Quezon City number coding hours generally follow the MMDA Unified Vehicular Volume Reduction Program (UVVRP) on major roads. This means private vehicles covered by coding are usually not allowed from 7:00 AM to 10:00 AM and 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM, Monday to Friday, except holidays.
There is also a window period from 10:01 AM to 4:59 PM, when coded vehicles may usually travel on covered roads. If you drive in Quezon City, always check the latest MMDA or QC Traffic and Transport Management Department (TTMD) announcements because traffic rules can change during special events, road works, or emergencies.
What Is Quezon City Number Coding?
The Quezon City number coding system is a traffic control rule designed to reduce congestion on busy roads. It limits certain private vehicles from using major roads depending on the last digit of the plate number and the day of the week. As one of the busiest cities in Metro Manila with thousands of workers, students, delivery riders, buses, and private cars daily QC gets a moderately manageable traffic flow during rush hours, thanks to the MMDA number coding scheme.
QC Number Coding Hours
For most roads in QC, the standard coding hours are:
- 7:00 AM to 10:00 AM
- 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM
- Monday to Friday only
Usually no coding on Saturdays, Sundays, and regular holidays, unless a new advisory says otherwise.
QC Window Hours
The window hours are the time between the morning and evening restrictions.
- 10:01 AM to 4:59 PM
During this time, coded vehicles are commonly allowed on covered roads. This helps drivers schedule errands, deliveries, appointments, or school pickups.
Coding Schedule by Plate Number
As QC follows the MMDA coding rules, the coding day in the city depends on the last digit of your license plate number:
- Monday: 1 and 2
- Tuesday: 3 and 4
- Wednesday: 5 and 6
- Thursday: 7 and 8
- Friday: 9 and 0
Affected Roads
Many major roads in Quezon City follow the MMDA coding rules. These roads include:
- EDSA
- C5 Road
- Quezon Avenue
- Aurora Boulevard
- Araneta Avenue
- Bonifacio Avenue
- Marcos Highway
- Rizal Avenue (where applicable)
Note: Always watch for traffic signs and enforcer instructions because coverage may vary by section.
Coding Exempt Roads
Not all the roads in Quezon City have number coding. In some roads, coding is generally not enforced. Some of the exempted or coding-safe roads are usually private tollways / expressways, not regular city roads such as:
- Skyway / Skyway Stage 3 (main elevated sections)
- NLEX (North Luzon Expressway)
- NLEX Connector (main toll section)
- SCTEX / TPLEX if continuing north from NLEX
- Other tollway sections connected outside Metro Manila
Note: Even if the expressway itself is exempt, entry ramps, exits, service roads, and surrounding local roads inside Quezon City may still follow coding rules.
Coding Exemption
Some vehicles are commonly exempt, such as:
- Motorcycles
- Ambulances
- Fire trucks
- Police vehicles
- Marked government vehicles
- Public utility vehicles
- Some TNVS/public transport categories when officially allowed
- Vehicles carrying essential/perishable goods (subject to rules)
Note: Make sure to always bring the proper documents if you are claiming vehicle exemption.