The Country with the Wildest Driving Rules

In some cities like Manila in Philippines, drivers cannot take their cars on the road on certain days depending on the last digit of their license plate. This is meant to reduce traffic congestion.


Philippines – No Same-Day License Plate Rule (Number Coding Scheme)

The Number Coding Scheme in the Philippines, officially called the Unified Vehicular Volume Reduction Program (UVVRP), is a traffic regulation designed to reduce congestion, especially in Metro Manila and other highly populated areas. This rule prohibits vehicles from being used on certain days based on the last digit of their license plate.


How the Number Coding System Works

Each weekday, vehicles with certain plate numbers are restricted from the roads during peak hours. The schedule is as follows:

Time Restrictions: The coding scheme usually applies during rush hours (7:00 AM - 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM). However, some cities enforce a whole-day ban (7:00 AM - 7:00 PM).

• Weekend Exemptions: The rule does not apply on Saturdays and Sundays.
• Public Holidays: The coding scheme is usually suspended during national holidays.
  
  
  
  Cities That Enforce the Rule
• The Number Coding Scheme is primarily enforced in Metro Manila, which includes cities like:
• Makati (Strict enforcement, including a whole-day ban)
• Quezon City
• Manila
• Pasig
• Pasay
• Caloocan
• Parañaque
• Mandaluyong
• Some provinces and smaller cities also implement similar schemes, but rules may vary.
  
  
  
  Exemptions from the Rule
• Certain vehicles and situations are exempt from the coding scheme, including:
• Public utility vehicles (PUVs) – Jeepneys, taxis, buses, and tricycles
• Motorcycles
• Emergency vehicles – Ambulances, fire trucks, police cars
• Diplomatic vehicles
• Electric vehicles and hybrid cars (in some areas)
• Senior Citizen & PWD (Persons with Disabilities) vehicles (with proper documentation)
  
  Penalties for Violating the Rule
• If caught violating the number coding scheme, drivers may face:
• Fines ranging from PHP 300 - PHP 500 ($5 - $10)
• Possible towing of the vehicle (in stricter cities like Makati)
• Additional penalties if obstructing traffic
• Traffic enforcers and MMDA (Metro Manila Development Authority) officers monitor and issue citations to violators.
  
  
  
  Effectiveness and Public Reaction
• The Number Coding Scheme has been a subject of debate in the Philippines. Some believe it helps reduce congestion, while others argue that it forces people to buy more cars (to have an alternate vehicle for banned days), worsening traffic in the long run.
• To improve traffic flow, authorities continue to explore new policies, including:
• Carpooling exemptions (some areas allow multiple passengers in a coded vehicle)
• Window hours (short breaks where the rule is lifted)
• Expansion to more areas outside Metro Manila