Navigating the roads of Metro Manila and other Philippine cities can be challenging, especially with the ever-present traffic. One key regulation that affects drivers is the Number Coding Scheme. But what exactly is it, and how do you know if your car is subject to coding in the Philippines? As your trusted source at carcodescanner.store, we’re here to break down this vehicle volume reduction program and help you stay informed and compliant.
Understanding the Number Coding Scheme
The Number Coding Scheme, officially known as the Unified Vehicle Volume Reduction Program (UVVRP), is implemented by the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA). Its primary goal is to ease traffic congestion in Metro Manila by limiting the number of vehicles on the roads during weekdays. This is achieved by restricting vehicle movement based on the last digit of their license plates.
Introduced in 1995 initially for public utility vehicles (PUVs), the scheme was later expanded to include all vehicles, particularly along EDSA, a major thoroughfare. It’s important to note that the number coding is not enforced on weekends and holidays. There was a temporary suspension of the UVVRP from March 2020 to November 2021 during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Is Number Coding Currently in Effect?
Yes, as of June 2024, the Number Coding scheme is active and enforced in Metro Manila. Since August 15, 2022, the MMDA expanded the scheme to include both morning and evening rush hours. The current operating hours are from 7:00 AM to 10:00 AM and from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM, Monday to Friday, excluding weekends and holidays.
During these “coding hours,” vehicles affected by the scheme are not allowed on covered roads. However, there are “window hours” in between, from 10:01 AM to 4:59 PM, and overnight from 8:01 PM to 6:59 AM the next day, when coded vehicles can travel freely. This is the general scheme, but it’s crucial to be aware of specific city regulations, as some areas may have variations.
How to Determine Your Car’s Coding Day
Knowing your car’s coding day is straightforward. It depends on the last digit of your vehicle’s license plate number. Here’s a simple guide:
- 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.
Simply check the last number on your license plate and match it with the corresponding day to know when your car is under the number coding scheme.
Timing of the Number Coding Scheme
The expanded number coding scheme in Metro Manila is currently enforced during:
- Morning Rush Hour: 7:00 AM to 10:00 AM
- Afternoon/Evening Peak Hours: 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM
This schedule applies on weekdays, Monday through Friday. However, it’s important to note that some cities, like Makati City, implement a full-day coding scheme from 7 AM to 7 PM without window hours. Always verify the specific rules for the city you plan to drive in, especially if it’s within Metro Manila.
Understanding “Window Hours”
“Window hours” refer to the period within the day when vehicles covered by the number coding scheme are allowed to travel on designated roads. In Metro Manila, for areas implementing window hours, these are from 10:01 AM to 4:59 PM.
Outside of coding hours (7:00 AM to 10:00 AM and 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM) and during window hours, coded vehicles can move freely. However, it’s crucial to remember that Radial Roads, Circumferential Roads, and National Roads might not be covered by window hours. Always double-check the specific regulations for your route.
Roads Covered by the Number Coding Scheme
The MMDA enforces the number coding scheme on all major roads under its jurisdiction in Metro Manila. These 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 includes any of these thoroughfares during coding hours, ensure your vehicle is not restricted on that day.
Areas Exempt from Number Coding
Certain areas and roads are not covered by the Number Coding Scheme. Notably, tollways operated by private entities are generally exempt. Here are some areas and roads where number coding typically does not apply:
- NAIA Expressway
- Skyway System
- South Luzon Expressway (SLEX)
- Domestic Road
- Ninoy Aquino Avenue
- MIA Road
- Sales Road
- Parts of Airport Road
- Some parts of Buendia (Gil Puyat)
- Tollway extensions (e.g., NLEX Harbor Link)
Additionally, specific municipalities might have exemptions within their local roads, but national roads within these municipalities might still be covered. Always verify local ordinances.
Vehicle Exemptions from Number Coding
Certain types of vehicles are exempted from the Number Coding Scheme. These generally include:
- Public Utility Vehicles (PUVs), including tricycles
- Transport Network Vehicle Services (TNVS)
- Motorcycles
- Garbage trucks
- Fuel trucks
- Fire trucks
- Marked government vehicles
- Marked media vehicles
- Vehicles carrying essential or perishable goods
- Doctors with valid and updated PRC licenses
- Electric Vehicles (EVs) and Hybrid Vehicles with LTO certification and special plates
However, exemptions can vary by city. For example, Makati City has a more limited list of exemptions, primarily including vehicles carrying senior citizen BluCard holders, emergency vehicles, vehicles on official functions, and electric vehicles. Always check the specific exemptions for the city you are driving in.
Electric and Hybrid Vehicle Exemption
Electric Vehicles (EVs) and hybrid vehicles are exempt from the UVVRP due to the Electric Vehicle Industry Development Act (EVIDA) or Republic Act No. 11697. This law promotes the use of EVs and hybrids to reduce reliance on fossil fuels. To qualify for exemption, the vehicle’s registration should explicitly state that it is a hybrid or electric vehicle, and ideally have the special EV or Hybrid vehicle plates issued by the LTO.
Mild Hybrids and Coding Exemption
It’s important to note that not all vehicles marketed as “hybrid” are exempt from coding. Mild-hybrid vehicles, which use a small electric motor to assist the internal combustion engine but cannot run solely on electric power, are generally not exempt.
Exemption is typically granted to vehicles recognized by the Department of Energy (DOE) as true hybrids or electric vehicles capable of electric-only propulsion. Before purchasing a vehicle expecting it to be coding-exempt, verify if it is on the DOE’s list of recognized EVs and Hybrids.
Penalties for Number Coding Violations
Violating the Number Coding Scheme can result in fines. The standard penalty for violating the UVVRP typically ranges from P300 to P500, depending on the city or area where the violation occurs.
These fines must be settled within seven days to avoid additional penalties when renewing your driver’s license. Unpaid violations can lead to further complications and increased costs.
Paying Number Coding Fines
Fines for number coding violations can be paid through various MMDA-approved channels. These include:
- Landbank
- SM Bills Payment Centers
- Bayad Centers
- Bayad Center partner apps like GCash, PayMaya, and GrabPay
In some instances, MMDA enforcers may use handheld ticketing devices that allow for on-the-spot payment of fines, offering a more convenient option for settling violations.
City-Specific Number Coding Rules
While Metro Manila generally follows the MMDA’s guidelines, specific cities within Metro Manila and surrounding areas can have slightly different rules. Here’s a quick overview of some key city-specific regulations:
- Alabang, Muntinlupa City: Generally no coding, except on Ayala-Alabang National Road and Alabang-Zapote Road corner Buencamino and North Gate (MMDA scheme applies). Fines range from P500 to P1,000 for repeat offenses.
- Makati City: Coding from 7 AM to 7 PM with no window hours. Exemptions are very limited, mainly for senior citizen BluCard holders, emergency vehicles, official function vehicles, and EVs. Fine is P300.
- Quezon City, Pasig City, Pasay City, Parañaque City, Mandaluyong City, Valenzuela City, Caloocan City: 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 some thoroughfares like Domestic Road and Ninoy Aquino Avenue.
- Manila City: Mixed implementation; some areas with no window hours, others follow the MMDA scheme. Verify specific areas in Manila before driving.
- San Juan City: Coding from 7 AM to 7 PM with window hours from 10 AM to 3 PM.
- Taguig City: Partially exempt; coding applies to national roads within Taguig, including East Service Road and Manuel L. Quezon Avenue.
Number Coding Outside Metro Manila
The Number Coding Scheme is not exclusive to Metro Manila. It has been extended to other cities experiencing traffic congestion, including:
- Baguio City: Coding in selected areas, especially tourist spots like Session Road and Burnham Park, from 7 AM to 7 PM in the Central Business District. Fine is P500.
- Cabanatuan and Dagupan Cities: Adhere to the same daily license plate restriction as Metro Manila.
- Cavite Province: Previously had a coding scheme, but it is currently suspended under Provincial Ordinance 283-2020 until further notice.
Future Updates to the Coding Scheme
The MMDA continuously studies traffic management solutions and has considered updates to the Number Coding Scheme. Proposed changes have included stricter two-day-a-week bans and more complex coding systems.
Two potential formats discussed were:
- Odd-Even Scheme: Odd-numbered plates restricted Mondays and Thursdays, even-numbered plates Tuesdays and Fridays. Wednesdays would be a no-coding day.
- More Complex Scheme: Different sets of four plate endings restricted each day of the week (e.g., 1,2,3,4 on Mondays; 5,6,7,8 on Tuesdays, etc.).
As of now, these more drastic changes have not been implemented due to public criticism and complexity. However, it’s crucial to stay updated on announcements from the MMDA regarding potential future changes to the Number Coding Scheme to remain compliant with traffic regulations in the Philippines.
By staying informed about the Number Coding Scheme and its specific rules, you can navigate Philippine roads more smoothly and avoid unnecessary fines. Always check for the latest updates and city-specific regulations before you drive!
