Understanding and adhering to traffic regulations is crucial for drivers in Metro Manila, and the Unified Vehicle Volume Reduction Program (UVVRP), commonly known as the number coding scheme, is a significant part of this. As a car owner in Quezon City, or if you’re planning to drive there, knowing the specifics of the car coding scheme is essential to avoid fines and ensure smooth commutes. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the number coding rules, with a particular focus on Quezon City and surrounding Metro Manila areas, updated for 2024.
What is the Number Coding Scheme?
The Number Coding Scheme is a traffic management initiative implemented by the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA). Its primary goal is to reduce traffic congestion on weekdays by restricting vehicle movement based on the last digit of their license plates. This scheme, officially the UVVRP, has been in effect since 1995, initially targeting public utility vehicles before expanding to all vehicle types on major Metro Manila roads like EDSA. It’s important to remember that number coding is not enforced on weekends and holidays. The scheme was temporarily suspended during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic but was reinstated to manage traffic flow as restrictions eased.
Is Number Coding Currently in Effect?
Yes, the expanded Number Coding scheme is currently in effect as of June 2024. The MMDA expanded the scheme on August 15, 2022, to include both morning and evening rush hours. The current operational hours are from 7:00 AM to 10:00 AM and from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM, Monday through Friday.
During these “coding hours,” vehicles covered by the scheme are prohibited from driving on designated roads. However, vehicles are allowed to travel during the “window hours,” which are between 10:01 AM and 4:59 PM, and again from 8:01 PM to 6:59 AM the next day. This schedule is the standard across Metro Manila, including Quezon City, although specific cities or roads might have variations, which we will explore further.
Decoding Your Car’s Coding Day in Metro Manila
Determining your vehicle’s coding day is straightforward. It depends on the last digit of your license plate:
- Monday: Plates ending in 1 and 2
- Tuesday: Plates ending in 3 and 4
- Wednesday: Plates ending in 5 and 6
- Thursday: Plates ending in 7 and 8
- Friday: Plates ending in 9 and 0
For example, if your license plate ends in 3, your vehicle is not allowed on coded roads on Tuesdays during coding hours. This rule applies uniformly across Metro Manila, including Quezon City, unless otherwise specified by local ordinances.
Number Coding Hours: Morning and Evening Restrictions
In Metro Manila and Quezon City, the expanded number coding scheme is enforced during peak traffic hours:
- Morning Rush Hour: 7:00 AM to 10:00 AM
- Afternoon/Evening Peak Hours: 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM
It’s crucial to note that while this is the general rule, some cities within Metro Manila, like Makati City, implement a full-day coding scheme without window hours. Therefore, always verify city-specific regulations if you are driving outside of Quezon City.
Understanding “Window Hours” in Metro Manila
“Window hours” refer to the period within the day when vehicles restricted by the number coding scheme are allowed to drive on coded roads. In most parts of Metro Manila, including Quezon City, window hours are observed from 10:01 AM to 4:59 PM.
This means that even if it’s your car’s coding day, you can still use it on coded roads during these window hours without violating the UVVRP. However, it’s essential to remember that major thoroughfares like Radial Roads, Circumferential Roads, and National Roads might not always be covered by window hours, and certain cities, like Makati, may not implement them at all. Always double-check the specific rules for your destination.
Roads Covered by Number Coding in Metro Manila and Quezon City
The MMDA enforces the number coding scheme on all major roads under its jurisdiction. These include critical arteries within Metro Manila and Quezon City:
- 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
Within Quezon City, these major roads are subject to the number coding scheme during the specified hours. Always plan your routes accordingly to avoid these roads during coding hours on your vehicle’s restricted day.
Areas Exempt from Number Coding in Metro Manila
While number coding is widespread, certain areas and roads are exempt. Primarily, these are tollways and some specific municipal roads. Exemptions 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 (Gil Puyat Avenue)
- Tollway extensions (e.g., NLEX Harbor Link)
These exemptions are generally consistent across Metro Manila, including when driving in and out of Quezon City. Using these routes can be strategic when navigating Metro Manila on your coding day.
Vehicle Exemptions from the Number Coding Scheme
Certain types of vehicles are also exempt from the number coding scheme. These exemptions are designed to ensure essential services and public transportation are not disrupted. Exempt vehicles include:
- Public Utility Vehicles (PUVs), including buses, jeepneys, and tricycles
- Transport Network Vehicle Services (TNVS) – like ride-sharing 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 (EVs) and Hybrid Vehicles with proper LTO certification and special plates
It is important to note that exemptions can vary by city. For example, in Makati City, exemptions are more limited, primarily covering vehicles carrying senior citizen BluCard holders, emergency vehicles, vehicles on official functions, and electric vehicles. In Quezon City, the standard MMDA exemptions generally apply.
Electric and Hybrid Vehicle Exemption Explained
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 hybrids to reduce emissions and support sustainable transportation.
To qualify for this exemption, the vehicle’s Certificate of Registration (CR) must clearly state that the vehicle is a hybrid or electric vehicle. Vehicles must also have the appropriate LTO-issued EV or Hybrid vehicle plates.
Mild Hybrids and Number Coding: What You Need to Know
While hybrid vehicles are generally exempt, it’s crucial to understand the distinction between different types of hybrids. “Mild-hybrid” vehicles, which use a small electric motor to assist the internal combustion engine but cannot run solely on electric power, are not exempt from the number coding scheme.
Exemption is granted only to vehicles recognized by the Department of Energy (DOE) as capable of electric-only propulsion. Before purchasing a vehicle expecting it to be coding-exempt, especially a hybrid, verify its status on the DOE’s list of recognized EVs and Hybrids. This ensures your vehicle qualifies for the exemption and avoids potential violations.
Penalties for Violating Number Coding
Violating the number coding scheme results in a fine. The standard penalty for UVVRP violations ranges from P300 to P500, depending on the city where the violation occurs. This fine must be paid within seven days to avoid further penalties during driver’s license renewal.
Paying Your Number Coding Violation Fine
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
The MMDA has also implemented handheld ticketing devices that allow for on-the-spot fine payments, adding convenience for motorists.
Number Coding Rules in Quezon City and Neighboring Cities
Quezon City: Currently follows the standard MMDA coding scheme: 7 AM to 10 AM and 5 PM to 8 PM with window hours from 10:01 AM to 4:59 PM.
Makati City: Enforces number coding from 7 AM to 7 PM without window hours. Violators face a P300 fine. Exemptions are limited to vehicles with senior citizen Blu Card holders, emergency vehicles, vehicles on official functions, and EVs.
Pasig City: Adheres to the MMDA’s coding scheme: 7 AM to 10 AM and 5 PM to 8 PM with window hours from 10:01 AM to 4:59 PM.
Pasay City: Follows the 7 AM to 10 AM and 5 PM to 8 PM coding period with window hours from 10 AM to 4 PM. However, major thoroughfares like Domestic Road, Ninoy Aquino Avenue, MIA Road, Sales Road, parts of Airport Road, and parts of Buendia (Gil Puyat) are exempt.
Parañaque City: Implements the standardized MMDA coding scheme: 7 AM to 10 AM and 5 PM to 8 PM with window hours from 10 AM to 4 PM.
Mandaluyong City: Adheres to the MMDA’s coding scheme: 7 AM to 10 AM and 5 PM to 8 PM with window hours from 10 AM to 4 PM.
Manila City: Has varied implementation. Some areas follow the 7 AM to 10 AM and 5 PM to 8 PM coding period with window hours, while others implement number coding without window hours. Always check specific locations within Manila before driving.
Valenzuela City: Implements the 7 AM to 10 AM and 5 PM to 8 PM coding period with window hours from 10:01 AM to 4:59 PM. Applicable roads include MacArthur Highway, Maysan – Paso De Blas – Bagbaguin Road, and others as listed in the original article.
Taguig City: Partially exempt. Coding scheme applies to national roads within its boundaries, including East Service Road and Manuel L. Quezon Avenue.
San Juan City: Currently practices number coding from 7 AM to 7 PM with window hours from 10 AM to 3 PM. It’s advisable to check for updates if they have aligned with the 7 AM to 10 AM and 5 PM to 8 PM scheme.
Caloocan City: Implements the 7 AM to 10 AM and 5 PM to 8 PM coding period. However, Samson Road is not covered by window hours, meaning restricted vehicles cannot use Samson Road throughout the entire coding period.
Alabang, Muntinlupa City: Generally no number coding, except on Ayala-Alabang National Road and Alabang-Zapote Road corner Buencamino and North Gate, which follow the MMDA scheme.
Number Coding Beyond Metro Manila
The UVVRP extends beyond Metro Manila to other congested cities like Baguio, Cabanatuan, and Dagupan, all adhering to the same license plate restriction days.
Baguio City: Enforces coding in selected areas, mainly tourist spots like Session Road, Burnham Park, and Baguio City Market, from 7 AM to 7 PM. The Central Business District of Baguio also implements coding on weekdays from 7 AM to 7 PM.
Cavite Province: Previously had a coding scheme 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 considered more stringent UVVRP formats, including a two-day vehicle ban per week. Proposed schemes included an odd-even plate system and a more complex rotation system.
As of 2024, these more drastic changes have not been implemented due to public criticism. However, it’s crucial to stay informed about potential future updates to the Number Coding Scheme, as changes can be introduced to further manage traffic in Metro Manila and Quezon City. Always refer to official MMDA announcements and Quezon City local government updates for the most current regulations.
