No coding for vehicles on Lunar New Year — MMDA

MANILA, Philippines — For those celebrating the Lunar New Year on Wednesday, January 29, there's no need to worry about whether your car is “coding” or not.

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) announced on Monday, January 27, that the expanded number coding scheme will be suspended in observance of the holiday.

The traffic agency noted that traffic in Binondo, Manila — also known as Chinatown — tends to be heavy during the celebrations as the Filipino-Chinese community carries out their traditions in the heart of the Chinese commercial and cultural district.

Privately owned cars are subject to a number coding scheme, restricting their travel in Metro Manila on specific weekdays to help control traffic and reduce congestion.

For 2025, the MMDA has the following scheme:

• Monday - Cars with license plate number ending in 1 or 2
• Tuesday - Cars with license plate number ending in 3 or 4
• Wednesday - Cars with license plate number ending in 5 or 6
• Thursday - Cars with license plate number ending in 7 or 8
• Friday - Cars with license plate number ending in 9 or 0

The number coding scheme is not enforced on weekends and applies primarily to most roads during peak traffic hours, from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.

The MMDA urged motorists to prioritize road safety by planning their trips, adhering to traffic rules and ensuring that drivers are fit to drive.

Chinese New Year is a special non-working holiday that marks the year's first new moon. Celebrations typically include enjoying Chinese food and delicacies, consulting Feng Shui experts for good luck, having horoscopes read and watching dragon dances and fireworks.