Coding Ka Ba Today? Read This Complete Guide On The Number Coding Scheme And The Proposed Changes

With the increasing fuel prices, the last thing you would want to happen to you is to hit the road on the day when your car's number plate is banned. 

Also, since most of us have been #TeamBahay for more than two years now, we thought you need this guide so you could brush up on your Metro Manila traffic 101 and road etiquette, especially that more and more parents are going back to the office and meeting with family and friends. 

Here's the all-you-need-to-know guide from Top Gear about the Number Coding Scheme. 

There are proposed changes to the current scheme, and we want you to be prepared for it. 

How does the number coding scheme work? 

Basically, it limits the number of cars out on the road by banning vehicles with certain number plate ending numerals. Below is a guide to what days each numeral is banned: 

Number coding scheme 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 

Note that the Metro Manila-wide number coding scheme is not enforced during holidays and weekends, so you can still spend quality time with your family in malls and outdoor parks.

Number coding scheme hours 

Currently, the Metro Manila-wide number coding scheme is enforced only from 5pm to 8pm. Makati City’s separate number coding scheme is now from 7am to 7pm. 

Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Metro Manila-wide number coding scheme was in effect from 7am to 8pm. While the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) has already brought up the idea of expanding the current hours or returning to the previous schedule, exactly when this shift will take place (and whether or not it will include window hours) remains to be seen. 

What areas are covered by the number coding scheme? 

According to the MMDA, all major roads under the agency’s jurisdiction are covered by the number coding scheme. This includes the following thoroughfares: 

Number coding scheme MMDA coverage

• EDSA
• C5
• Recto Avenue
• Quirino Avenue
• Araneta Avenue
• C6
• Roxas Boulevard
• Taft Avenue
• South Luzon Expressway
• Shaw Boulevard
• Ortigas Avenue
• Magsaysay Boulevard
• Aurora Boulevard
• Quezon Avenue
• Bonifacio Avenue
• Rizal Avenue
• Del Pan
• Marcos Highway

While most cities within the NCR adhere to the number coding scheme, a handful either do not enforce it or only do so in certain areas and hours. Makati City, which currently enforces its own number coding scheme from 7am to 7pm, is one of them. Another example is Muntinlupa City, which only implements the measure along Alabang-Zapote Road.

Number coding scheme exemption

Under Alert Level 1, Transport Network Vehicle Service (TNVS) units and public utility vehicles (PUV) are exempted from the number coding scheme. Motorbikes, and utility vehicles such as garbage trucks and fuel trucks are exempted, too. The same goes for vehicles carrying essential or perishable goods. In Makati City, senior citizen Blu Card holders are exempted as well.

How do I apply for an exemption?

Persons with disability (PWD) and senior citizens may also be exempted from the number coding scheme provided they apply for and are successful in getting one from the MMDA. Below are the steps for applying for a number coding exemption:

Number coding scheme exemption application

1. Submit a letter of request to the Office of the Chairman – MMDA (MMDA Main Bldg. EDSA cor. Orense Street Guadalupe Nuevo, Makati City)
2. Submit a photocopy of your vehicle’s OR/CR
3. If the application is approved, applicant must pay P1,000 for private vehicles and P1,000 for business purposes at the 6th floor (Treasury Department) of the MMDA Building

How much is the number coding scheme violation fine?

The fine for violating the MMDA’s number coding scheme is set at P300.

How do I settle number coding scheme violations?

You can settle the fine for your number coding scheme violation with the MMDA via Landbank, SM Bills Payment, or Bayad Center. Bayad Center partners such as GCash, PayMaya, and Grabpay may also be used to settle MMDA fines. Previously, MetroBank was an option as well, but this is no longer the case. 

Landbank number coding fine settlement

You must settle your MMDA fine within seven days. Otherwise, you will need to drop by the agency’s office along EDSA corner Odense Street to settle it.

Also, if your number coding violation was not issued by the MMDA, you will have to settle it with the LGU that issued it.

Proposed new number coding scheme

Two proposals for the number coding scheme are waiting for approval, but sharing with you so that you can better prepare for it, when the time comes.

First proposed number coding scheme (50% traffic volume reduction) 

• Monday and Thursday – Cars with plate numbers ending in 1, 3, 5, 7 and 9 not allowed on roads 
• Wednesday – No number coding scheme 
• Tuesday and Friday – Cars with plate numbers ending in 2, 4, 6, 8 and 0 not allowed on roads 

Second proposed number coding scheme (40% traffic volume reduction)

• Monday – Cars with plate numbers ending in 1, 2, 3 and 4 not allowed on roads 
• Tuesday – Cars with plate numbers ending in 5, 6, 7 and 8 not allowed on roads 
• Wednesday – Cars with plate numbers ending in 9, 0, 1 and 2 not allowed on roads 
• Thursday – Cars with plate numbers ending in 3, 4, 5 and 6 not allowed on roads 
• Friday – Cars with plate numbers ending in 7, 8, 9 and 0 not allowed on roads 

If passed, these new number coding schemes will be in effect during morning and evening rush-hour periods. That’s 7am to 10am in the morning, and 5pm to 8pm in the evening.

What do you think about the proposed new number coding schemes?  

This story originally appeared on Topgear.com.ph. Minor edits have been made by the Smart Parenting editors.