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If you drive regularly in Metro Manila, understanding the number coding scheme can save you from traffic violations, unnecessary delays, and frustrating trips.
MMDA Number Coding Scheme in Metro Manila
The Metro Manila number coding scheme, formally known as the Unified Vehicular Volume Reduction Program (UVVRP), restricts certain private vehicles from using covered roads during weekday peak hours. The restriction depends on the last digit of your vehicle’s license plate.
For 2026, the standard Metro Manila schedule remains Monday to Friday, with coding hours from 7:00 AM to 10:00 AM and 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM, subject to local traffic rules and official MMDA advisories.
Here is a practical guide to the Metro Manila number coding schedule, window hours, covered vehicles, exemptions, and important rules every private vehicle owner should know.
What Is Metro Manila Number Coding?
Number coding is the common name for the MMDA’s Unified Vehicular Volume Reduction Program (UVVRP).
The program restricts the use of certain vehicles on designated Metro Manila roads based on the last digit of their license plates. Its main purpose is to reduce the number of vehicles on major roads during the busiest periods of the day.
The current weekday plate rotation is:
| Day | Plate Numbers Covered |
|---|---|
| Monday | 1 and 2 |
| Tuesday | 3 and 4 |
| Wednesday | 5 and 6 |
| Thursday | 7 and 8 |
| Friday | 9 and 0 |
| Saturday | No coding |
| Sunday | No coding |
The same basic plate-ending rotation has been used under the reinstated UVVRP since August 2022.
Metro Manila Number Coding Schedule 2026
The standard coding hours are divided into two periods:
Morning coding: 7:00 AM to 10:00 AM
Evening coding: 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM
This means a vehicle affected by Monday coding, for example, should avoid covered roads during those periods on Monday.
2026 Number Coding Calendar
Monday – Plates ending in 1 and 2
If your plate ends in 1 or 2, your vehicle is restricted during Monday’s coding hours.
Tuesday – Plates ending in 3 and 4
Vehicles with plates ending in 3 or 4 are restricted on Tuesdays.
Wednesday – Plates ending in 5 and 6
Vehicles ending in 5 or 6 are restricted on Wednesdays.
Thursday – Plates ending in 7 and 8
Vehicles ending in 7 or 8 are restricted on Thursdays.
Friday – Plates ending in 9 and 0
Vehicles ending in 9 or 0 are restricted on Fridays.
What Are the Window Hours?
Between the two coding periods is the commonly called window period.
For the standard MMDA schedule, coded vehicles can generally travel during:
10:01 AM to 4:59 PM
For example, if your plate ends in 5 and it is Wednesday, you should avoid covered roads from 7:00 AM to 10:00 AM and again from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM.
You may travel during the daytime window, subject to other traffic restrictions.
The window period is particularly useful for motorists who need to run errands, make deliveries, attend appointments, or make other trips during the middle of the day.
Which Vehicles Are Covered?
The number coding scheme primarily affects private motor vehicles using roads covered by the UVVRP.
If you own a private car, SUV, van, or similar vehicle, you should check the last digit of your plate before driving during Metro Manila’s peak periods.
However, not every vehicle is treated in exactly the same way. Certain vehicle categories have exemptions under the applicable rules.
Which Vehicles Are Exempt From Number Coding?
Exemptions can include specific vehicles performing essential or authorized functions.
Commonly recognized exemptions include:
- Motorcycles
- Public utility vehicles
- Transportation network vehicle services
- Garbage trucks
- Fuel trucks
- Marked government vehicles
- Marked media vehicles
- Emergency vehicles such as ambulances and fire trucks
- Vehicles carrying essential or perishable goods
- Certain vehicles covered by specific medical or emergency exemptions
The exact requirements can vary depending on the exemption and the applicable MMDA or local government rule. Drivers should carry the appropriate identification, documentation, or markings when an exemption requires proof.
Are Motorcycles Covered by Number Coding?
Generally, motorcycles are among the vehicle categories exempt from the standard Metro Manila UVVRP.
However, this does not mean motorcycles are exempt from other traffic regulations. Motorcycle riders must still follow road restrictions, parking rules, truck bans, one-way streets, and other applicable regulations.
Are Electric Vehicles Exempt?
Electric vehicles have also been recognized as one of the vehicle categories exempt from the Metro Manila UVVRP.
This is particularly relevant as more Filipinos shift toward electric cars and other electrified vehicles.
However, motorists should distinguish number coding exemptions from other restrictions. An electric vehicle may be exempt from UVVRP but still subject to local traffic rules, parking regulations, or other road restrictions.
Are TNVS Vehicles Exempt?
Vehicles operating under transportation network vehicle services, such as authorized ride-hailing vehicles, are generally exempt from the standard UVVRP.
Drivers should still comply with their applicable regulatory requirements and any separate traffic restrictions imposed by individual cities.
What Happens During Holidays?
Number coding is generally not implemented on official holidays.
The MMDA may also issue special advisories suspending the scheme on specific dates, especially during major holidays and periods when Metro Manila is expected to experience unusual traffic conditions.
For example, the MMDA suspended the expanded number coding scheme on several dates surrounding Christmas and New Year, including December 23, 24, 25, 29, 30, and 31, 2025, and January 1 and 2, 2026.
Do not assume that every holiday-related suspension will automatically follow the same pattern each year. Check the latest MMDA announcement before making a trip.
Is There Number Coding on Weekends?
No.
The standard Metro Manila UVVRP does not operate on Saturdays and Sundays.
This makes weekends a convenient option for motorists whose vehicles are subject to weekday coding.
However, individual cities can impose their own traffic regulations, so the absence of MMDA number coding does not mean that every road is free of restrictions.
Does Number Coding Apply to All Metro Manila Roads?
No.
The UVVRP applies to designated major roads and areas covered by the MMDA’s traffic regulations.
The major-road coverage means you should not assume that simply avoiding EDSA will automatically make your trip legal.
Drivers should check which roads are covered by the current MMDA implementation and any additional restrictions imposed by individual local government units.
What About Makati?
Makati deserves special attention because it has historically maintained traffic rules that differ from the standard Metro Manila scheme.
The city’s coding implementation has had its own rules and exemptions, including periods when its restrictions differed significantly from the standard MMDA schedule.
If your trip takes you into Makati, check the city’s latest traffic advisory rather than relying solely on the standard Metro Manila schedule.
This is especially important for motorists who plan to use the 7:00 AM to 10:00 AM or 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM periods.
Can You Use Expressways During Coding Hours?
The relationship between number coding and expressways can be confusing.
The standard MMDA UVVRP primarily concerns designated Metro Manila roads. Toll expressways can have different rules from ordinary roads covered by the MMDA scheme.
Do not assume that entering an expressway automatically makes a coded vehicle legal everywhere. Your route may pass through roads covered by the UVVRP before or after the expressway.
For example, a trip using an expressway may still expose you to number coding restrictions when entering or exiting through covered Metro Manila roads.
Plan the entire route rather than focusing only on the expressway section.
What Is the Penalty for Number Coding?
Motorists caught violating the applicable number coding restrictions may receive a traffic citation and corresponding penalty.
Penalty amounts and enforcement procedures can change, so drivers should verify the current rules of the MMDA or the issuing authority rather than relying on old social media posts or outdated articles.
More importantly, don’t treat the penalty as a substitute for following the restriction. A coding violation can also result in wasted time dealing with apprehension and traffic enforcement.
How to Avoid a Number Coding Violation
The easiest way to avoid a violation is to build the coding schedule into your weekly driving routine.
1. Memorize your coding day
Look at the final digit of your license plate and identify your restricted day.
For example:
- Plate ending in 1 = Monday
- Plate ending in 4 = Tuesday
- Plate ending in 6 = Wednesday
- Plate ending in 8 = Thursday
- Plate ending in 0 = Friday
2. Check the schedule before leaving
Before driving during rush hour, check the latest MMDA traffic advisory.
This is especially important during holidays, major events, road closures, and unusual traffic situations.
3. Use the window period
If your trip is flexible, schedule it between 10:01 AM and 4:59 PM.
This is often the simplest way to use your coded vehicle without violating the standard rush-hour restriction.
4. Leave earlier or later
If you need to travel during a coding day, consider adjusting your departure time.
A trip that normally starts at 8:00 AM may be possible after 10:00 AM if your schedule allows.
5. Consider another vehicle
Households with multiple vehicles can plan trips around the coding schedule.
For example, if one vehicle is coded on Wednesday and another on Friday, you can use the appropriate vehicle for each day.
6. Check local rules. Cities in
Metro Manila can have additional traffic regulations.
Before driving into areas such as Makati or other LGUs with special traffic policies, check their current advisories.
Frequently Asked Questions
What time is number coding in Metro Manila in 2026?
The standard MMDA schedule is 7:00 AM to 10:00 AM and 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM, Monday to Friday, excluding applicable holidays and suspensions.
What plate numbers are coded on Monday?
Vehicles with plate numbers ending in 1 and 2 are coded on Monday.
What plate numbers are coded on Tuesday?
Vehicles ending in 3 and 4 are coded on Tuesday.
What plate numbers are coded on Wednesday?
Vehicles ending in 5 and 6 are coded on Wednesday.
What plate numbers are coded on Thursday?
Vehicles ending in 7 and 8 are coded on Thursday.
What plate numbers are coded on Friday?
Vehicles ending in 9 and 0 are coded on Friday.
Is number coding implemented on Saturday?
No. The standard MMDA number coding scheme is not implemented on Saturdays and Sundays.
Can I drive my coded vehicle at noon?
Generally, yes. The standard window period runs from 10:01 AM to 4:59 PM, although other local traffic restrictions may apply.
Does number coding apply to holidays?
The standard scheme is generally suspended on official holidays. However, always check the latest MMDA announcement for special suspensions and traffic arrangements.
Are motorcycles covered by number coding?
Motorcycles are generally exempt from the standard Metro Manila UVVRP.
Are electric vehicles exempt from number coding?
Electric vehicles have been included among recognized UVVRP exemptions. However, other traffic rules can still apply.
Final Tips for Metro Manila Drivers
The Metro Manila number coding scheme is easy to understand once you remember one thing: the last digit of your plate determines your coding day.
For 2026, the basic schedule is:
Monday: 1 and 2
Tuesday: 3 and 4
Wednesday: 5 and 6
Thursday: 7 and 8
Friday: 9 and 0
The standard restricted periods are 7:00 AM to 10:00 AM and 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM.
If your vehicle is coded, use the daytime window, adjust your schedule, take public transportation, or, when practical, use an eligible alternative vehicle.
Most importantly, check the latest MMDA and local government advisories before every major trip. Number coding schedules can be temporarily suspended or modified during holidays, special events, emergencies, and unusual traffic conditions.
Knowing your coding day before you start the engine can save you both time and money—and make driving around Metro Manila considerably less stressful.
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