Manila City follows the standard MMDA coding schedule implemented across most Metro Manila cities. This coding scheme, officially called the Expanded Unified Vehicular Volume Reduction Program (UVVRP), is a traffic management system implemented to reduce congestion on Metro Manila roads during peak hours. With this, coded vehicles are prohibited from using major roads during restricted hours on specific weekdays depending on the last digit of their plate number, unless their vehicle qualifies for an exemption.
The program is implemented by the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) and enforced in Manila by the Manila Traffic and Parking Bureau (MTPB) to help reduce traffic congestion during rush hours.
Manila Coding Hours
Number coding in Manila is enforced every Monday to Friday, except during weekends and official national holidays.
The restricted hours are:
- Morning: 7:00 AM to 10:00 AM
- Evening: 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM
If your vehicle is covered by coding on a specific day, you are not allowed to use major roads in Manila during these hours.
Manila Window Hours
Manila follows the MMDA standard when it comes to “window hours,” so the restrictions are temporarily lifted during the middle of the day.
The window hours are:
- 10:01 AM to 4:59 PM
During this period, coded vehicles may travel legally within Manila City. However, drivers should still check for special traffic advisories or road restrictions before traveling.
Manila Number Coding Schedule
The coding schedule is based on the last digit of your vehicle’s plate number:
- Monday: 1 and 2
- Tuesday: 3 and 4
- Wednesday: 5 and 6
- Thursday: 7 and 8
- Friday: 9 and 0
Simply put, if your plate ends in a 5 or a 6, you cannot drive during coding hours every Wednesday.
Vehicles Exempted From Coding
Not all vehicle types are restricted on coded days. Several vehicles are exempt from Manila’s number coding rules, including:
- Public Utility Vehicles (PUVs) like jeepneys, buses, UV Express, and tricycles
- Transport Network Vehicle Services (TNVS) such as Grab
- Motorcycles
- Ambulances, fire trucks, police, and other emergency vehicles
- Garbage trucks and fuel trucks
- Marked government vehicles
- Vehicles carrying essential or perishable goods
- Marked media vehicles
- Electric and hybrid vehicles covered under the EVIDA Law
Note: Doctors responding to emergencies and qualified PWD transport vehicles may also apply for special exemptions through the MMDA.
Penalties for Violations
Drivers caught violating the number coding scheme may receive fines ranging from ₱300 to ₱500, depending on the enforcing agency and local ordinance. Motorists are usually given 7 to 15 days to settle penalties. Unpaid violations may cause additional penalties or problems during LTO registration and license renewal.
Manila and the MMDA may also enforce violations through CCTV monitoring and the No Contact Apprehension Policy (NCAP).
Important Driving Reminders
Before driving in Manila, make sure to:
- Always check if coding is suspended due to holidays, typhoons, or emergencies.
- Use navigation apps like Waze or Google Maps to avoid coding zones.
- Plan trips during window hours whenever possible.
- Be careful when entering nearby cities like Makati, which has stricter coding rules and no window hours.
Who to Contact for Complaints or Inquiries
For traffic concerns, coding clarifications, violations, or complaints, motorists may contact the MMDA or if they prefer, they can also coordinate directly with the MTPB for local traffic enforcement concerns within Manila City.