Metro Manila Number Coding 101: Here’s everything you need to know

Traffic has gone back to pre-pandemic levels. If you haven’t noticed, then you probably don’t go out enough. After a nearly two year suspension, the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) has resumed the implementation of the number coding scheme in the country’s center of business.

Forgot what number coding is? Also known as the Unified Vehicular Volume Reduction Program (UVVRP), it is being implemented to reduce traffic congestion during rush hour inside Metro Manila.

Here’s everything you need to know about the MMDA’s number coding scheme:

Implementation

Number coding is implemented from 7:00 AM to 10:00 AM and 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM on weekdays (Monday to Friday), except in Makati City where it is implemented from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM on weekdays. There is no number coding during holidays, unless otherwise stated.

For those who don’t know, the last digit of your vehicle’s license plate is used as the basis for whether you can drive your vehicle or not. See the table below to know what day you can drive:

Exemptions

Some types of vehicles are exempted from the scheme. These are:

• Public utility vehicles (PUV)
• Transport Network Vehicle Services (TNVS)
• Motorcycles
• Garbage Trucks
• Fuel Trucks
• Vehicles delivering perishable or essential goods
• Hybrids and Full Electric Vehicles*

In addition, medical workers and senior citizens or individuals who are accompanied by people with special needs in their vehicles may also be exempted from the number coding scheme as long as they request for an exemption and that is approved.

Hybrids and fully electric vehicles are also exempted from the number coding scheme under the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of Republic Act No. 11697 otherwise known as the Electric Vehicle Industry Development Act or EVIDA.

A full list of exempted hybrid and electric vehicles can be found here.

Coverage

The MMDA’s number coding scheme is implemented in all cities under its jurisdiction. Some areas within the region are exempted though and these are:

• Marikina City (except Marcos Highway)
• Muntinlupa City (except Alabang-Zapote Road)
• Navotas City
• Pateros
• Taguig City (including Bonifacio Global City (BGC)) (except C5, East Service Road, and Manuel L. Quezon Avenue)

Also good to note that the “-embo” barangays which used to be part of Makati City, and are now under the jurisdiction of Taguig City are now coding free. Major roads in these areas are portions of Kalayaan Avenue and J.P. Rizal Street.

In addition, roads within Pasay City leading to the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) are also excluded from the number coding scheme. These roads are:

• Airport Road
• Domestic Road
• MIA Road
• Sales Road

Also note that the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX), South Luzon Expressway (SLEX), NAIA Expressway (NAIAX), Manila-Cavite Expressway (CAVITEX), and Metro Manila Skyway system are also excluded from the number coding scheme, meaning you can drive through these expressways even if portions of them are within Metro Manila on your vehicle’s number coding day.

Now with all that in mind, make sure to remember all these before going out for work or for days out with friends. Also take note of the rules to help plan out your drives.