Ah, the Unified Vehicular Volume Reduction Program (UVVRP). Better known as the number coding scheme, this measure was put in place to help reduce the strain on Metro Manila’s traffic system by limiting the number of cars on the road.
Whether the number coding scheme achieves its goal or does the exact opposite by encouraging more moneyed motorists to buy more cars is irrelevant in this discussion. Regardless of which side of this fence a motorist sits on, the measure doesn’t appear to be going away for good any time soon.
With that, it’s best that everyone be as familiar with the number coding scheme as possible. It is, after all, one of the easiest traffic violations to forget. Below is everything you need to know; this guide will also be updated whenever major changes to the number coding scheme are announced:
How does the number coding scheme work?
Basically, it limits the number of cars out on the road by banning vehicles with certain number plate ending numerals. Below is a guide to what days each numeral is banned:
Number coding scheme schedule
- 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
Note that the Metro Manila-wide number coding scheme is not enforced during holidays and weekends.
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Number coding scheme hours
Currently, the Metro Manila-wide number coding scheme is enforced from 7am to 10am and 5pm to 8pm. Makati City’s separate number coding scheme is now from 7am to 7pm. Other cities may also follow slightly different guidelines—we’ll get into detail later.
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Prior to changes in August 2022, the Metro Manila-wide number coding scheme was in effect only from 5pm to 8pm. The implementation of an expanded number coding scheme comes in anticipation of a rise in vehicular traffic due to the return of face-to-face classes.
What areas are covered by the number coding scheme?
According to the MMDA, all major roads under the agency’s jurisdiction are covered by the number coding scheme. This includes the following thoroughfares:
Major thoroughfares
- 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
While most cities within the NCR adhere to the number coding scheme, a handful either do not enforce it or only do so in certain areas and hours. We’ll go through the cities one by one.
Is there number coding in Alabang?
In Muntinlupa City, number coding is implemented only on Alabang-Zapote R0ad. Muntinlupa City’s coding hours are 7am-10am and 5pm-8pm with window hours from 10:01am to 4:59pm.
Is there number coding in Caloocan City?
The MMDA’s number-coding guidelines prevail in Caloocan City. The LGU follows the 7am-10am and 5pm-8am coding hours with a 10:01am to 4:59pm window.
Is there number coding in Las Piñas City?
Las Piñas City follows the MMDA’s coding hours of 7am-10am and 5pm-8pm. Window hours are from 10:01am to 4:59pm
Is there number coding in Makati City?
Makati City back in March 2022 resumed implementation of its 7am to 7pm coding scheme without any window hours.
Is there number coding in Mandaluyong City?
Coding hours in Mandaluyong CIty are 7am-10am and 5pm-8pm. Window hours are still 10:01am-4:59pm.
Is there number coding in Manila City?
Manila City follows the MMDA’s coding hours of 7am to 10am and 5pm to 8pm. The city also observes the window hours of 10:01am to 4:59pm.
Is there number coding in Parañaque City?
Like most of the cities in Metro Manila, Parañaque also follows the 7am-10am and 5pm-8pm coding hours. Window hours are also 10:01am to 4:59pm.
Is there number coding in Pasay City?
Pasay City follows the MMDA’s coding hours. That’s 7am to 10am and 5pm to 8pm with window hours from 10:01am to 4:59pm.
Is there number coding in Pasig City?
Pasig City’s coding hours are 7am-10am and 5pm-8pm. Window hours remain from 10:01am-4:59pm.
Is there number coding in Quezon City?
Coding in Quezon City is implemented from 7am-10am and 5pm-8pm with a 10:01am-4:59pm window.
Is there number coding in San Juan City?
San Juan City follows a 7am-10am and 5pm-8pm coding scheme with the usual 10:01am to 4:59pm window. This was confirmed via a tweet from the MDMA from October 2022—see the screenshot above for reference.
Is there number coding in Taguig?
Coded vehicles will not be allowed to operate in Taguig City from 7am to 10am and 5pm to 8pm on weekdays. Window hours in the city are 10:01am to 4:59pm.
Is there number coding in Valenzuela City?
Valenzuela City coding hours are 7am to 10am and 5pm to 8pm. Window hours are also from 10:01am to 4:59pm.
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Who are exempted from the number coding scheme?
Transport Network Vehicle Service (TNVS) units and public utility vehicles (PUV) are exempted from the number coding scheme. Utility vehicles such as garbage trucks and fuel trucks are likewise exempted. The same goes for vehicles carrying essential or perishable goods. In Makati City, senior citizen Blu Card holders are exempted as well.
Persons with disability (PWD) and senior citizens are no longer exempted from the MMDA’s implementation of the number coding scheme as of August 2022, when expanded number coding with window hours was reimplemented in time for the start of classes.
Are motorcycles exempted from the number coding scheme?
Yes. Along with all the vehicles mentioned above, two-wheelers are also exempted from the MMDA’s number coding.
Are electric vehicles exempted from number coding?
After Republic Act No. 11697 or the Electric Vehicle Industry Development Act (EVIDA) lapsed into law, electric vehicles and hybrid electric vehicles are now exempted from coding. The certificates of registration of these vehicles must clearly indicate that said model is a hybrid to be eligible for exemption. Read more about the EVIDA Law here.
How do I apply for a number coding exemption?
To apply for number coding exemption, you will need:
- Letter of request
- Photocopy of your vehicle’s OR/CR
- Medical certificate (for PWDs)
Submit these requirements to the Office of the Chairman at the MMDA Main Building at EDSA corner Orense Street in Guadalupe, Makati City. You will need to pay P1,000 for this.
For a more detailed guide, you can refer to this previous article of ours.
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You can get fined as much as P3,000 for these driver’s license violations
How much is the number coding scheme violation fine?
The fine for violating the MMDA’s number coding scheme is set at P300. If you wish to contest your ticket online, here’s how to do it.
How do I settle number coding scheme violations?
You can settle the fine for your number coding scheme violation with the MMDA via Landbank, SM Bills Payment, or Bayad Center. Bayad Center partners such as GCash, PayMaya, and Grabpay may also be used to settle MMDA fines. Previously, MetroBank was an option as well, but this is no longer the case.
How do I settle number coding fines via Landbank?
You must settle your MMDA fine within seven days. Otherwise, you will need to drop by the agency’s office along EDSA corner Odense Street to settle it.
Also, if your number coding violation was not issued by the MMDA, you will have to settle it with the LGU that issued it.
Other frequently asked questions about the number coding scheme
When is the number coding scheme suspended?
The MMDA suspends the implementation of the number coding scheme on holidays—this is non-negotiable. Suspensions are also being announced during special occasions—long weekends, typhoons—or following the directive of Malacañang.
The national holidays wherein number coding will definitely be suspended are as follows:
National holidays with number coding suspension
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January 1 – New Year’s Day
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Holy Week – Maundy Thursday
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Holy Week – Good Friday
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April 9 – Day of Valor (Araw ng Kagitingan)
- Eid al-Fitr (The End of Ramadan)
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May 1 – Labor Day
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June 12 – Independence Day
- Eid al-Adha (The Feast of Sacrifice)
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National Heroes Day
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Bonifacio Day
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December 25 – Christmas Day
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December 30 – Rizal Day
Can I use alternative routes to avoid Number Coding restrictions?
You may resort to using alternate routes to get around areas covered by number coding provided that such routes are coding-free. This could apply if, say, you’re driving during window hours with a coded vehicle but have to pass through Makati.
