Navigating Metro Manila’s bustling streets often requires understanding and abiding by the Unified Vehicular Volume Reduction Program (UVVRP), commonly known as the number coding scheme. If you’re wondering, Is There Car Coding Today? the answer is yes, in Metro Manila and several other cities in the Philippines, the number coding scheme is actively implemented to manage traffic congestion.
What is the Number Coding Scheme?
The Number Coding Scheme, officially the Unified Vehicle Volume Reduction Program (UVVRP), is a traffic management initiative by the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA). Introduced in 1995, it was initially experimental and focused on Public Utility Vehicles (PUVs). Over time, it expanded to include all vehicles, especially on major roads like EDSA. The core principle is to restrict vehicle movement based on the last digit of their license plates during weekdays, Monday to Friday. This scheme takes a break during weekends and declared holidays. It’s worth noting that during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, the UVVRP was temporarily suspended from March 2020 to November 2021.
Is Number Coding in Effect Now?
Yes, as of June 2024, the expanded Number Coding scheme declared by the MMDA on August 15, 2022, is currently in effect. This expansion reintroduced morning and evening coding hours, specifically from 7:00 AM to 10:00 AM and 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM, applicable from Monday to Friday. Outside these hours, coded vehicles can travel freely between 10:01 AM and 4:59 PM, and again from 8:01 PM to 6:59 AM the next day. Remember, this scheme is not enforced on weekends and holidays.
What Days is My Car Restricted?
To easily determine your car’s coding day in Metro Manila, you need to check the last digit of your license plate number. The schedule is straightforward:
- 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.
This pattern repeats weekly, helping manage the volume of vehicles on the roads each day.
Number Coding Hours and “Window Hours”
The current number coding scheme in Metro Manila is enforced during peak hours to significantly reduce traffic during the busiest times of the day. These hours are:
- Morning Peak Hours: 7:00 AM to 10:00 AM
- Afternoon to Evening Peak Hours: 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Outside these hours, many areas within Metro Manila observe “window hours.”
Understanding Window Hours
Window hours are the periods when coded vehicles are allowed to travel despite being on their coding day. These hours are set between 10:01 AM to 4:59 PM. This provides a significant window for drivers to use their vehicles for errands or travel in between the rush hours. However, it’s crucial to note that Radial Roads, Circumferential Roads, and National Roads are not included in the window hours system.
Areas Without Window Hours
While most of Metro Manila follows the window hours system, certain areas, like Makati City, implement a full-day number coding scheme from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM without window hours. If your route includes Makati City, be aware of this stricter implementation. Always verify if your destination or route has window hours, especially when driving in Metro Manila.
Roads Covered Under the Number Coding Scheme
The MMDA enforces the number coding scheme on all major roads under its jurisdiction in Metro Manila. These primary 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
Avoid these roads during coding hours if your vehicle is restricted on that day to prevent violations.
Areas Exempt from Number Coding
Certain areas and roads are exempted from the Number Coding Scheme, providing some relief for motorists. These generally include:
- Tollways: Roads operated by private entities like NAIA Expressway, Skyway System, South Luzon Expressway, and NLEX Harbor Link extensions.
- Specific Municipal Roads: Domestic Road, Ninoy Aquino Avenue, MIA Road, Sales Road, parts of Airport Road, and some parts of Buendia (Gil Puyat).
- Residential Areas: Often, inner roads within residential areas are not covered, but it’s best to confirm local regulations.
These exemptions are primarily for facilitating smoother transit in and out of Metro Manila and around critical infrastructure points.
Vehicles Exempt from Number Coding
Certain types of vehicles are essential for public service or specific needs and are thus exempt from the number coding scheme. These include:
- Public Utility Vehicles (PUVs): This includes buses, jeepneys, and even tricycles.
- Transport Network Vehicle Services (TNVS): Vehicles like those from Grab or Uber are generally exempted.
- Motorcycles: Motorcycles are not included in the number coding scheme.
- Essential Service Vehicles: Garbage trucks, fuel trucks, fire trucks, marked government vehicles, and marked media vehicles.
- Vehicles Carrying Essential Goods: Vehicles transporting perishable goods or essential commodities.
- Medical Personnel: Doctors with valid and updated PRC licenses.
- Electric and Hybrid Vehicles: Legitimately certified EVs and Hybrid vehicles with LTO certification and special plates, as per Republic Act No. 11697 (EVIDA).
Makati City Specific Exemptions
It’s important to note that Makati City has a more limited list of exemptions. In Makati, exemptions are mainly for:
- Vehicles carrying senior citizen BluCard holders.
- Emergency vehicles.
- Vehicles on official functions.
- Electric vehicles.
Thus, even if your vehicle type is generally exempt, verify for Makati City specifically if you are traveling there.
Electric and Hybrid Vehicle Exemption Explained
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 and lessen emissions. To qualify for this exemption, the vehicle’s registration must clearly state it is a hybrid or electric vehicle, and often requires a special EV or Hybrid vehicle plate.
Why Mild Hybrids May Not Be Exempt
Not all vehicles marketed as “hybrid” are exempt. “Mild-hybrid” vehicles, which use a small battery and electric motor primarily to assist the internal combustion engine (ICE) but cannot run on electric power alone, are generally not exempted. Exemption is typically granted to vehicles recognized by the Department of Energy (DOE) as true hybrids or EVs capable of electric-only propulsion. Before purchasing a vehicle expecting coding exemption, check the DOE’s list of recognized EVs and Hybrids to confirm eligibility.
Penalties for Number Coding Violations
Violating the number coding scheme will result in penalties. The standard fine for violating the UVVRP ranges from P300 to P500, depending on the locality where the violation occurs. This fine must be paid within seven days to avoid further penalties during driver’s license renewal.
Paying Number Coding Fines
Fines for number coding violations can be paid through various MMDA-approved channels, including:
- Landbank
- SM Bills Payment
- Bayad Center
- Bayad Center partners like GCash, PayMaya, and GrabPay.
In 2023, the MMDA also introduced handheld ticketing devices that allow for on-the-spot fine payments, making the process more convenient.
City-Specific Number Coding Rules
While Metro Manila generally follows the MMDA guidelines, specific cities have their own nuances in implementation.
Alabang, Muntinlupa City
Muntinlupa City generally does not have number coding, except for these roads which follow the MMDA’s scheme:
- Ayala-Alabang National Road
- Alabang-Zapote Road corner Buencamino and North Gate
Violations here incur fines starting at P500 for the first offense, increasing for subsequent offenses.
Makati City
Makati City enforces a stricter number coding rule from 7 AM to 7 PM without window hours. The standard fine is P300. Exemptions are limited, mainly for BluCard holders, emergency vehicles, official functions, and EVs.
Quezon City, Pasig City, Pasay City, Paranaque 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, however, exempts thoroughfares like Domestic Road, Ninoy Aquino Avenue, MIA Road, Sales Road, parts of Airport Road, and parts of Buendia.
Manila City
Manila City has varying implementations. Some areas follow the standard MMDA schedule with window hours, while others implement number coding without window hours. Check specific locations within Manila before traveling.
San Juan City
San Juan City currently implements number coding from 7 AM to 7 PM, with window hours from 10 AM to 3 PM. It is unclear if they have fully adopted the 7 AM to 10 AM and 5 PM to 8 PM schedule.
Caloocan City
Caloocan City follows the 7 AM to 10 AM and 5 PM to 8 PM coding period, but Samson Road is exempted from window hours, meaning restrictions apply throughout the coding period on Samson Road.
Taguig City
Taguig City is partially exempt, with coding only on national roads like East Service Road and Manuel L. Quezon Avenue.
Number Coding Outside Metro Manila
The UVVRP extends beyond Metro Manila to other congested cities like Baguio, Cabanatuan, and Dagupan.
Baguio City
Baguio City enforces number coding primarily in tourist areas like Session Road, Burnham Park, and the City Market, from 7 AM to 7 PM on weekdays, with a P500 fine for violations.
Cavite Province
Cavite Province previously had the Unified Vehicular Reduction System (UVRS), but it is currently suspended under Provincial Ordinance 283-2020 until further notice.
Potential Future Updates to the Coding Scheme
The MMDA continuously explores ways to improve traffic flow. In 2022, they studied more stringent UVVRP formats, including:
- Odd-Even Scheme: Banning odd-numbered plates on Mondays and Thursdays, and even-numbered plates on Tuesdays and Fridays, with Wednesdays as a no-coding day.
- Complex Scheme: A more intricate system restricting different plate number sets each day to reduce traffic by 40%.
As of now, these proposals have not been implemented due to public feedback and complexity. However, the MMDA may introduce further changes in the future. Staying updated on announcements from the MMDA and local city governments is advisable for all motorists in and around Metro Manila.
Conclusion
So, is there car coding today? Yes, the number coding scheme is an ongoing traffic management measure in Metro Manila and other Philippine cities. Understanding its rules, hours, exemptions, and city-specific implementations is crucial for drivers to navigate roads legally and efficiently. Always stay informed about the latest updates from traffic authorities to ensure compliance and avoid penalties.
