Marikina City does not implement number coding on its internal roads. However, MMDA coding rules are strictly enforced on some major national arteries intersecting with Marikina territories like Marcos Highway and Marilaque Road, which means that specific vehicles are restricted from using these roads from 7:00 to 10:00 AM and 5:00 to 8:00 PM. It also means that the window period from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM applies here. So, if your vehicle is coding for the day, it’s best to avoid these main roads and use inner Marikina routes instead.
Marikina City is actually one of the most driver-friendly areas in Metro Manila as it does not enforce the Unified Vehicular Volume Reduction Program (UVVRP) or number coding on most of its roads. We say most, because even though the city is a no-coding area, number coding still applies on major national highways that pass through Marikina.
Coding Hours in Marikina
If you pass through specific city roads in Marikina, you must follow MMDA rules:
- Morning: 7:00 AM – 10:00 AM
- Evening: 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
- Window Hours: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM (you can travel)
These are standard Metro Manila coding hours, and enforcement is strict.
Parts of Marikina Covered by MMDA Coding Rules
Only Marcos Highway and the Metro Manila portion of Marilaque Road in Marikina are covered by MMDA coding—because they are major national roads under MMDA jurisdiction. Everywhere else? You’re generally free to drive.
1. Marcos Highway (Marikina–Infanta Highway / R-6)
This is the main road in Marikina where number coding is strictly enforced.
Coverage inside Marikina:
- From the Katipunan (QC boundary)
- Passing through Sta. Lucia / Santolan area
- Up to the Metro Manila boundary near Barangay Nangka / Tumana side toward Rizal
Note: Once you cross into Antipolo/Rizal (beyond the Metro Manila boundary), MMDA coding no longer applies.
2. Marilaque Road (Metro Manila Portion Only)
Marilaque Road overlaps with Marcos Highway in Marikina and extends toward Rizal.
Coverage:
- Only the portion within Metro Manila (Marikina side)
- Once you exit toward Tanay/Baras (Rizal), coding stops
Why it’s covered:
- It functions as a regional connector road
- High traffic from motorists going to Rizal tourist areas (Tanay, Infanta)
Why Only These Areas Are Covered
This is where most people get it wrong, so pay attention:
1. MMDA Jurisdiction Is Limited
The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) only enforces coding on:
- Major roads (national highways, circumferential, radial roads)
- Roads critical to Metro Manila traffic flow
They do NOT control barangay or city roads, hence, they do not have control inside Marikina City.
2. Marikina City Chooses Not to Implement Local Coding
Unlike cities like Makati or Manila, Marikina does not apply number coding on its internal roads because:
- The city prioritizes local mobility for residents
- Traffic volume inside Marikina is more manageable compared to EDSA-type roads
3. Coding Is Designed for Congestion Hotspots
Coding isn’t applied everywhere—it’s targeted. Covered roads usually have high vehicle density and/or have a major effect on inter-city traffic flow. It also covers bottleneck-prone areas. That perfectly describes Marcos Highway, not your typical Marikina street.
Coding Exemptions
Technically, Marikina doesn’t need its own exemption rules because most of the city is already exempt. However, on roads like Marcos Highway, standard MMDA rules and exemptions still apply, such as:
- Emergency vehicles
- Public utility vehicles (with proper authorization)
- Motorcycles (generally exempt from coding)
Most drivers don’t get fined because they don’t know coding exists—they get fined because:
- They assume “Marikina is coding-free everywhere”
- They accidentally pass through Marcos Highway
- They rely on outdated or unclear information
Recommended Alternative Routes
Here are some routes that allow you to move through Marikina even on coding days without touching MMDA coded roads, depending on your direction.
1. From Quezon City (Katipunan / Libis) → Antipolo / Rizal
Avoid: Marcos Highway (coding hotspot)
Use This Route:
- Katipunan → Aurora Blvd (non-MMDA segments)
- Turn to A. Bonifacio Avenue (Marikina)
- Connect to J.P. Rizal Street
- Exit via Concepcion / Parang area toward Antipolo
Why this works: You stay inside Marikina’s local road network and completely avoid the highway.
2. From Cubao / Aurora Blvd → Marikina Proper
Avoid: Marcos Highway intersection (especially near Sta. Lucia)
Use This Route:
- Aurora Blvd → Anonas / Project 4 side roads
- Enter Marikina via Barangka / Industrial Valley
- Continue through Gil Fernando Avenue
Why this works: You bypass the busiest choke point where most apprehensions happen.
3. From Pasig / Cainta → Marikina
Avoid: Direct Marcos Highway access
Use This Route:
- Cainta → Felix Avenue / Imelda Avenue
- Enter via Tumana or Nangka
- Use inner roads going to your destination
Why this works: These are local connectors, not MMDA-controlled highways.
4. From Marikina → Quezon City (UP / Diliman Area)
Avoid: Marcos Highway → Katipunan
Use This Route:
- J.P. Rizal Street → Barangka
- Exit via Katipunan backroads / Balara side
- Connect to UP Diliman or Commonwealth
Why this works: You skip the MMDA-monitored stretch entirely.
Marikina City Coding Map
For a visual guide on MMDA-regulated roads and the best alternative routes you can take on days when your vehicle is coded, you may check out this coding map below. The map is labeled and marked to make it easier for you to follow:
Important Reminders
To ensure that you don’t get in trouble with the MMDA while driving, always:
- Check your plate number coding day before leaving
- Avoid Marcos Highway and Marilaque Road during coding hours
- Use inner Marikina roads as alternate routes
- Stick to residential and barangay routes
- Use landmarks:
- Stay away from Sta. Lucia Mall area roads leading to Marcos Highway
- Travel during window hours (10 AM–5 PM) if needed
- Plan your route using Waze/Google Maps with “avoid highways” settings on coding days
- Do not rely on navigation apps blindly because they require specific settings to help you avoid highways that might be covered by MMDA coding rules.
Contact Information
For more information on Marikina roads and traffic rules, you may also reach out to Marikina City Traffic Management and Enforcement Unit (TMEU) via the following:
- Hotline number: 0948-355-7355.
- Marikina City emergency number: 161 (For general emergencies and urgent traffic-related assistance)
- Online portal: Marikina e-Concern (For reporting concerns online)