The number coding scheme, officially known as the Unified Vehicular Volume Reduction Program (UVVRP), is a road space rationing system developed in 1995. It restricts both private vehicles in Metro Manila and select cities and is implemented by the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA).
The number coding scheme was designed in a bid to ease traffic congestion on public roads. It is particularly useful on major thoroughfares like the Epifanio de los Santos Avenue (EDSA) where traffic buildup is inevitable especially during the rush hours.
How Does the Revised Number Coding Scheme Work?
The Number Coding scheme or UVVRP refers to the scheme that restricts private vehicles from traveling on Metro Manila roads as well as on selected city roads for specific hours on specific weekdays based on the final digit of their license plate number. It is a program designed to help limit overcrowding vehicles on public roads and ease the increasing problem of traffic congestion caused by the drastic increase in private car ownership in the country.
The number coding scheme has gone through several changes since it started in 1995. For more information regarding the revised number coding scheme, here’s a detailed explanation on how the number coding scheme works in Metro Manila.
2024 Number Coding Scheme Based on Plate Number
According to the rules of the MMDA number coding scheme, privately owned cars with license plates ending in 1 and 2 are prohibited from traveling on Mondays, and the pattern continues throughout the week. It ends on Fridays, when the scheme restricts cars with license plates ending in 9 and 0.
Last digit of plate number: 1 and 2
Coding Day: Monday
Last digit of plate number: 3 and 4
Coding Day: Tuesday
Last digit of plate number: 5 and 6
Coding Day: Wednesday
Last digit of plate number: 7 and 8
Coding Day: Thursday
Last digit of plate number: 9 and 0
Coding Day: Friday
What time is coding in Metro Manila 2024?
As one of the most densely populated areas in the Philippines, Metro Manila is characterized by its bustling streets and heavy traffic. The majority of roads in Manila adhere to the number coding hours from 7am to 10 am, and 5 pm to 8 pm, with the exemption of some cities and roads where the coding hours differ or where the number coding scheme does not apply.
Generally, though, the number coding scheme applies during specific morning and evening hours from Monday to Friday. The morning coding hours are now set from 7:00 AM to 10:00 AM, while the evening coding hours are from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM. It also includes designated window hours, when coded cars are permitted to travel and it applies from 10:01 AM to 4:59 PM and 8:01 PM to 6:59 AM of the following day. It is important to note that the scheme applies to almost every private car, though it does not apply on weekends and holidays.
City/Municipality: Muntinlupa (Alabang)
Coding Hours: 7AM to 10AM, 5PM to 8PM
Window Hours: 10:01AM to 4:59PM
City/Municipality: Caloocan
Coding Hours: 7AM to 10AM, 5PM to 8PM
Window Hours: 10:01AM to 4:59PM
City/Municipality: Las Piñas
Coding Hours: 7AM to 10AM, 5PM to 8PM
Window Hours: 10:01AM to 4:59PM
City/Municipality: Makati
Coding Hours: 7AM to 7PM
Window Hours: No Window Hours
City/Municipality: Mandaluyong
Coding Hours: 7AM to 10AM, 5PM to 8PM
Window Hours: 10:01AM to 4:59PM
City/Municipality: Manila
Coding Hours: 7AM to 10AM, 5PM to 8PM
Window Hours: 10:01AM to 4:59PM
City/Municipality: Parañaque
Coding Hours: 7AM to 10AM, 5PM to 8PM
Window Hours: 10:01AM to 4:59PM
City/Municipality: Pasay
Coding Hours: 7AM to 10AM, 5PM to 8PM
Window Hours: 10:01AM to 4:59PM
City/Municipality: Pasig
Coding Hours: 7AM to 10AM, 5PM to 8PM
Window Hours: 10:01AM to 4:59PM
City/Municipality: Quezon City
Coding Hours: 7AM to 10AM, 5PM to 8PM
Window Hours: 10:01AM to 4:59PM
City/Municipality: San Juan
Coding Hours: 7AM to 10AM, 5PM to 8PM
Window Hours: 10:01AM to 4:59PM
City/Municipality: Taguig
Coding Hours: 7AM to 10AM, 5PM to 8PM
Window Hours: 10:01AM to 4:59PM
City/Municipality: Valenzuela
Coding Hours: 7AM to 10AM, 5PM to 8PM
Window Hours: 10:01AM to 4:59PM
City/Municipality: Malabon
Coding Hours: 7AM to 10AM, 5PM to 8PM
Window Hours: 10:01AM to 4:59PM
City/Municipality: Marikina (Marilaque/Marcos Highway)
Coding Hours: 7AM to 10AM, 5PM to 8PM
Window Hours: 10:01AM to 4:59PM
City/Municipality: Navotas
Coding Hours: 7AM to 10AM, 5PM to 8PM
Window Hours: 10:01AM to 4:59PM
City/Municipality: Pateros
Coding Hours: 7AM to 10AM, 5PM to 8PM
Window Hours: 10:01AM to 4:59PM
Roads where the Number Coding Applies
All the following major roads in cities under the jurisdiction of the MMDA shall follow the number coding scheme:
- EDSA
- C5
- Recto Avenue
- Quirino Avenue
- Araneta Avenue
- C6
- Roxas Boulevard
- Taft Avenue
- South Luzon Expressway (SLEX)
- Shaw Boulevard
- Ortigas Avenue
- Bonifacio Avenue
- Rizal Avenue
- Quezon Avenue
- Marcos Highway
- Del Pan
- Magsaysay Boulevard
- Aurora Boulevard
What are the Exemptions to the Number Coding Scheme?
Like any law, the number coding scheme also comes with exemptions for special cases and vehicles. These exemptions mean that the coding scheme does not apply to certain vehicle types and on certain roads in Metro Manila even though the scheme works in the city with jurisdiction over the area.
For more specific lists, here’s a guide you can refer to:
List of vehicles that are exempted from the number coding scheme (except in Makati City)
- Public Utility Vehicles (PUVs – including tricycles)
- Transport Network Vehicle Services
- Motorcycles
- Garbage, fuel, and Fire trucks
- Marked government vehicles and marked Media Vehicles
- Motor vehicles carrying essential or perishable goods
- Doctors with valid and updated PRC Licenses
- Electric and Hybrid Vehicles with LTO certification
Note: In Makati City, the following vehicles are also exempted from the number coding scheme:
- Ambulances, fire trucks, police patrol, military vehicles on official functions
- Diplomatic vehicles with diplomatic plates
- Government vehicles with government plates
- Official media vehicles with markings expressly showing their company while in official use
- Tow trucks duly accredited by the City of Makati
- Vehicles used by medical practitioners during emergency
- Vehicles with Senior Citizen Blu Card holders as drivers or passengers
Other Exemptions to the Number Coding Scheme
In some.places, the scheme doesn’t apply. These places include:
- Marikina (except Marilaque/Marcos Highway)
- Muntinlupa (except Alabang-Zapote Road)
- Taguig (excluding C-5, East Service Road, and Manuel L. Quezon Avenue).
- The NAIA Expressway
- Skyway
- South Luzon Expressway
- Domestic Road
- Ninoy Aquino Avenue
- MIA Road
- Sales Road,
- parts of Airport Road, and
- Some parts of Buendia (Gil Puyat); and
- Other tollways and sections of these toll roads that pass through Metro Manila
How Much is the Fine for Violating the Number Coding Scheme, If Caught?
Like every rule on the road, violation of the number coding scheme rules or UVVRP entails paying a fine. The standard fine ranges from P300.00 to P500.00, depending on where the violation was committed. This penalty must be paid within seven days. Failure to do so within the given period will result in additional fines. It could be especially inconvenient when renewing your driver’s license.
Video: MMDA Number Coding Schedule for Vehicles
Check out this video clip which explains the number coding scheme in detail. It also provides a quick guide on which vehicles are exempted from the coding scheme depending on the day of the week.
Summary
As a driver or car owner, it is imperative to be aware of your vehicle’s plate number, especially the last digit, as well as the rules on the road. This will help you avoid trouble and hefty LTO fines. It’s also important to observe the number coding scheme and avoid using your car on days when number coding is in effect.l to avoid facing troubles when renewing your driver’s license later on.