The Number Coding Scheme, officially known as the Unified Vehicle Volume Reduction Program (UVVRP), is a traffic management initiative in Metro Manila, Philippines designed to reduce traffic congestion. For motorists in Makati City, the heart of Metro Manila’s Central Business District (CBD), understanding the specific car coding rules is crucial. Unlike many other cities in Metro Manila, Makati operates under a unique set of regulations, especially in 2022. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of Makati car coding in 2022, ensuring you stay informed and compliant.
Makati City stands out from its neighbors by implementing the number coding scheme without “window hours.” This means that the restriction is continuous from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM, Mondays to Fridays, excluding holidays. This differs from the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) standard scheme which, as of August 15, 2022, includes morning and evening peak hour coding (7:00 AM to 10:00 AM and 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM) with window hours in between.
Alt text: Makati City skyline with heavy traffic, illustrating the need for car coding in the business district.
Understanding Makati’s Number Coding Days
The Makati car coding scheme follows the standard schedule based on the last digit of your vehicle’s 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
It’s essential to know your vehicle’s plate number and its ending digit to avoid traversing Makati roads on your coding day between 7 AM and 7 PM.
Alt text: Number coding days and corresponding plate number endings for Makati City traffic rules.
No Window Hours in Makati: What it Means
The most critical aspect of Makati car coding to remember is the absence of window hours. While most of Metro Manila observes window hours from 10:01 AM to 4:59 PM, allowing coded vehicles to travel during these times, Makati does not. This stricter implementation aims to manage traffic flow in this highly congested city more effectively throughout the workday. Therefore, if your vehicle is coded in Makati, you cannot use it on Makati roads from 7 AM to 7 PM on your designated day.
Exemptions to Makati Car Coding in 2022
While Makati’s car coding is stringent, certain vehicles are exempted. These exemptions are more specific than the general exemptions in Metro Manila and are detailed in the Makati code. In 2022, Makati City exempts:
- Vehicles carrying senior citizen Blu Card holders as drivers or passengers. This is a unique exemption specific to Makati, recognizing the needs of senior residents.
- Vehicles on official functions and medical emergencies. This covers essential services and urgent situations.
Additionally, similar to general Metro Manila exemptions, the following vehicle types are also typically exempt in Makati:
- Motorcycles: These are generally exempt from number coding schemes across Metro Manila.
- Ambulances, fire trucks, and police patrol vehicles: Emergency vehicles are always exempt.
- Military vehicles on official functions: Vehicles performing national security duties are exempt.
- Diplomatic vehicles with diplomatic plates: Vehicles of foreign diplomats are exempt under international agreements.
- Government vehicles with government plates in official use: Vehicles used for government services are exempt.
- Official media vehicles with markings: Vehicles used for news coverage are exempt.
- Tow trucks accredited in Makati: Essential for vehicle assistance within the city.
- Vehicles used by medical practitioners in an emergency: Doctors and medical professionals responding to emergencies are exempt.
Important Note: Unlike some other cities, Makati City’s exemptions do not typically include:
- Public Utility Vehicles (PUVs) in general (though specific types like buses might have separate regulations).
- Transport Network Vehicle Services (TNVS or ride-sharing services).
- Electric and Hybrid Vehicles.
It is crucial to verify the most current list of exemptions directly with Makati City authorities or official sources, as traffic regulations can be updated.
Alt text: List of vehicle types generally exempted from number coding in the Philippines, excluding specific Makati exemptions.
Penalties for Violating Makati Car Coding
Violating the Makati car coding scheme will result in a standard fine. In 2022, the standard fine for number coding violations in Makati City was P300. This fine must be settled within seven days to avoid further complications during driver’s license renewal. Enforcement is carried out by traffic enforcers throughout Makati City.
Staying Updated on Makati Car Coding Rules
While this guide provides information relevant to 2022, traffic regulations can change. For the most up-to-date information on Makati car coding, it is always best to consult official sources such as:
- The Makati City Government website.
- The Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) website for broader Metro Manila regulations.
- Makati City Traffic Enforcement Department announcements.
By understanding and adhering to Makati’s specific car coding rules in 2022, you can ensure smooth commutes and avoid penalties within this bustling city. Remember, Makati’s “no window hours” policy requires careful planning to navigate its roads effectively.
