Navigating the roads of a rapidly growing area like Cavite involves understanding local traffic management efforts. As vehicle volume increases, measures are put in place to help ensure smoother and more efficient travel, particularly during peak hours.
This naturally brings up the question: Is there number coding in Cavite?
Cavite does have a local Unified Vehicular Volume Reduction Program (UVVRP). However, it is important to note that as of May 2025, this scheme remains suspended under Provincial Ordinance 283-2020.
While currently inactive, the UVVRP was designed to ease congestion during busy periods by regulating the volume of vehicles on key thoroughfares.
Understanding the specifics of how coding in Cavite operates is still highly relevant. Traffic policies can change based on prevailing conditions, and informing yourself ensures you are prepared should the scheme be reinstated in the future.
Number Coding Scheme in Cavite: An Overview
Color coding in Cavite followed a structure similar to Metro Manila’s but had rules tailored to local traffic conditions. Before the suspension, it helped manage car flow across major roads during rush hours.
Covered days and plate numbers
Cavite’s UVVRP restricted private cars, vans, and trucks based on their license plates’ last digit:
- Monday: 1 and 2
- Tuesday: 3 and 4
- Wednesday: 5 and 6
- Thursday: 7 and 8
- Friday: 9 and 0
Operating hours
The coding scheme was enforced every day during the following times:
- Morning: 7 AM to 10 AM
- Afternoon: 3 PM to 7 PM
Cavite’s coding window hours, between 10:01 AM and 2:59 PM, allowed you to drive around this period regardless of your plate number.
Covered areas
The scheme applied to major roads experiencing high traffic volumes, such as:
- Aguinaldo Highway – From Bacoor to the Dasmariñas-Silang boundary
- Governor’s Drive – Stretching from Carmona to the Trece Martires City–Tanza boundary
- Molino-Salawag-Paliparan Road – Connecting Zapote, Bacoor to Paliparan, Dasmariñas City
- Molino Boulevard – Linking Aguinaldo Highway to the Molino–Salawag–Paliparan Road
Cavite’s color coding scheme was also effective on roads merging into Metro Manila, but nearby areas have their own rules and schedules. Always check local regulations when crossing zones.
Exemptions
The UVVRP was made to reduce traffic, but some vehicles were exempted because they provide essential or urgent services. These cars are:
- Public transport like jeepneys and buses
- Ambulances, firetrucks, and police cars
- Private ambulances and firetrucks (if properly marked)
- Vehicles carrying people who need emergency medical care
- Government vehicles with official plates
- Vehicles used by doctors during emergencies
- Registered school buses
- Vehicles delivering relief goods to disaster-hit or poor areas
In some instances, you could also get special permission if you applied at the Road Safety Division under the Office of the Provincial Governor. These exemptions include:
- Delivery vehicles carrying fresh or perishable goods
- Company shuttles
- Vehicles modified for persons with disabilities (PWDs)
- Vehicles used to service utilities
- Funeral cars
- Vehicles used by doctors, public attorneys, prosecutors, and judges
- Vehicles used by travel agents
- Vehicles run by registered businesses in Cavite
Penalties for violation
If you violated the UVVRP, you’ll face these consequences:
- ₱300 fine
- Confiscation of your driver’s license
- Issuance of a traffic ticket
To reclaim your license, you must pay the fine at the Provincial Treasurer’s Office or a designated site. You can claim your license on weekdays from 2 PM to 5 PM, with your official receipt as proof.
If you believe you were wrongly apprehended, you have the right to contest the ticket before settling the fine. A three-member panel will review your case. You’ll need solid proof, such as unedited videos or timestamped photos.
If you abuse your exemption or authority, you’ll have to pay a ₱5,000 fine, face up to one year of imprisonment, and face other possible administrative charges. In short, violating the rules comes with a price, but abusing them has far steeper consequences.
4 Quick Tips for Navigating Cavite’s Traffic and Coding Scheme
Getting around Cavite’s traffic isn’t easy, but a few simple tricks can help you avoid stress and have a leisurely drive. Here are some ways to help you deal with Cavite’s color coding rules better, should they get reinstated.
1. Stay alert for announcements
Always check if the number coding scheme is active before driving. Traffic rules can change quickly, especially during events or heavy congestion. Staying updated helps you avoid last-minute surprises on the road.
2. Check official sources
Don’t rely on hearsay—get updates straight from Cavite’s official website or social media pages. These channels post the most accurate information about any changes or suspensions.
3. Be aware of covered areas and hours
Know which roads and hours the number coding in Cavite applies to, especially if you drive through affected zones often. This way, you can plan your day better and avoid peak hours. Also, be familiar with coding rules in nearby cities like Metro Manila to avoid confusion during cross-province trips.
4. Plan ahead
Even though car coding in Cavite is suspended, it’s smart to travel as if it’s still active. Leave early, avoid peak hours, and choose routes that won’t get you stuck in traffic. This habit helps you prepare in case the rules come back without warning.
Making the Most of Cavite
Facing Cavite’s traffic is already challenging, but dealing with its number coding scheme adds a layer of complexity. While the coding rules are suspended for now, there’s no telling when they’ll return, and when it does, you’ll need to follow them to avoid penalties. So, stay updated and plan your routes smartly.
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