In the Philippines, the Unified Vehicular Volume Reduction Program (UVVRP)—commonly known as "Number Coding"—is a critical traffic management tool. While the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) provides a general framework for the region, the City of Makati operates under a distinct set of local ordinances that every motorist must navigate with precision.
As of 2026, Makati remains one of the strictest jurisdictions regarding traffic enforcement. Below is a comprehensive guide to the rules, exemptions, and penalties currently in effect.
1. The Core Schedule: Plate Ending Assignments
The Makati number coding scheme follows the standard plate-ending schedule used across Metro Manila. Vehicles are prohibited from plying the roads of Makati on specific weekdays based on the last digit of their license plate (or Conduction Sticker for new vehicles):
| Day | Restricted Plate/Sticker Endings |
|---|---|
| Monday | 1 and 2 |
| Tuesday | 3 and 4 |
| Wednesday | 5 and 6 |
| Thursday | 7 and 8 |
| Friday | 9 and 0 |
Note: The coding scheme is suspended on Saturdays, Sundays, and Official National Holidays unless a special advisory is issued by the City Government or the MMDA.
2. The "No Window Hours" Rule
The most significant distinction between Makati and other cities in Metro Manila is the absence of "window hours." While most of the region allows coded vehicles to travel during a mid-day window (typically 10:01 AM to 4:59 PM), Makati enforces a continuous 12-hour ban.
- Effective Hours: 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM.
- Territorial Coverage: This applies to all major thoroughfares and secondary roads within the city's jurisdiction, including segments of EDSA, Ayala Avenue, Sen. Gil Puyat Avenue (Buendia), and South Superhighway that fall within Makati's borders.
3. Legal Exemptions
Under the Makati Traffic Code and supplementary national laws (such as the E_V_I_D_A law for electric vehicles), certain vehicles are automatically or specifically exempted:
- Electric and Hybrid Vehicles: Pursuant to Republic Act No. 11697, all fully electric (EVs) and hybrid vehicles are exempt from number coding nationwide.
- Senior Citizen Exemption (The Blue Card): Makati resident senior citizens who are holders of the Makati BLU Card are exempt from coding, provided they are physically present in the vehicle (either as the driver or a passenger).
- Emergency Vehicles: Ambuances, fire trucks, and marked police/military vehicles on official duty.
- Medical Emergencies: Vehicles carrying patients in life-threatening situations.
- Diplomatic Vehicles: Vehicles with official diplomatic plates.
- Motorcycles: Generally exempt from the UVVRP unless otherwise specified by a new local resolution.
4. Fines and Penalties
Under the Single Ticketing System implemented across the National Capital Region, fines for number coding violations have been standardized but are still processed through the Makati Ordinance Violation Receipt (OVR) system if apprehended by local Public Safety Department (PSD) enforcers.
- Standard Fine: ₱1,000.00 for the first offense.
- Escalation: Repeat offenses within a 12-month period may lead to higher fines (up to ₱5,000.00) and mandatory traffic seminars.
- Surcharges: Failure to settle the fine within ten (10) days of the violation will result in a monthly surcharge (usually 10%). Unpaid fines will prevent the renewal of your vehicle registration and driver’s license via an LTO "alarm."
5. Apprehension and Payment Procedures
In 2026, Makati follows the policy of non-confiscation of driver’s licenses for most moving violations, including number coding, unless the motorist has reached a certain demerit threshold or the violation is part of a vehicular accident.
How to Pay:
- Online: Via the Makati Online Portal or authorized digital payment partners (GCash, Maya).
- On-site: At the Makati City Hall, Building II, 7th Floor (Finance Department).
- Third-Party: Authorized payment centers (Bayad Centers) as indicated on the back of the OVR.
Contesting a Violation:
If you believe you were wrongly apprehended, you have five (5) working days to file a formal protest with the Makati Traffic Adjudication Committee (MTAC) located at the Makati City Hall. You must provide evidence, such as dashcam footage or proof of emergency/exemption.
Final Reminder for Motorists
Always check for weather-related suspensions. During heavy flooding or extreme typhoons, the Makati City government often announces a suspension of number coding via their official social media channels ("My Makati"). When in doubt, it is legally safer to assume the 7 AM to 7 PM rule is in full effect.