MMDA Coding Hours 2026 in Philippines: Rules & Window Hours

The MMDA Number Coding Scheme, officially known as the Unified Vehicular Volume Reduction Program (UVVRP), along with updates available through the LTO Portal, is a traffic management policy implemented by the Metro Manila Development Authority in Metro Manila and nearby cities to help reduce severe road congestion.

It works by limiting private vehicle use based on the last digit of the license plate on specific weekdays, improving traffic flow along major roads such as EDSA and other high-traffic urban routes.

In 2026, the standard MMDA Coding Hours 2026 are implemented during peak hours from 7:00 AM to 10:00 AM and 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM, Monday to Friday. Between these periods, known as window hours (10:01 AM to 4:59 PM), most covered vehicles are allowed to travel, depending on local enforcement rules.

The scheme is regulated by the Metro Manila Development Authority and is designed to reduce rush-hour congestion and improve traffic flow across the metropolitan area. While UVVRP rules are generally consistent, some cities may apply variations, so motorists should always check official MMDA updates before traveling.

MMDA Coding Hours 2026 in Philippines

What is MMDA Number Coding?

Number coding, officially known as the Unified Vehicular Volume Reduction Program (UVVRP), is a traffic management rule implemented by the Metro Manila Development Authority to reduce road congestion across Metro Manila. It is also part of the MMDA Coding Hours 2026 system, which restricts private vehicles from using major roads during peak hours based on the last digit of the license plate.

The system is applied across NCR cities and helps ease traffic by limiting the number of vehicles on the road during rush hours. It is also commonly referred to as “color coding,” although the current system is based only on plate numbers, not vehicle color.

What is MMDA Number Coding

How Does the Revised Number Coding Scheme Work?

The Number Coding Scheme, also known as the UVVRP, is a traffic regulation system implemented by the Metro Manila Development Authority to control the movement of private vehicles on selected roads during specific hours. It is part of the MMDA Coding Hours 2026 framework, which assigns restrictions based on the last digit of a vehicle’s license plate and operates on weekdays to help manage heavy traffic flow. 

Since its introduction in 1995, the system has been updated multiple times to better address rising vehicle numbers and road congestion. The goal of the revised scheme is to improve traffic efficiency by limiting the number of vehicles on the road during peak hours and promoting smoother transportation across Metro Manila.

2026 Number Coding Scheme Based on Plate Number (UVVRP Day-Wise Guide, Coding Hours & Free Hours)

The 2026 Number Coding Scheme, officially known as the Unified Vehicular Volume Reduction Program (UVVRP), is a traffic management system implemented by the Metro Manila Development Authority to reduce road congestion by controlling private vehicle usage based on the last digit of license plates. It is part of the MMDA Coding Hours 2026 system and assigns specific weekdays for restriction to evenly distribute traffic flow and ease peak-hour pressure. 

2026 Number Coding Scheme Based on Plate Number (UVVRP Day-Wise Guide, Coding Hours & Free Hours)

Coding Hours (Not Allowed to Travel):

  • 7:00 AM – 10:00 AM
  • 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM

Free Hours (Allowed to Travel):

  • Before 7:00 AM
  • 10:01 AM – 4:59 PM
  • After 8:00 PM

 Important Rules of the UVVRP System

  • Applies only Monday to Friday
  • No coding on weekends and public holidays
  • Restriction depends on the last digit of plate number
  • Enforced mainly during peak traffic hours
  • Some local cities may apply slight variations in implementation

Window Hours in UVVRP: When Can You Drive?

Window hours are the midday period in the UVVRP where even coded vehicles are allowed to use the road. This system is managed by the Metro Manila Development Authority to balance traffic flow between peak hours.

In most areas, window hours run from 10:01 AM to 4:59 PM, during which all vehicles, including coded ones, are allowed to travel.

Metro Manila Coding Hours Philippines 2026

The number coding scheme is a traffic regulation system designed to reduce road congestion by limiting the movement of private vehicles based on the last digit of their license plates. It is implemented on weekdays across Metro Manila and nearby cities to manage traffic volume during peak hours.

As of 2026, the standard MMDA Coding Hours 2026 remain 7:00 AM to 10:00 AM in the morning and 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM in the evening, from Monday to Friday.

Most Metro Manila Cities

(QC, Pasig, Mandaluyong, Parañaque, Las Piñas, Malabon, Valenzuela, etc.)

  • Coding Hours: 7:00 AM – 10:00 AM & 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
  • Window Hours: 10:01 AM – 4:59 PM

Makati City

  • Coding Hours: 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM (extended full-day restriction)
  • Window Hours: Not available (no window hours)

Manila City

  • Coding Hours: 7:00 AM – 10:00 AM & 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
  • Window Hours: 10:01 AM – 4:59 PM

Pasay City

  • Special Rule: Exempt on NAIA-related roads
  • (Airport Road, Sales Road, Domestic Road)
  • Window Hours: Not applicable in airport zones

Taguig (BGC Interior Roads)

  • Coding: Not enforced inside BGC
  • Status: Coding-free zone within interior roads

Marikina City

  • Rule: Mostly exempt from coding
  • Note: Subject to local government confirmation on certain roads

Muntinlupa City

  • Rule: No full citywide coding implementation
  • Exception: Applies only on major roads such as Alabang–Zapote Road and Ayala–Alabang National Road
  • Window Hours: Standard MMDA timing applies where enforced

Caloocan City

  • Coding Hours: 7:00 AM – 10:00 AM & 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
  • Window Hours: 10:01 AM – 4:59 PM
  • Exception: Some routes such as Samson Road may not observe window hours
Metro Manila Coding Hours Philippines 2026

EDSA Odd–Even Scheme (Separate from UVVRP)

The EDSA Odd–Even Scheme was introduced as part of the EDSA rehabilitation efforts by the Metro Manila Development Authority to further manage traffic flow along EDSA. This rule is separate from the standard UVVRP number coding system, meaning both restrictions may apply to a vehicle on the same day.

Odd-Ending Plates (1, 3, 5, 7, 9)

1) Restricted on EDSA: Monday, Wednesday, Friday
2) UVVRP Status: Still subject to number coding rules
3) Important Note: Both EDSA scheme and UVVRP restrictions may apply at the same time

Even-Ending Plates (0, 2, 4, 6, 8)

1) Restricted on EDSA: Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday
2) UVVRP Status: Still subject to number coding rules
3) Important Note: Restrictions from both systems can apply simultaneously

Motorcycles & Electric Vehicles (EVs)

1) Status: Exempt from EDSA Odd–Even Scheme
2) UVVRP: Not affected under this specific rule

EDSA Odd–Even Scheme (Separate from UVVRP)

Rule to Remember:

The EDSA Odd–Even Scheme only applies to vehicles traveling along EDSA itself. Vehicles merely crossing EDSA or using connecting roads are not covered by this restriction.

Vehicles Exempted from the MMDA Number Coding Scheme (UVVRP Exemptions Guide)

The UVVRP number coding policy, implemented by the Metro Manila Development Authority, includes specific exemptions that allow certain vehicles to operate even during restricted hours. In the MMDA Coding Hours 2026 system, these exemptions are granted to essential transport services, emergency responders, and authorized vehicles that support public safety and daily mobility across Metro Manila.


Additional Exemptions in Makati Area

Makati City follows stricter enforcement, but selected vehicles remain exempt due to operational necessity, including:

  • Emergency services such as ambulance, fire, police, and military units on duty
  • Diplomatic transport with valid diplomatic identification plates
  • Official government vehicles assigned for public service
  • Accredited media vehicles actively performing field coverage
  • Registered towing services authorized by the city
  • Medical professionals responding to emergency situations
  • Vehicles carrying senior citizens with official Blue Card identification
Vehicles Exempted from the MMDA Number Coding Scheme (UVVRP Exemptions Guide)

Roads and Zones with Modified or No Application

Certain roads and areas operate under different rules or partial exemption from coding restrictions:

  • Parts of Marikina (excluding Marilaque / Marcos Highway)
  • Selected zones in Muntinlupa (except Alabang–Zapote corridor)
  • Taguig sections excluding major arteries like C-5 and East Service Road
  • NAIA Expressway and surrounding airport access roads
  • Skyway system
  • South Luzon Expressway (SLEX)
  • Domestic Airport Road and nearby access routes
  • Ninoy Aquino Avenue and MIA Road
  • Sales Road and selected stretches of Airport Road and Buendia Avenue
  • Other tollways and expressways crossing Metro Manila boundaries

Roads Covered by Number Coding (UVVRP) and Exempt Routes Guide

The Unified Vehicular Volume Reduction Program (UVVRP), implemented by the Metro Manila Development Authority, regulates vehicle movement across major road networks in Metro Manila to reduce congestion, especially during peak hours under the MMDA Coding Hours 2026 framework. The scheme applies to most major arterial roads, while select expressways and special zones remain exempt.

Roads Covered by Number Coding (UVVRP) and Exempt Routes Guide
  • EDSA (Epifanio de los Santos Avenue)
  • C-5 Road (Circumferential Road 5)
  • Roxas Boulevard
  • Commonwealth Avenue
  • Quezon Avenue
  • España Boulevard
  • Taft Avenue
  • Shaw Boulevard
  • Ortigas Avenue
  • Marcos Highway
  • Recto Avenue
  • Quirino Avenue
  • Araneta Avenue
  • Rizal Avenue
  • Bonifacio Avenue
  • C-6 Road
  • Del Pan Street
  • Magsaysay Boulevard
  • Aurora Boulevard
  • NLEX (North Luzon Expressway)
  • SLEX (South Luzon Expressway)
  • Skyway (Stages 1, 2, and 3)
  • SCTEX, TPLEX, CALAX, CAVITEX, MCX, STAR Tollway, NAIAX
  • NLEX Connector and Harbor Link
  • Manila–Cavite Expressway (CAVITEX)
  • Bonifacio Global City (BGC) interior roads
  • NAIA access roads (Airport Road, Sales Road, Domestic Road)
  • Private roads and gated subdivisions

When is Number Coding Suspended in the Philippines?

Under the MMDA Coding Hours 2026 schedule, the number coding scheme (UVVRP) implemented by the Metro Manila Development Authority is not active on certain days. Traffic restrictions are automatically lifted or temporarily suspended during public holidays, special non-working days, and other situations announced by authorities to support public mobility and national events.

Regular Days When Coding is Not Active

  • Saturdays and Sundays
  • Official public holidays declared by the government (e.g., Christmas Day, New Year, Holy Week, Independence Day).

Weather and Emergency Suspensions

  • Severe typhoons or weather disturbances
  • Calamity or emergency declarations (including PAGASA signal warnings)

Special Government-Declared Days

  • State of the Nation Address (SONA) day
  • Other special events announced by the MMDA or national government

Recent Example of Suspension (2025–2026 Period)

  • December 23–25, 2025
  • December 29, 2025 to January 2, 2026

Number Coding Violations: Fines, Penalties and Payment Guide (2026)

Under the MMDA Coding Hours 2026 regulations, the number coding scheme (UVVRP) implemented by the Metro Manila Development Authority includes strict penalties for motorists who violate restricted driving hours. These fines are part of the traffic enforcement system designed to regulate road usage, improve traffic flow, and reduce congestion across major roads in Metro Manila.

  • Second offense may result in higher fines depending on city regulations
  • Third offense may reach maximum penalties in some LGUs
  • Some cases require attendance in a road safety seminar
  • Continuous violations may affect vehicle registration renewal

Important Insight

Although penalties follow a general MMDA standard, actual fines can vary slightly depending on the city where the violation occurs. Drivers are strongly advised to follow the coding schedule properly to avoid fines and administrative issues.

If you receive a violation ticket, payment can be made through the following channels:

  • GCash
  • GrabPay
  • Maya
  • Landbank Link.Biz Portal
  • Bayad Center
  • SM Bills Payment Centers
  • MMDA Traffic Management Offices

Paying within the required period helps avoid additional penalties and complications.

Frequently Asked Questions

It is a traffic management scheme by the MMDA that limits vehicle use based on the last digit of plate numbers to reduce congestion under the MMDA Coding Hours 2026 system.

It usually runs from 7:00 AM to 10:00 AM and 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM on weekdays as part of the MMDA Coding Hours 2026 guidelines.

Window hours are 10:01 AM to 4:59 PM when coded vehicles are generally allowed to travel under MMDA Coding Hours 2026 rules.

It is active from Monday to Friday and not implemented on weekends and holidays under the MMDA Coding Hours 2026 policy.

Monday: 1–2, Tuesday: 3–4, Wednesday: 5–6, Thursday: 7–8, Friday: 9–0.

You may be issued a traffic violation ticket and required to pay a fine depending on the city.

Fines usually range from ₱300 to ₱500, with Makati City typically charging ₱500.

Yes, coded vehicles are allowed during window hours in most cities.

No, some vehicles like public transport, emergency units, and exempted vehicles are not covered.

Not exactly. Most cities follow MMDA rules, but some like Makati and select areas have stricter or modified rules.