roads during “window hours,” which are designated between 10:01 AM to 4:59 PM and from 8:01 PM to 6:59 AM the following day.
What is the Goal of the Number Coding Scheme?
The primary purpose of the UVVRP or Number Coding Scheme is to alleviate traffic congestion in Metro Manila and other parts of the Philippines. By limiting the number of vehicles on the road based on their license plate endings, the MMDA aims to create smoother traffic flow. This program is rooted in Section 1 of Memorandum Regulation No. 96-005. The current implementation, as of August 2022, enforces coding during the morning rush (7 AM to 10 AM) and evening rush (5 PM to 8 PM), with “window hours” in between allowing all vehicles on the roads.
What are the Number Coding Days Based on Plate Number?
Knowing your vehicle’s license plate number, especially the last digit, is essential to avoid violating the Number Coding Scheme. Here’s a breakdown of the coding days:
- 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.
What are the Number Coding Hours?
The standard Number Coding hours, according to the UVVRP, were initially from 7 AM to 8 PM. However, in August 2022, the MMDA adjusted the hours to two periods: 7 AM to 10 AM and 5 PM to 8 PM. It’s important to note that some areas, like Makati City, may still adhere to the older, more extensive 7 AM to 7 PM coding scheme. Always be aware of the specific rules in the city you are driving in.
Understanding Window Hours
“Window hours” provide a period during which vehicles normally restricted by the Number Coding Scheme are allowed to drive without penalty. However, window hours do not apply to Radial Roads, Circumferential Roads, and National Roads. While these major roads are without window hours, drivers can utilize secondary routes to navigate through these areas, but it’s crucial to verify the window hour schedules for the specific locations you intend to pass through.
In August 2022, the MMDA reintroduced window hours as traffic conditions stabilized post-pandemic. Currently, window hours are from 10:01 AM to 4:59 PM in areas that follow the standard MMDA scheme, meaning vehicles are free to travel during these hours.
Which Cities in Metro Manila Do Not Have Window Hours?
Makati City is the only city within Metro Manila that currently does not observe window hours for the Number Coding Scheme. All other cities in Metro Manila generally follow the standard coding scheme with window hours between 10:01 AM and 4:59 PM. Always double-check local regulations as these can change.
What Vehicles are Exempt from Number Coding?
Certain types of vehicles are exempt from the Number Coding Scheme to ensure essential services and specific transportation needs are met. These exemptions generally apply across Metro Manila, but it is vital to confirm local exceptions, especially in cities like Makati.
The typically exempted vehicles 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 and hybrid vehicles with LTO certification.
It’s crucial to remember that these exemptions may not fully apply in Makati City, which has its own set of rules.
What are the Penalties for Number Coding Violations?
If you are caught violating the Number Coding Scheme by a traffic enforcer, you will be subject to a standard fine of P300. This penalty must be settled within seven days to avoid potential additional fines when you renew your driver’s license, which adds inconvenience and cost.
Number Coding Rules in Different Cities
While the MMDA sets the general framework for the Number Coding Scheme, specific cities within and around Metro Manila may have slight variations or additional rules. Here’s a summary of some key city-specific regulations:
Alabang, Muntinlupa City
Muntinlupa City generally does not implement number coding, except on the following roads which adhere to the MMDA’s coding scheme:
- Ayala-Alabang National Road
- Alabang-Zapote Road corner Buencamino and North Gate
Violations in these areas incur fines of P500 for the first offense, P750 for the second, and P1,000 for the third and subsequent offenses. Note that these rules may have been updated since the pandemic, so always verify current regulations.
Makati City
Makati City, Metro Manila’s Central Business District, enforces number coding from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. with no window hours. The standard fine of P300 applies to violators. However, Makati City provides exemptions for vehicles carrying senior citizen Blu Card holders as drivers or passengers, as well as vehicles on official functions and medical emergencies, as outlined in the Makati City code.
Quezon City, Pasig City, Pasay City, Parañaque City, Mandaluyong City, Valenzuela City
These cities generally follow the MMDA’s standard 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’s coding does not apply to major thoroughfares like Domestic Road, Ninoy Aquino Avenue, MIA Road, Sales Road, parts of Airport Road, and parts of Buendia (Gil Puyat).
Manila City
Manila City has a mixed approach. Some areas implement number coding without window hours, while others follow the standard 7 AM to 10 AM and 5 PM to 8 PM coding period with window hours from 10 AM to 4 PM. Drivers in Manila should be particularly attentive to signage and local traffic enforcers.
Taguig City
Taguig City is partially exempt. Number coding applies only to national roads within its boundaries, including East Service Road and Manuel L. Quezon Avenue.
San Juan City
San Juan City currently practices number coding from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., with window hours from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. It is advisable to check for updates as to whether they have adopted the 7 AM to 10 AM and 5 PM to 8 PM coding period with the 10 AM to 4 PM window hours.
Caloocan City
Caloocan City’s number coding is typically from 7 AM to 10 AM and 5 PM to 8 PM. However, Samson Road is exempted from window hours, meaning restricted vehicles are not allowed on Samson Road throughout the entire coding period. Again, confirm current rules as post-pandemic changes may exist.
Number Coding Outside of Metro Manila
The UVVRP has also extended beyond Metro Manila to regulate traffic in other cities, including Baguio, Cavite, Cabanatuan, and Dagupan. These cities generally follow the same daily license plate restriction.
Baguio City
Baguio City, known as the “City of Pines,” implements number coding primarily in tourist areas such as Session Road, Burnham Park, and the Baguio City Market. The coding period is from 7 AM to 7 PM, similar to the earlier NCR scheme, and mainly affects the Central Business District. Violators face a fine of P500.
Cavite City
Cavite City implements the UVVRP on weekdays from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. on major roads like Aguinaldo Highway, Governor’s Drive, Molino-Salawag-Paliparan Road, Molino Boulevard, and Daang Hari Road. Window hours are generally from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., and the fine for violation is P300.
Future Changes to Number Coding
Traffic management is constantly evolving. Pasig City, for example, discontinued its odd-even number coding scheme, reverting to the standard scheme and seeking better long-term traffic solutions. There have been proposals to standardize coding hours across Metro Manila to 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. with no window hours, extending the no-window-hours policy already in place on Radial Roads, Circumferential Roads, and National Roads to all roads.
As traffic patterns normalize after the pandemic, the MMDA in August 2022 reverted the coding scheme to the 7 AM to 10 AM and 5 PM to 8 PM schedule. Motorists should stay informed about potential future adjustments to the Number Coding Scheme as the MMDA continues to refine traffic management strategies.
Metro Manila Number Coding Scheme During the Pandemic
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the MMDA suspended the Number Coding Scheme in Metro Manila. However, it was reinstated on August 15, 2022, as mentioned earlier.
Makati City had a modified scheme during the pandemic, exempting vehicles with two or more occupants. Makati also has specific exemptions for:
- Motorcycles
- Ambulances
- Fire trucks
- Police patrol vehicles
- Military vehicles on official duty
- Diplomatic vehicles
- Government vehicles in official use
- Official media vehicles
- Accredited Makati tow trucks
- Vehicles of medical practitioners in emergencies
- Vehicles with Senior Citizen Blu Card holders
Understanding the Number Coding Scheme, including its nuances in different cities like Manila, is essential for every driver in the Philippines. Stay informed and drive safely! For more automotive tips and information, visit carcodescanner.store.
