How To Philippines Code Number Enforce In 2024

The Metro Manila Development Authority has made a concerted effort to reduce traffic jams on major roads and urban areas by tightening traffic laws. When you are on the road, you need to check your region’s number coding scheme so you may have a comfortable trip.

This article will explain how the Philippines code number works in areas around Metro Manila, particularly cities. Know its enforcement laws before driving to any locality!

What Are Philippine Code Numbers?

In transportation, when mentioning Philippines code numbers or common names such as number codes or color codes, it can be accurately understood as The Unified Vehicular Volume Reduction Program (UVVRP). 

The program relies on the last number of vehicle license plates to allow or restrict their circulation on Public Roads. It is carried out on weekdays, from Monday to Friday, to reduce traffic congestion, especially during rush hours.

UVVRP, implemented by the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA), applies to all public and private vehicles. Number codes were first tested in 1995 at Epifanio de los Santos Avenue (EDSA). Despite many modifications and interruptions during the pandemic, this program is still applied to all regions within Metro Manila.

General Regulations Of Philippine Code Numbers

The program coding numbers classify 10 digits suitable for 5 days of the week, not applicable to holidays and weekends. Equivalent to each day there will be 2 prohibited digits, specifically:

Prohibited day	Plates ending in
Monday	1 and 2
Tuesday	3 and 4
Wednesday	5 and 6
Thursday	7 and 8
Friday	9 and 0

Each region will have separate regulations to apply for this program. However, most rely on common law to implement:

Enforcement area: cities, towns, and major roads in the Metro Manila area, excluding highways

Applicable time: 7:00 – 10:00 a.m. and 5:00 – 8:00 p.m., from Monday to Friday, excluding weekends and holidays. Other periods not within the specified hours are called window hours, i.e., no prohibited numbers.

Exempt vehicles:

• Emergency Vehicles (e.g., Fire Trucks, Ambulances)
• Garbage Trucks, Fuel Trucks
• Marked Government Vehicles
• Marked Media Vehicles
• Motorcycles
• Motor Vehicles Carrying Essential or Perishable Goods
• Public Utility Vehicles (PUV)
• Transport Network Vehicle Services (TNVS)

Specific Regulations By Region

Regarding the major roads under the jurisdiction of MMDA, when traveling on them, drivers must follow the issued coding scheme. Include:

• Araneta Avenue
• Aurora Boulevard
• Bonifacio Avenue
• Circumferential Road 5 (C-5)
• Circumferential Road 6 (C-6)
• Del Pan Road
• Epifanio de los Santos Avenue (EDSA)
• Magsaysay Boulevard
• Marcos Highway (known as Marikina–Infanta Highway)
• Ortigas Avenue
• Quezon Avenue
• Quirino Avenue
• Recto Avenue
• Rizal Avenue
• Roxas Boulevard
• Shaw Boulevard
• South Luzon Expressway (SLEX)
• Taft Avenue

On the other hand, regarding cities or towns within Metro Manila, separate rules and codes may apply on secondary roads in the National Capital Region (NCR). Therefore, you need to check local regulations and traffic rules before driving out on the road.

Caloocan

• Abide by the number code program hours of 7:00 – 10:00 a.m. and 5:00 – 8:00 p.m., from Monday to Friday, excluding holidays.
• No window hours only on Samson Road

Makati

• Apply all full codes from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., from Monday to Friday, excluding weekends and holidays.
• Only exempt vehicles transporting elderly citizens with Blu Card (provided for the person over 60 years old), emergency and “on official functions” vehicles
• Only follow MMDAs coding scheme (including timing) on major routes: C-5 Road, EDSA, and Ortigas Avenue.

Malabon

• Applicable on C-4 Road and MacArthur Highway
• Abide from 7:00 – 10:00 a.m. and 5:00 – 8:00 p.m., from Monday to Friday, excluding holidays.

Mandaluyong

• Abide by the number codes program 7:00 – 10:00 a.m. and 5:00 – 8:00 p.m., on Monday to Friday, excluding holidays.

Manila

• Abide by the number codes program from 7 – 10 a.m. and 5:00 – 8:00 p.m., from Monday to Friday, excluding holidays.
• No window hours on some streets

Marikina

• Applicable only on part of the Marcos freeway in the area around Sta. Lucia East Grand Mall and Ayala Malls Feliz
• Abide from 7 a.m. – 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. – 8 p.m., from Monday to Friday, excluding holidays.

Muntinlupa

• Applicable only on Alabang–Zapote Road, excluding Commercial Avenue
• Abide from 7 a.m. – 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. – 8 p.m., from Monday to Friday, excluding holidays.

Navotas

• Applicable only on Circumferential Road 3 (C-3), Circumferential Road 4 (C-4), and Radial Road 10
• Abide from 7:00 – 10:00 a.m. and 5:00 – 8:00 p.m., from Monday to Friday, excluding holidays.

Pasay

• Follow color codes, including starting and ending hours of 7:00 – 10:00 a.m. and 5:00 – 8:00 p.m., from Monday to Friday, excluding holidays.
• Not applicable for the following routes: Ninoy Aquino Avenue, NAIA Road, Domestic Road, Portions of Gil Puyat Avenue (Buendia), Portions of Airport Road, Sales Road, Skyway, and South Luzon Expressway

Pasig

• Abide by the number codes program from 7:00 – 10:00 a.m. and 5:00 – 8:00 p.m., on Monday to Friday, excluding holidays.

Quezon City

• Abide by the number code program hours of 7:00 – 10:00 a.m. and 5:00 – 8:00 p.m., from Monday to Friday, excluding holidays.

Taguig

• Implemented code program in certain areas such as national highways within city boundaries, C-5 Road, East Service Road, and Manuel L.Quezon Avenue

San Juan

• Apply full code from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., with 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. window hours, from Monday to Friday, excluding holidays.

Valenzuela

• Implemented code program in certain areas such as Bignay Road, East and West Service Road, Gen. T. De Leon Road (in Karuhatan), Gov. I. Santiago Road, MacArthur Highway, Mindanao Avenue, Punturin Road, Sapang Bakaw Road, T. Santiago Road

Penalties For UVVRP Violations In The Philippines

Any person who violates the number coding scheme will be issued a traffic citation ticket and have their Driver’s License confiscated. You will then need to pay the 300 pesos fine to a duly Authorized representative of the Provincial Treasurer’s Office at Refugee Status Determination (RSD) or through the following payment methods:

• Bayad Center
• GCash
• GrabPay
• Landbank Link Biz Portal
• MMDA Traffic Management Division
• PayMaya
• SM Bills Payment

In addition, you still have the right to request a confrontation before a Committee of competent people to consider your behavior before paying the fine. You must also provide supporting evidence, such as original videos and photos showing the full date and time associated with the offending vehicle.

FAQs

Do Color Codes Use For Hybrid And Electric Cars?

No, it does not apply. These vehicles’ implementing regulations and regulations (IRR) are based on the Republic Act 11697 or the Electric Vehicle Industry Development Act (EVIDA). 

Accordingly, all types of electric vehicles (EVs), battery-powered vehicles (purely electric), hybrid cars, and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles are not subject to mandatory participation in the Philippines code number program.

Does Metro Manila Apply Any Number Coding Scheme On Weekends And Public Holidays?

The fact that UVVRP is not implemented on weekends and holidays. Nevertheless, they may be announced to be suspended or extended for dates when incidents occur. Some cases may be considered, such as natural disasters (hurricanes, volcanoes, earthquakes, etc.), traffic incidents, strikes, or suspension of public transport (subway/LRT closed temporarily or repaired).

Additionally, number coding schemes can be switched off on Presidential State of the Union (SONA) days, such as July 24, 2023.

How Do You Survive Number Coding In Metro Manila?

This program makes it difficult for long-distance drivers to arrange and allocate their time accordingly. However, you can still apply some of the following tips to limit them:

• Take advantage of coming back earlier, avoiding rush hours
• Book a car using the app because they are exempt from the program
• Consider carpooling with someone you know or through an app
• Use a variety of transportation methods to avoid being passive, such as bicycles, public transportation, or using electricity

Final Thoughts

The Philippines code number is implemented on weekdays to reduce stress on roads and major boulevards. They also reduce waiting times, save fuel, and indirectly protect the environment. Cities and specialized regions also change their laws to suit their neighborhood so that you will not be annoyed too much because of this.

You should also check local traffic regulations before driving to avoid having your license confiscated and paying fines. In addition, combining carpooling, adjusting timetables, and using other means of transport is also one of the solutions to minimize inconvenience on busy days!