In Malabon City, the number coding scheme follows the Unified Vehicle Volume Reduction Program (UVVRP) enforced across Metro Manila. Coding is implemented Monday to Friday, during 7:00 AM–10:00 AM and 5:00 PM–8:00 PM, based on the last digit of your license plate. If your plate number matches the day’s restriction, you cannot use your vehicle on major roads during these hours.
But, looking at the bright side, Malabon is not as strict as cities like Makati. In fact, there is a window period from 10:01 AM to 4:59 PM, when affected vehicles are allowed to travel. The scheme does not apply on weekends and public holidays, so you don’t have to worry about holiday travel plans.
Understanding Malabon City Number Coding
Traffic in Malabon City can get heavy—especially during rush hours on major roads like McArthur Highway and Potrero, as well as in other areas near markets and schools. Flood-prone streets, narrow roads, and high vehicle volume can also make daily travel unpredictable, with longer travel times even for short distances. During peak hours, congestion builds up quickly, too, which is why the city adopts the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) traffic system called the UVVRP or number coding.
The goal is simple: reduce the number of cars on the road during peak hours. Fewer vehicles mean faster travel time, less stress, and improved road safety. Over time, it supports better road discipline and less congestion, improving overall mobility in the city.
Implementation
Considering that the UVVRP is a metro-wide policy, the primary agency behind the policy is the MMDA, which sets and standardizes the number coding rules across Metro Manila. However, at the local level, enforcement is handled by the Malabon City Public Safety and Traffic Management Office (PSTMO), who manage day-to-day operations, monitor roads, and issue violations. In some cases, the Philippine National Police (PNP)—particularly traffic police—also assist in maintaining order and enforcing traffic laws on major roads.
Malabon Number Coding Schedule
Like in other parts of Metro Manila, the coding schedule in Malabon is based on the last digit of your license plate:
- Monday: 1 and 2
- Tuesday: 3 and 4
- Wednesday: 5 and 6
- Thursday: 7 and 8
- Friday: 9 and 0
Coding Hours
The coding hours follow the UVVRP standard:
- Morning: 7:00 AM – 10:00 AM
- Evening: 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Window Hours
There is a window period that offers flexibility for coded vehicles:
- 10:01 AM – 4:59 PM
No Coding
- Weekends (Saturday & Sunday)
- Public holidays
Exemptions
Not all vehicles are affected. The exemptions are generally the same as in other cities, and covers the following vehicles:
- Public utility vehicles (jeepneys, buses)
- TNVS (Grab, etc.)
- Motorcycles
- Emergency vehicles (ambulances, fire trucks)
- Government and marked media vehicles
- Trucks carrying fuel, garbage, or essential goods
- Vehicles transporting perishable items
- Electric and hybrid vehicles (under the EVIDA law)
If you fall under these categories, you can still use the road even during coding hours.
Penalties
Violating the number coding rule in Malabon City can cost you ₱300 to ₱500 per offense. The city also follows a Single Ticketing System, making penalties more consistent and easier to settle through official payment centers.
Enforcement is usually stricter on major roads, so don’t risk it—especially during rush hour.
Contact Information
For city-specific inquiries and directions, you may reach out to Malabon PSTMO via the following:
- Office Address: 70 Gov. Pascual Ave, Potrero, Malabon, Metro Manila
- Emergency Hotlines: 0991-379-2471/ 0977-243-8644