In Makati City, the number coding scheme runs from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM, Monday to Friday, with no window hours at all. This means if your plate number is restricted on a given day, you cannot drive anywhere inside Makati during the entire 12-hour period, except when you are only passing through EDSA.
Unlike other parts of Metro Manila, Makati enforces one of the strictest traffic rules—there is no 10 AM–4 PM window break for coded vehicles. The schedule follows the standard pattern: Monday (1–2), Tuesday (3–4), Wednesday (5–6), Thursday (7–8), Friday (9–0). If you drive during your coding day, expect penalties unless you qualify for exemptions. So, if you’re driving into Makati, don’t guess. Know your coding day and plan ahead because Makati City’s number coding is strict, all-day, and unforgiving.
UVVRP vs. Makati City Number Coding
The Unified Vehicular Volume Reduction Program (UVVRP) is the broader traffic system used by the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) across Metro Manila, while Makati City number coding is a stricter local version of that same rule. Under UVVRP, most cities allow window hours (usually 10 AM–4 PM) when coded vehicles can still travel, giving drivers some flexibility. In contrast, Makati removes this gap entirely, enforcing continuous coding from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM, which means no legal driving within city roads during your coding day. Another key difference is enforcement—UVVRP rules can vary slightly by city, but Makati applies its policy consistently across major roads with limited exceptions. In short, Makati number coding is stricter, localized, and harder to work around.
Makati City Coding Hours
Traffic in Makati is intense—it’s the country’s financial center, with thousands of workers entering daily. To manage this, the local government enforces a no-window-hours policy, making it stricter than most cities.
Here’s the full rundown of the Makati coding hours:
- Days Covered: Monday to Friday
- Coding Hours: 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM
- Window Hours: None
- Weekends & Holidays: No coding
Note: If your plate is coded, you’re off Makati roads the whole day.
Makati Number Coding Schedule
The system is based on your plate’s last digit:
- Monday: 1 & 2
- Tuesday: 3 & 4
- Wednesday: 5 & 6
- Thursday: 7 & 8
- Friday: 9 & 0
This rule applies to private vehicles like cars and vans, which are the main contributors to daily congestion.
Roads Affected by Makati Coding
Most major roads in Makati are covered. If you’re heading into the city, assume coding is enforced unless stated otherwise.
Common affected roads include:
- Ayala Avenue
- Makati Avenue
- Paseo de Roxas
- Gil Puyat Avenue (Buendia)
- Chino Roces Avenue
- Osmeña Highway
- Kalayaan Avenue
These are high-traffic zones—exactly where restrictions matter most.
Roads Where Coding May Not Apply
There are limited exceptions where you can still pass:
- Skyway (Buendia to Magallanes)
- Main SLEX tollway
- Skyway connections along Osmeña Highway
Note: These are pass-through routes only. The moment you exit into Makati streets, coding rules apply again.
Exceptions
Not everyone is covered by the rule. Some exemptions may apply, such as:
- Vehicles of senior citizens with Makati residence IDs
- Emergency and government vehicles
- Other officially authorized vehicles
Still, exemptions are limited—don’t assume you’re included unless confirmed.
How to Avoid Trouble
Many drivers are used to “window hours” in other cities, but Makati removes that option. This catches people off guard, especially those with meetings, deliveries, or coding-unaware trips. If you want to avoid stress, fines, or wasted trips:
- Check your plate number before leaving
- Plan trips outside 7 AM–7 PM if coded
- Use EDSA only for passing through
- Consider alternate transport (Grab, MRT, carpool)
- Monitor updates via the My Makati Facebook page (coding may be suspended on holidays)