Navigating the bustling streets of Metro Manila can be challenging, and one crucial aspect for drivers to understand is the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) car coding scheme. Officially known as the Unified Vehicle Volume Reduction Program (UVVRP), this initiative aims to ease traffic congestion by regulating vehicle movement based on license plate numbers. If you’re a motorist in Metro Manila, or planning a visit, understanding Mmda Car Coding is essential to avoid fines and ensure smooth travels.
Understanding the Number Coding Scheme
So, what exactly is the Number Coding Scheme? Implemented by the MMDA, it’s a system designed to reduce traffic volume on weekdays. It works by restricting vehicles from using certain roads based on the last digit of their license plates. This scheme applies to both private and public utility vehicles throughout the weekdays, Monday to Friday.
First introduced in 1995, the program initially focused on public utility vehicles (PUVs) on a trial basis. Its scope later broadened to encompass all vehicles traveling along EDSA, Metro Manila’s major thoroughfare. It’s important to note that number coding is not enforced during weekends and holidays, offering some respite for motorists. Interestingly, the UVVRP was temporarily suspended from March 2020 to November 2021 during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, reflecting the scheme’s adaptability to changing circumstances.
Is Number Coding Currently Active?
Yes, the Number Coding scheme is currently in effect in Metro Manila as of June 2024. The MMDA expanded the scheme effective August 15, 2022, reintroducing morning and evening coding hours. These 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, excluding holidays and weekends.
During these window hours, vehicles affected by the coding scheme are allowed to travel. These permissive travel times are between 10:01 AM and 4:59 PM, and from 8:01 PM until 6:59 AM the next day. It’s this expanded scheme, with morning and evening peak hour restrictions, that is currently being implemented.
Determining 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.
Here’s a simple breakdown:
- 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.
By checking the last number on your license plate, you can easily determine the day your vehicle is affected by the MMDA car coding scheme.
Number Coding Hours: When Are Restrictions in Place?
The expanded number coding scheme in Metro Manila is enforced during peak traffic hours. These are the times to be particularly mindful of:
- Morning Rush Hour: 7:00 AM to 10:00 AM
- Afternoon/Evening Peak Hours: 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM
These restrictions are in place on weekdays, Monday through Friday. However, it’s crucial to note that some cities within Metro Manila have different implementations. For instance, Makati City applies a full-day coding scheme from 7 AM to 7 PM without window hours. Therefore, if you plan to drive in Metro Manila on your car’s coding day, it’s essential to verify if the specific areas you’ll be passing through observe window hours or implement a full-day scheme. Due diligence is key to avoid violations.
Window Hours Explained
The concept of “window hours” is important in understanding MMDA car coding. Window hours are the periods within the coding day when coded vehicles are permitted to drive on restricted roads. As mentioned, Makati City is a notable exception and does not implement window hours.
In areas that do observe window hours, these are typically from 10:01 AM to 4:59 PM. Outside of the morning and evening peak hours and within this window period, you can drive your coded vehicle without violating the scheme in participating cities. However, it’s critical to remember that Radial Roads, Circumferential Roads, and National Roads are generally not included in the window hours system and are subject to coding restrictions throughout the designated hours. Always double-check the specific rules for your destination.
Roads Covered by the Number Coding Scheme
The MMDA’s number coding scheme applies to 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
If your route involves any of these roads during coding hours, ensure your vehicle is not restricted on that particular day, or plan your travel outside of coding hours or within window hours where applicable and outside of radial/circumferential/national roads.
Areas Exempt from Number Coding
While number coding is widespread in Metro Manila, some areas and roads are exempt. Notably, tollways operated by private entities are generally not covered. Specific areas where the Number Coding Scheme does not apply include:
- 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 Avenue (Gil Puyat Avenue)
- Tollway extensions (e.g., NLEX Harbor Link)
Additionally, certain cities may have specific local exemptions within their jurisdictions, so always check local city guidelines if you are unsure.
Vehicles Exempt from Number Coding
Certain types of vehicles are also exempted from the MMDA car coding scheme. These exemptions are designed to ensure essential services and public transportation remain unaffected. Exempt vehicles include:
- Public Utility Vehicles (PUVs) – this includes buses, jeepneys, and even tricycles.
- Transport Network Vehicle Services (TNVS) – vehicles like Grab and Angkas are generally included.
- 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 (EVs) and Hybrid Vehicles with proper LTO Certification and special EV/Hybrid vehicle plates.
It’s important to remember that these exemptions may not fully apply in all cities. For example, Makati City has a narrower list of exemptions, primarily focusing on vehicles carrying senior citizen BluCard holders, emergency vehicles, vehicles on official functions, and electric vehicles. Always verify city-specific exemptions.
Electric and Hybrid Vehicle Exemption
Electric vehicles (EVs) and hybrid vehicles enjoy exemption from the UVVRP due to Republic Act No. 11697, the Electric Vehicle Industry Development Act (EVIDA). This law promotes the use of EVs and hybrid vehicles by exempting them from traffic schemes like number coding.
To qualify for this exemption, the vehicle’s registration certificate (OR/CR) must explicitly state that the model is a hybrid or electric vehicle. Furthermore, vehicles should ideally have the special green EV plates or hybrid vehicle plates issued by the Land Transportation Office (LTO) to easily identify them as exempt.
Mild Hybrids and Coding Exemption: What You Need to Know
While hybrid vehicles are generally exempt, it’s crucial to understand that not all “hybrid” vehicles qualify for the exemption. Vehicles classified as “mild hybrids” are typically not exempt from the coding scheme.
Mild-hybrid systems utilize an internal combustion engine (ICE) with a small battery and electric motor to assist the engine, primarily improving fuel efficiency and providing a slight power boost. However, mild hybrids cannot run solely on electric power. Because they lack the capability for electric-only propulsion, mild hybrids are not recognized as exempt under the current regulations.
To ensure your hybrid vehicle is coding-exempt, it must be officially recognized by the Department of Energy (DOE). It’s advisable to check the DOE’s list of recognized EVs and Hybrids before purchasing a vehicle with the expectation of coding exemption.
Penalties for Number Coding Violations
Violating the number coding scheme can result in fines. If you are caught driving a coded vehicle during restricted hours on a covered road, you will incur a penalty.
The standard fine for a number coding violation typically ranges from ₱300 to ₱500, depending on the city or area where the violation occurs. It’s important to settle this fine within seven days to avoid further complications or increased penalties when you renew your driver’s license. Prompt payment is advisable to prevent additional inconvenience.
Paying Your Number Coding Violation Fine
Paying your MMDA number coding violation fine is now more convenient with multiple payment channels available. You can settle your fines through:
- Landbank branches
- SM Bills Payment counters
- Bayad Center outlets and partner platforms such as GCash, PayMaya, and GrabPay
In 2023, the MMDA also introduced handheld ticketing devices for traffic enforcers, enabling on-the-spot payment of fines in some instances. This offers a more immediate way to resolve violations if the option is available.
City-Specific Number Coding Rules: A Quick Guide
While Metro Manila generally follows the MMDA’s coding scheme, some cities have specific variations or additional rules. Here’s a summary of city-specific regulations:
- Alabang, Muntinlupa City: Generally no coding, except MMDA scheme applies on Ayala-Alabang National Road and Alabang-Zapote Road corner Buencamino and North Gate. Fines vary for repeat offenses.
- Makati City: Full-day coding from 7 AM to 7 PM, no window hours. Exemptions are limited to senior citizen Blu Card holders, emergency vehicles, official functions, and EVs. Fine is ₱300.
- Quezon City: Follows MMDA scheme: 7 AM to 10 AM and 5 PM to 8 PM with window hours (10:01 AM to 4:59 PM).
- Pasig City: Follows MMDA scheme: 7 AM to 10 AM and 5 PM to 8 PM with window hours (10:01 AM to 4:59 PM).
- Pasay City: 7 AM to 10 AM and 5 PM to 8 PM coding with window hours (10 AM to 4 PM), but coding does not apply on Domestic Road, Ninoy Aquino Avenue, MIA Road, Sales Road, parts of Airport Road, and parts of Buendia (Gil Puyat).
- Parañaque City: Follows standardized MMDA scheme: 7 AM to 10 AM and 5 PM to 8 PM with window hours (10 AM to 4 PM).
- Mandaluyong City: Follows MMDA scheme: 7 AM to 10 AM and 5 PM to 8 PM with window hours (10 AM to 4 PM).
- Manila City: Some areas implement coding without window hours, others follow 7 AM to 10 AM and 5 PM to 8 PM with window hours (10 AM to 4 PM). Check specific locations within Manila.
- Valenzuela City: Follows MMDA scheme: 7 AM to 10 AM and 5 PM to 8 PM with window hours (10:01 AM to 4:59 PM) on specific roads like MacArthur Highway and Mindanao Avenue (Barangay Ugong).
- Taguig City: Partially exempt. Coding applies to national roads within, including East Service Road, and Manuel L. Quezon Avenue.
- San Juan City: Coding from 7 AM to 7 PM, with window hours from 10 AM to 3 PM. Check for updates if they have adopted the 7 AM – 10 AM / 5 PM – 8 PM scheme.
- Caloocan City: 7 AM to 10 AM and 5 PM to 8 PM coding. Window hours (10 AM to 4 PM) apply to most roads except Samson Road, which has no window hours.
Always verify the most current rules with the specific city government or MMDA for the latest updates, as regulations can change.
Number Coding Outside Metro Manila
The number coding scheme is not exclusive to Metro Manila. Other cities in the Philippines also implement similar vehicle volume reduction programs to manage traffic congestion. These include:
- Baguio City: Coding is enforced in selected areas, especially tourist spots like Session Road, Burnham Park, and the City Market, from 7 AM to 7 PM. The Central Business District also follows 7 AM to 7 PM coding on weekdays. Fine is ₱500.
- Cabanatuan City & Dagupan City: These cities also adhere to the same daily license plate ending restrictions as Metro Manila.
- Cavite Province: Previously had a Unified Vehicular Reduction System (UVRS), but the number coding scheme is currently suspended under Provincial Ordinance 283-2020 until further notice.
If you are driving outside of Metro Manila, especially in major cities, it’s worth checking if a number coding scheme is in place and what the specific rules are.
Future Updates to the Coding Scheme
The MMDA has historically updated the Number Coding Scheme, and further modifications are possible in the future to further alleviate traffic. In 2022, the MMDA studied potential new formats, including:
- Odd-Even Scheme: Vehicles with odd-numbered plates restricted Mondays and Thursdays, even-numbered plates on Tuesdays and Fridays. Wednesdays would be a no-coding day for all.
- More Complex Scheme: A more intricate system restricting different plate number groups each day to achieve a 40% traffic reduction.
As of now, these proposed schemes have not been implemented due to public feedback and complexity concerns. However, the MMDA may introduce new changes in the future. Staying informed about MMDA announcements and traffic advisories is recommended to keep abreast of any potential updates to the car coding scheme.
