Number Coding in the Philippines: A Motorist’s Refresher

What you need to know about the refreshed MMDA coding scheme

A quick look at our public and commercial spaces tells us that things are stabilizing. For one, we are seeing the travel and food industries get back on their feet. The traffic situation, whether for better or worse, is nearing pre-pandemic levels, too. After suspending it for the majority of the last two years, the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) is back to reinforcing some “old normal” regulations with a few tweaks. This is the Expanded Unified Vehicular Volume Reduction Program (UVVRP) or the MMDA’s updated number coding scheme. Ahead, find everything you need to know.

How Does the Number Coding Scheme Work?

Source: MMDA

To mitigate traffic congestion within NCR, the MMDA coding scheme is being reimplemented in August 2022 strategically during the rush hour period (this being 7 AM to 10 AM and 5 PM to 8 PM, Monday to Friday). With this resolutionin place, the MMDA, as per MMDA Acting Chairman Engr. Carlo Dimayuga, is looking to address the projected 13% increase in the number of vehicles in Metro Manila as face-to-face classes commence. 

The MMDA will also hold the dry run of this updated scheme in addition to an information drive until August 17, Wednesday. Beginning August 18, Thursday, strict enforcement of the UVVRP will be put in place, where ground apprehensions are expected along with the implementation of the No Contact Apprehension Policy.

FAQs on the Resumption of Number Coding Scheme 

You might be thinking: how is the number coding scheme today going to be implemented exactly? Is it any different from the previous system? Here are answers to some of the most commonly asked questions.

Are there vehicles exempted from the number coding scheme?

The number coding system excludes the following:

• Public utility vehicles (PUVs)

• Transport network vehicles services (TNVs)

• Motorcycles

• Trash trucks

• Fuel trucks

• Other vehicles delivering perishable or essential goods

• Ambulances

• Marked media vehicles

Are there people exempted from the number coding scheme?

Medical personnel may request an exception from the policy. Senior citizens or individuals who ride with people with special needs in their cars may be excused from the number coding scheme, too, as soon as their request for exemption is approved.

How do I apply for the number coding scheme exemption?

To apply for the exemption, follow these steps:

• Send a letter of request addressed to the MMDA’s Office of the Chairman located at the MMDA Main Bldg. EDSA corner Orense St. Guadalupe Nuevo, Makati City.

• Include a copy of your vehicle’s Land Transportation Office Official Receipt or Certificate of Registration.

• Once authorized, pay the exemption fee of ₱1,000 to the MMDA's Treasury Department.

This exemption will cover January 1 to June 30 or July 1 to December 31 of the current year.

What is the penalty for violating the number of coding violations?

There is a ₱300 fine for violating the number coding scheme. You must pay the penalty within seven days. Otherwise, extra charges may apply.

What are the coverage areas of the number coding scheme?

The MMDA solely uses the number coding method within Metro Manila. However, these five areas are exempted, excluding their congested roads:

• Navotas

• Pateros

• Marikina (excluding Marcos Highway)

• Muntinlupa (excluding Alabang-Zapote Road)

• Taguig (excluding C5, East Service Road, and Manuel L. Quezon Avenue)

Moreover, while Pasay is within the coding area in the metro, some parts of the city are excluded from this resolution, including MIA Road, Domestic Road, Airport Road, Sales Road, as well as portions of Buendia.

On which days are number coding usually lifted?

Apart from the holidays in the Philippines, the MMDA is set to suspend number coding during calamities and public transportation failures, such as brief train system shutdowns and countrywide transport strikes.

Remember to keep the number coding scheme in mind before driving through expressways for your next out-of-town trips or when circling the metro for a quick get-together with friends. 

Before you get back on the road, be sure to avail a MyFi LTE or GoSURF promo so you can stay online anytime during your travels!