If you drive around Metro Manila on weekdays, you’ve probably heard of the MMDA Number Coding Scheme.
This rule limits when you can drive your car on major roads based on the last digit of your license plate.
It’s meant to reduce traffic, especially during rush hours.
The official name is the Unified Vehicular Volume Reduction Program (UVVRP), and it’s managed by the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA).
It applies to private vehicles from Monday to Friday.
There is no fee to follow the rule—but if you break it, you can get a fine of ₱300 to ₱500.
What Days You’re Not Allowed to Drive
Your car’s license plate ends in a number, and that number decides your coding day.
Here’s the 2025 schedule:
- Monday: Plates ending in 1 and 2
- Tuesday: Plates ending in 3 and 4
- Wednesday: Plates ending in 5 and 6
- Thursday: Plates ending in 7 and 8
- Friday: Plates ending in 9 and 0
There is no number coding on Saturdays, Sundays, or public holidays.
But remember: If a holiday falls on a weekday, the coding is lifted for that day.
You don’t need to worry about being caught on a coding day if you’re driving legally within the allowed hours—or if you’re exempt.
What Time the Rules Apply
The 2025 number coding hours are stricter than before.
You are not allowed to drive during:
7:00 AM to 10:00 AM
5:00 PM to 8:00 PM
These are the peak hours when traffic is heaviest.
If you’re caught driving during these times on your coding day, you can be fined.
But there’s a silver lining—window hours exist in some cities.
That means in between 10:01 AM and 4:59 PM, you can drive without penalty.
Not all cities have window hours.
Makati, for example, has no window hours and follows a straight 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM coding enforcement.
Always check with the LGU (local government unit) where you plan to drive.
Where the Rules Are Enforced
The number coding scheme covers all major roads in Metro Manila.
This includes:
- EDSA
- C5
- Roxas Boulevard
- Quezon Avenue
- Ortigas Avenue
- Commonwealth Avenue
- South Luzon Expressway (SLEx)
- Other roads depending on the city
Some roads inside subdivisions or private villages may not be covered, but it’s best to check with your local barangay or city traffic office.
If you’re crossing multiple cities, even if your start and end points allow window hours, you could still be fined while passing through stricter areas.
Be extra cautious if you’re going to Makati or Las Piñas.
READ ALSO: A Guide to Surviving Metro Manila Traffic for Drivers
Who Is Exempt from the Number Coding Rule
Not every vehicle has to follow the number coding scheme.
Here are those exempted in 2025:
- Public Utility Vehicles (jeepneys, buses)
- Transport Network Vehicles (Grab, Joyride, etc.)
- Motorcycles
- Garbage trucks and fuel tankers
- Delivery vehicles with perishable or essential goods
- Government vehicles and official emergency vehicles
- Vehicles carrying persons with disabilities (PWD) with proper stickers
- Electric and hybrid vehicles
- Vehicles with a senior citizen Blu Card holder on board
Some LGUs may issue special exemptions based on needs.
If you think you should be exempt, check with the MMDA or your city hall to see what documents you’ll need.
Keep the exemption proof with you at all times while driving.
What Happens If You Violate the Rules
Caught on the wrong day and time?
You’ll face a fine ranging from ₱300 to ₱500, depending on the city.
The fine must be paid within seven days, or you could face more penalties.
Some cities might require you to attend a road safety seminar for repeat offenses.
In serious cases, or if you don’t pay, your car could be impounded.
Always check the ticket for payment options.
Many cities allow payment through online platforms like Bayad Center, GCASH, or at the MMDA Redemption Center.
Tips to Avoid Getting Caught
- Know your plate number and its assigned coding day.
- Plan ahead. Avoid scheduling appointments during restricted hours.
- Use public transport, carpool, or a TNVS on your coding day.
- Set reminders on your phone about coding days.
- Check for traffic updates or MMDA announcements—rules may change during emergencies or big events.
- If you’re near the edge of the coding time (like 10:00 AM or 5:00 PM), wait it out before hitting the road.
When the Rules Don’t Apply
Here are times when the number coding scheme is suspended:
- National holidays (e.g., New Year, Holy Week, Independence Day, Christmas)
- Special non-working holidays declared by the President
- State of emergency or natural disasters
- Major national events (e.g., ASEAN Summit, elections)
But don’t assume—always confirm with MMDA’s official social media or website before hitting the road.
Why This Scheme Matters
It’s easy to feel frustrated with traffic rules.
But the MMDA Number Coding Scheme exists to help us all.
It aims to reduce 20% of the vehicle volume during rush hours.
Less cars on the road means:
- Shorter travel times
- Better air quality
- Lower fuel costs for everyone
And when the system works, we all get where we’re going a bit faster.
Changes Introduced in 2025
The scheme has been around for years, but 2025 brought a few updates:
- Extended hours: Earlier, it only lasted for 3 hours in the morning and evening. Now it runs longer.
- No window hours in Makati and Las Piñas: These cities now enforce the rule all day.
- Expanded exemption list: More electric and hybrid vehicles are now exempt.
- Online fine payment options: You can now settle violations faster without leaving home.
Video: MMDA stands firm to scrap proposed ‘No Window Hour’ coding scheme
The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) chose to keep the window hours in the number coding scheme after dropping the proposal to remove them. This allows vehicles to freely travel between 10:01 AM and 4:59 PM during non-peak hours.
The MMDA decided this because removing window hours might worsen traffic in Metro Manila, where over 430,000 vehicles use major roads like EDSA daily. The agency expects a 15% rise in cars during the holiday season.
Under the Unified Vehicular Volume Reduction Program, vehicles are restricted based on license plate numbers during peak hours: 7:00 AM to 10:00 AM and 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM. The window hours give motorists flexibility while managing traffic flow.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I drive in the province on my coding day?
Yes. The MMDA Number Coding Scheme applies only within Metro Manila. Once outside the NCR boundary, the rule does not apply unless the LGU has its own coding system.
2. Are senior citizen drivers automatically exempt?
Not automatically. They must apply for a Blu Card and display it properly on their vehicle for the exemption to apply.
3. What if I drive an electric vehicle without registration stating it’s electric?
You may still be flagged. It’s best to secure certification or updated registration to avoid confusion with enforcers.
4. What if I’m just passing through Metro Manila on a long trip?
You are still bound by the coding rules if you’re within the covered roads and hours. Plan your route to avoid restricted areas or travel during allowed times.
Conclusion
If you drive a private vehicle, this scheme directly affects you.
It doesn’t cost anything to follow—but it does cost you if you ignore it.
The good news?
With a little planning, you can still do errands, pick up your kids, or head to work without trouble.
You just need to stay informed and follow the rules.
By staying aware of your plate number’s schedule, checking your route, and knowing your exemptions, you can avoid penalties and stay road-smart.
Remember: It’s not just about avoiding a fine—it’s about making travel better for everyone.