Planning to take a trip around Metro Manila? You might want to check if you are allowed to drive today as mandated by the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA). You see, the MMDA has already implemented a number coding scheme that prohibits certain types of motor vehicles from plying the streets and highways of the metropolis during rush hours.
Metro Manila has gained a notorious reputation for being one of the most traffic congested cities in the world. Whether that tag is justified or not, the government has taken major steps to address this long-standing problem. There’s the promising subway project that hopefully entices more people to take the train instead of getting into taxis and buses. And of course, there’s the MMDA number coding scheme that aims to reduce the number of vehicles on the road, at least during peak hours.
Under the MMDA number coding scheme, motor vehicles with license number plates ending in a specific number are prohibited from major Metro Manila roads and highways on certain days and hours. The aim is to reduce traffic by at least 20% during rush hours. Those who are found in violation of the number coding scheme are apprehended, ticketed and levied hefty fines of no less than ₱300.
So before you get into your car and start the engine, make sure that you are not prohibited from driving because of the MMDA number coding scheme. This article covers everything you need to know about the number coding scheme and its implementing rules and guidelines.
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MMDA Number Coding Today
If you’re in a hurry, you can check out the MMDA number coding today on the box below and plan your trips accordingly.
What is the MMDA Number Coding Today?
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What is the MMDA Number Coding Scheme?
Formally known as the Unified Vehicular Volume Reduction Program (UVVRP), the MMDA number coding scheme is a traffic mitigation measure for the National Capital Region which is aimed at reducing the traffic volume along major thoroughfares such as EDSA.
The current UVVRP was implemented by virtue of MMDA Resolution No. 21-30 (Series of 2021) on November 28, 2021, with the modification that the prohibitions on license plate endings will only take effect from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. from Mondays to Fridays (except holidays).
Starting August 15, 2022, the MMDA number coding scheme has been expanded to include morning rush hours from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.
Who Are Covered by the Number Coding Scheme?
All private motor vehicles are covered by the number coding scheme, except those carrying essential or perishable goods. Furthermore, the following vehicles are exempted from the modified UVVRP:
- Public utility vehicles (PUVs) including tricycles
- Transport network vehicle services (TNVS) or ridesharing vehicles
- Motorcycles
- Fuel trucks
- Garbage trucks
- Fire trucks
- Ambulances
- Marked government vehicles
- Marked media vehicles
As previously mentioned, the number coding scheme only applies during rush hours from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. and from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. from Mondays to Fridays, except holidays.
To know if your vehicle is prohibited from Metro Manila roads due to the MMDA number coding scheme, simply get the last digit of your car’s license plate number, and then check the list below for the specific day in which you’re not allowed to drive from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. and from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
- Monday: Plate numbers ending in 1 and 2
- Tuesday: Plate numbers ending in 3 and 4
- Wednesday: Plate numbers ending in 5 and 6
- Thursday: Plate numbers ending in 7 and 8
- Friday: Plate numbers ending in 9 and 0
For example, if your license plate number ends in 4, then you’re not allowed to drive around Metro Manila on Tuesdays during rush hours, except on holidays. Otherwise, you will be flagged down and ticketed by an MMDA officer, and required to pay a fine of ₱300 for number coding violation.
Where is the Number Coding Imposed?
The number coding scheme covers all cities and towns in Metro Manila, with the exception of Makati City which has its own traffic code.
The major roads and highways under the number coding scheme include, but are not limited to, the following:
- EDSA
- Commonwealth Avenue
- Araneta Avenue
- Quirino Avenue
- Quezon Avenue
- Recto Avenue
- Marcos Highway
- Ortigas Avenue
- Magsaysay Boulevard
- Aurora Boulevard
- Osmeña Highway
- Rizal Avenue
- Shaw Boulevard
- South Luzon Expressway (SLEX)
- Taft Avenue
- Fernando Poe Jr. Avenue (Roosevelt Avenue)
Can You Apply For an Exemption?
Yes, it’s possible to apply for an exemption from the number coding scheme. If you’re a medical worker, a senior citizen, or a person who transports people with special needs or essential and perishable goods, you may apply for an exemption with the MMDA.
To apply for an exemption, write a letter of request addressed to the Office of the MMDA Chairman and mail it, along with a copy of your vehicle’s OR/CR, to the following address:
Office of the MMDA Chairman,
MMDA Main Building,
EDSA corner Orense Street,
Guadalupe Nuevo,
1212 Makati City
Upon approval of your exemption request, pay a ₱1,000 fee at the MMDA Treasury Department located at the 6th floor of the MMDA Building at EDSA corner Orense Street, Makati City.
Based on an MMDA memorandum on May 4, 2022, vehicles transporting medical doctors are automatically exempted from the number coding scheme. Doctors will only need to present a valid and updated Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) ID card upon apprehension by an MMDA traffic officer.
Will the Number Coding Scheme Be Expanded or Modified?
In a bid to lower the traffic volume in Metro Manila even further, the MMDA has proposed to expand the current UVVRP. However, the proposal was deferred due to the decreasing number of vehicles on the road as a result of the recent fuel price hikes.
The MMDA proposed two versions of the expanded number coding scheme. The first version is an odd-even scheme that prohibits private vehicles from taking the road from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m. and from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. based on the last digit of their license plate numbers.
Under the odd-even scheme, the following private vehicles are prohibited from traveling on these days:
- Monday: Plate numbers ending in odd numbers 1, 3, 5, 7 and 9
- Tuesday: Plate numbers ending in even numbers 2, 4, 6, 8 and 0
- Wednesday: All vehicles are exempted
- Thursday: Plate numbers ending in odd numbers 1, 3, 5, 7 and 9
- Friday: Plate numbers ending in even numbers 2, 4, 6, 8 and 0
The second version is a more stringent coding scheme that prohibits certain vehicles from traveling for the entire day. Under this scheme, the following private vehicles are banned from Metro Manila streets and highways on these days:
- Monday: Plate numbers ending in 1, 2, 3 and 4
- Tuesday: Plate numbers ending in 5, 6, 7 and 8
- Wednesday: Plate numbers ending in 9, 0, 1 and 2
- Thursday: Plate numbers ending in 3, 4, 5 and 6
- Friday: Plate numbers ending in 7, 8, 9 and 0
The two proposals are temporarily shelved due to the fuel price hikes which saw a decreasing number of motor vehicles in Metro Manila roads and pending the decision of the new administration. The MMDA said that expanding the current number coding scheme will reduce traffic levels by 40-50%.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are medical workers exempted from number coding?
Based on an MMDA memorandum issued last May 4, 2022, private vehicles that are carrying medical doctors are automatically exempted from the number coding scheme. Doctors will only need to present their PRC ID cards to the MMDA officer when apprehended.
Are senior citizens exempted from number coding?
Seniors are exempted from the number coding scheme provided that they have applied for exemption by writing to the MMDA Chairman and were subsequently granted an exemption. In Makati City, however, there are no exemptions except for vehicles transporting senior citizens with Blu Card as well as passengers under medical emergency or discharging their official functions.
How long is the exemption valid?
Special exemptions that are granted by the MMDA are valid from July 1 to December 31, 2022.
When is the number coding scheme suspended or lifted?
The modified UVVRP is automatically suspended during weekends and holidays. The MMDA may also suspend the number coding scheme during natural disasters such as typhoons and during public transport strikes.
What is the penalty for violating the number coding scheme?
Violators of the MMDA number coding scheme will be ticketed and imposed a fine of ₱300. The fine must be paid within 7 days from ticket issuance to avoid additional penalties. Otherwise, you will have to settle your fines at the MMDA Redemption Center located at EDSA corner Orense Street, Makati City.
How do I pay my fine?
You can pay your fine personally at the MMDA Traffic Management Division located at EDSA corner Orense Street, Makati City, or online via the Land Bank Link.BizPortal, GCash, Maya and GrabPay.
How do I complain to the MMDA?
You may file a formal complaint to the MMDA Traffic Discipline Office at the 3rd Floor, MMDA Main Building, EDSA corner Orense Street, Makati City. You can also call their office at 8882-4151 to 77 loc. 1065.
Parting Words
The MMDA number coding scheme might put a damper on your lifestyle especially if you’re accustomed to driving around anytime you want. But it’s a small sacrifice you must make to help ease the traffic situation in Metro Manila and alleviate the suffering of commuters.
Plan your trips wisely and be sure to know the number coding scheme by heart to avoid getting flagged down by the MMDA. Don’t forget to share this article with your friends or to bookmark it for easy reference.
