Manila Coding Hours

The Manila coding schedule is based on the last digit of your vehicle’s license plate. Two plate numbers are restricted each weekday.

• MondayMonday: Plates ending in 1 and 2
• TuesdayTuesday: Plates ending in 3 and 4
• WednesdayWednesday: Plates ending in 5 and 6
• ThursdayThursday: Plates ending in 7 and 8
• FridayFriday: Plates ending in 9 and 0

If your plate ends in one of these digits. Your vehicle cannot travel on covered major roads during the coding hours in Manila. Check your assigned day before traveling to avoid a traffic violation.

What Are Coding Window Hours?

Coding window hours are the periods when vehicles affected by the number coding scheme can travel before or after the main restriction hours. They give motorists a short period to use covered roads outside the morning and evening coding periods.

The window exists to give drivers more flexibility and help them plan their trips. If your vehicle is scheduled for coding on a particular day, you can still travel during the allowed window period.

Coding Hours vs. Window Hours

Knowing the difference between Manila Coding Hours & Window Hours can help you choose a safer travel time and avoid a coding violation.

What Are the Window Hours for Coding in Manila?

The window hours for coding in Manila are generally from 10:01 AM to 4:59 PM, Monday to Friday. During this period, vehicles affected by the number coding scheme can travel on covered roads because the restriction is temporarily lifted.

Makati City is an exception. Its number coding scheme runs from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM, with no window hours. Once your coding day starts, your vehicle cannot be used inside Makati until after 7:00 PM. You can drive again after 7:00 PM. When the coding restriction ends.

Other cities also have different local rules. So check the regulations before traveling. Knowing the Manila coding hours and window hours can help you plan your trip, avoid restricted periods, and reduce the risk of traffic violations.

What Time Is Coding in Metro Manila Today?

The number coding hours in Metro Manila generally run from 7:00 AM to 10:00 AM and 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM, Monday to Friday. The restriction depends on the last digit of your vehicle’s license plate.

The number coding scheme generally does not apply on weekends and official Philippine holidays. This means you can drive during the coding window hours in Manila, from 10:01 AM to 4:59 PM. You can also travel freely from 8:01 PM until 6:59 AM the next day.

Number Coding Schedule by Plate Number

The Manila number coding schedule is based on the last digit of your vehicle’s license plate. Each weekday has two restricted plate numbers. Check the table below to find your coding day in Metro Manila.

The number coding scheme generally applies from Monday to Friday, excluding public holidays when restrictions are suspended. If your plate number matches the assigned digits, check the coding hours and window hours before driving. Makati City and other local areas may have different rules.

Cities in Metro Manila With or Without Coding

Not all cities follow the same rules in Metro Manila. Some cities are working with window coding & some without window hours.

Cities with Regular Coding and Window Hours:

• Quezon City
• Pasig City
• Mandaluyong City
• San Juan City
• Caloocan City

These cities generally follow the standard Manila Coding Hours & Window Hours schedule. The number coding restriction runs from 7:00 AM to 10:00 AM and 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM. The usual window period is from 10:01 AM to 4:59 PM.

Cities With Modified or No Coding

Some cities in Metro Manila have different number coding rules or exemptions on certain roads.

• Marikina: Coding hours only apply on Marcos Highways.
• Muntinlupa: Coding window applies on Alabang-Zapote Road.
• Taguig: Not exempt for C5, East Service Road, and Manuel L. Quezon Avenue.
• Pasay: Some roads near NAIA, including Airport Road, Sales Road, and Domestic Road, may have special exemptions.
• Makati: Coding runs from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM, with no window hours.

These local rules can help you plan your route and avoid coding violations in Metro Manila.

How to Check Coding in Manila Today

To check coding in Manila today, follow these simple steps:

1. Check your plate number: Look at the last digit of your vehicle’s license plate.
2. Find your coding day: Monday covers plates ending in 1 and 2, Tuesday in 3 and 4, Wednesday in 5 and 6, Thursday in 7 and 8, and Friday in 9 and 0.
3. Check the coding hours: The usual restriction periods are 7:00 AM–10:00 AM and 5:00 PM–8:00 PM.
4. Check window hours: Coded vehicles can generally travel from 10:01 AM to 4:59 PM, except in areas such as Makati City, which has no window hours.
5. Check holiday announcements: The MMDA may suspend number coding on public holidays or announce special changes.

MMDA Number Coding: Who Is Exempt?

The MMDA number coding scheme has exemptions for specific vehicles in Metro Manila. Under these categories, vehicles can use Metro Manila even during coding window hours.

Vehicles Exempt From Number Coding

Are Private Cars Exempt?

Most private cars must follow the number coding schedule unless they qualify for an exemption. Remember that window hours are not an exemption. They are simply the periods when coded vehicles can generally use covered roads.

Electric and Hybrid Vehicles Exemption (EVIDA Law)

Under the Electric Vehicle Industry Development Act (Republic Act No. 11697). Eligible electric vehicles are exempt from the number coding scheme in Metro Manila. This exemption supports the use of cleaner transportation and encourages electric vehicle adoption.

Eligible vehicle types may include:

• Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs)
• Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEVs)
• Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs)

If you own an electric or hybrid vehicle, check its classification and the latest applicable rules before driving during coding hours in Metro Manila. Exemptions depend on the vehicle type and current regulations.

Special Coding Exemptions You Can Apply For

Some vehicles may qualify for special exemptions from the MMDA number coding scheme under specific conditions. These may include:

• PWD vehicles: Vehicles used to transport persons with disabilities.
• Doctors: Doctors responding to medical emergencies.
• School buses: Eligible school buses with the required LTO stickers.
• Company shuttles: Qualifying company shuttle services.

To apply, visit the MMDA office and prepare the required documents to prove your eligibility. Processing requirements and fees may vary, so confirm the latest rules with the MMDA before submitting your application.

What Happens If You Violate Number Coding in Manila?

You can pay the fine through these sources:

• LandBank Link.BizPortal
• GCash, Maya, or GrabPay, where supported
• Bayad Center or SM Bills Payment
• MMDA payment offices, if applicable

Traffic violations may also be recorded through authorized camera-based enforcement systems. If you receive a violation notice, check the details and official payment instructions before paying.

What’s the Difference in Coding Hours in Pasig, Makati, and Quezon City?

Coding hours differ because each city has its own traffic rules. Most areas follow the standard Metro Manila number coding schedule. But Makati has stricter hours with no window period.

Pasig and Quezon City generally follow the standard Metro Manila schedule, while Makati enforces coding continuously from 7 AM to 7 PM.

What are the coding violation fees in Makati?

The number coding violation fees in Makati City may vary depending on the applicable traffic rules.

• First offense: ₱1,000
• Second offense: ₱2,000
• Third and succeeding offenses: ₱5,000

Makati violation fees and penalties are higher than those in other Metro Manila cities. Window coding hours are continuously 12 hours without any break.

Tips to Avoid Getting Caught During Coding Hours

Follow these simple tips to avoid a traffic violation during Manila coding hours:

• Check your plate number: Know which day your vehicle is restricted.
• Know your coding day: Set your phone calendar as a reminder.
• Plan your trip early: Travel before coding hours begin or after the restriction ends.
• Use window hours: In areas where allowed, travel between 10:01 AM and 4:59 PM.
• Check city rules: Makati has no window hours, so confirm local restrictions before driving.
• Check holiday announcements: Coding rules may be suspended on official holidays.
• Know your route: Some roads have special restrictions or exemptions.
• Confirm vehicle exemptions: Check whether your vehicle qualifies for an exemption.

Is There Number Coding on Skyway, SLEX, NLEX and EDSA?

The number coding scheme in Metro Manila depends on the road you use. EDSA is generally covered by the number coding rules, while expressways such as Skyway, SLEX, and NLEX have different rules depending on the section and access roads. Before your trip, check whether coding applies to your route, especially when entering or exiting an expressway.

Is There Number Coding on Skyway, SLEX, NLEX and EDSA?

The number coding scheme in Metro Manila applies to major roads, but some expressways are exempt. Here is what drivers need to know:

• Skyway: No number coding on the expressway itself.
• SLEX (South Luzon Expressway): No number coding on the expressway itself.
• NLEX (North Luzon Expressway): No number coding on the expressway itself.
• EDSA: Number coding applies during the designated restriction hours.

Remember that coding rules may apply when you enter or exit an expressway and use covered roads. Plan your route carefully to avoid a violation.

Does the Number Coding Scheme Really Work?

The number coding scheme in Metro Manila aims to reduce traffic congestion by limiting the number of vehicles on major roads during rush hours. It can help reduce the number of vehicles using covered roads. But it cannot eliminate traffic completely.

Heavy traffic can still occur because of road construction, accidents, public transport, and the high number of vehicles on the road.

Frequently Asked Questions