If you’re driving in Cotabato City, the number coding hours are from 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM, Monday to Friday. This rule applies to all vehicles, including cars, motorcycles, and tricycles. The scheme is based on the last digit of your plate number.
However, take note: as of writing, the coding scheme remains an active policy, though it is currently on temporary suspension. That said, it is best to always check the latest announcements before heading out.
Cotabato Number Coding Overview
The Cotabato number coding scheme is a traffic rule designed to reduce congestion in the city. It was implemented under Executive Order No. 34-A by Mayor Mohammad Ali Bruce Matabalao as part of the city government’s response to growing traffic congestion, following earlier traffic reforms and even an odd-even scheme during the pandemic in 2021 to reduce vehicle volume on the roads. The rationale is simple: limit the number of vehicles on the road each day by restricting them based on plate numbers, a strategy widely used in the Philippines to ease congestion and improve traffic flow.
Like how it is done in other places, the Cotabato City coding scheme is a stopgap solution that works by assigning specific plate number endings to each weekday. Its implementation is backed by the city’s authority as a local government unit to regulate traffic and public safety within its jurisdiction. Exemptions are also granted under the same executive order, but only to essential services and government functions.
Standard Coding Schedule
Here’s how the coding restriction looks like:
- Monday: Plate ends in 1 & 2
- Tuesday: Plate ends in 3 & 4
- Wednesday: Plate ends in 5 & 6
- Thursday: Plate ends in 7 & 8
- Friday: Plate ends in 9 & 0
- Saturday and Sunday: No coding
Simply put, if your plate ends in the restricted numbers for that day, you cannot drive from 6AM to 8PM within the city.
Cotabato City Window Hours
Unlike some other cities, Cotabato follows a strict, whole-day coding window (6AM–8PM). That means there are no “window hours” where coding is lifted in the middle of the day, unlike the number coding scheme implemented in Metro Manila.
Who Are Exempt?
Not all vehicles are affected. Some are automatically exempt, especially those serving critical roles.
Some vehicles covered by the exemption include:
- Police, military, ambulances, and fire trucks
- Government vehicles (with red plates)
- Vehicles used by BARMM officials
- Utility and service vehicles (water, power, telecom)
- Doctors, lawyers, and emergency professionals on duty
- Marked media vehicles
Pro tip: If you think you qualify but don’t fall under automatic exemptions, you may need to apply for a coding exemption sticker through the City Transportation and Traffic Management Center (CTTMC).
Penalties
Ignoring coding rules can cost you time and money. Violators may face:
- Traffic citation tickets
- Possible confiscation of license or vehicle documents
If you’re a daily driver or operator, that’s a headache you don’t want.
Current Status: Suspended
As of writing, the Cotabato coding scheme is an active policy, but the implementation is temporarily suspended. This means that there is no need to observe the coding restrictions for now, at least in Cotabato City.
The suspension is largely designed to help commuters and ease transportation issues, especially with the transport strikes.
But don’t get too comfortable—this suspension is only temporary. Authorities have already clarified that number coding will continue once conditions normalize.