Makati Coding Hours 2026: The 7 AM–7 PM Rule, Motorcycle Restriction & Escalating Fines

Seathiele Darké

October 19, 2026 6:53 am

Makati has one of the strictest coding systems in Metro Manila. Unlike many other NCR cities, the restriction runs continuously from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM, Monday through Friday, without the usual midday window. The last digit of your plate determines your coding day, so knowing the schedule before entering Makati can help you avoid a traffic violation.

The rules become more important for motorcycle riders and drivers using EDSA because Makati applies local rules within its jurisdiction. This guide explains the coding schedule, covered roads, exemptions, motorcycles, NCAP, LTO enforcement, fines, suspension rules, and practical ways to plan your trips.

What Makes Makati Coding Hours Different from the Rest of Metro Manila

Makati’s coding system is different from the standard schedule used in many other Metro Manila cities. The biggest difference is that there is no midday window.

Most NCR cities generally follow coding periods of 7:00 AM–10:00 AM and 5:00 PM–8:00 PM, with a window from 10:01 AM to 4:59 PM. For the broader Metro Manila schedule, see our Number Coding Hours Philippines guide.

Makati instead uses a continuous restriction:

• 7:00 AM–7:00 PM
• Monday through Friday
• No midday window
• Motorcycles are included under the stated local restriction
• Local fines can increase for repeat offenses
• The EDSA-Makati segment follows Makati’s local coding treatment

Makati’s Central Business District (CBD) has a high concentration of banks, multinational companies, government regulators, law firms, embassies, and corporate offices. Traffic therefore remains heavy throughout much of the workday.

Makati Coding Hours Schedule (Detailed Breakdown)

The easiest way to remember Makati coding is as one continuous 12-hour period.

For comparison:

The important difference is that Makati gives drivers an earlier release in the evening but removes the midday window completely.

Makati Coded Plate Schedule (Monday – Friday)

The final digit of the plate determines the coded weekday.

For example, a plate ending in 4 is coded on Tuesday. On that Tuesday, the vehicle should not travel through Makati during the applicable 7:00 AM–7:00 PM restriction unless an exemption applies.

Why Makati Has No Window Hours

The midday window used by many NCR cities gives coded drivers time to travel between the morning and evening restrictions.

Makati does not follow that approach. The city’s CBD remains busy during normal business hours because banks, law firms, embassies, corporate offices, and other businesses continue operating throughout the day.

As a result, drivers should not assume that the usual 10:01 AM–4:59 PM window applies inside Makati.

A vehicle that is coded on Tuesday, for example, cannot simply enter Makati at noon because the neighboring city has a window period.

Motorcycles in Makati — The Unique Restriction

Motorcycles are one of the most commonly misunderstood parts of the Makati coding system.

Motorcycles are generally associated with exemptions under the broader Metro Manila coding framework, but the stated Makati local rules treat motorcycles differently. Private motorcycle owners should therefore check their coded weekday before entering Makati.

For example, if a motorcycle plate ends in 5 or 6, Wednesday is the coded day.

This can affect:

• Private motorcycle owners
• Delivery riders
• Motorcycle commuters
• Riders planning routes through Makati

For license-related motorcycle requirements, see our LTO Motorcycle License guide.

TNVS operations require a separate distinction. Qualifying operations by services such as Grab, InDrive, MOVE It, JoyRide, and Lalamove may have applicable exemptions based on their operating status.

The key point is that a private motorcycle used for a personal trip should not automatically be treated as an exempt TNVS vehicle.

Roads Covered by Makati Coding Hours

Makati’s coding rules are especially important on major roads and traffic corridors.

Primary CBD roads

Important roads include:

• Ayala Avenue
• Pasong Tamo (Chino Roces Avenue)
• Buendia (Gil Puyat Avenue)
• Pasay Road
• EDSA-Makati segment
• Estrella Street
• Reposo Street
• Roads around Salcedo Village
• Roads around Legaspi Village

These roads serve major parts of the Makati CBD and can carry heavy traffic throughout the workday.

Border roads (special attention)

Drivers should be careful around city boundaries because the applicable coding rule can change when crossing from one jurisdiction to another.

Important areas include:

• Skyway elevated sections
• Skyway entry and exit ramps
• EDSA-Mandaluyong border near Boni
• C-3/EDSA junction near Magallanes
• Makati-side EDSA corridors

The Skyway elevated lanes have a different status because the Skyway is a private toll expressway. However, ramps located within Makati territory require separate attention.

Generally not covered

Some smaller roads may have different enforcement conditions, including:

• Bel-Air
• Forbes Park
• Urdaneta
• Magallanes Village
• Interior residential streets
• Gated subdivision roads

Drivers should verify the current local treatment rather than assuming that every small interior road has exactly the same enforcement pattern as major Makati roads.

EDSA-Makati Segment Rule (Critical Detail)

EDSA passes through several Metro Manila jurisdictions, including Caloocan, Quezon City, Mandaluyong, Makati, and Pasay.

The coding rule depends on the section of EDSA where you are driving.

This can create a problem for drivers who rely on the midday window in neighboring cities.

For example, a coded vehicle may be allowed to travel during the midday period in Mandaluyong but become restricted after entering the Makati portion of EDSA.

The same issue can happen when traveling north from Pasay toward the Makati segment.

NCAP cameras and other enforcement systems can identify vehicles traveling through the applicable jurisdiction. Simply crossing an intersection is different from continuing along a section of EDSA covered by Makati rules.

Vehicles Exempt from Makati Coding Hours

Not every vehicle is treated the same way under the coding system. Certain categories can qualify for exemptions.

Always exempt (under Makati LGU and MMDA)

Common exempt categories include:

• Public utility vehicles (PUVs)
• Jeepneys
• Buses
• Taxis
• UV Express
• Qualifying TNVS vehicles
• Grab
• InDrive
• MOVE It
• JoyRide
• Lalamove
• Ambulances on duty
• Emergency vehicles
• Fire trucks on duty
• Marked government vehicles
• Garbage trucks
• Marked media vehicles
• Fuel and food trucks carrying essential goods
• Diplomatic vehicles with diplomatic plates

The actual exemption can depend on the vehicle’s legal classification and operating status.

Exempt under EVIDA (Republic Act 11697)

The EVIDA Law, or Republic Act 11697, provides exemptions for qualifying electric and hybrid vehicles.

These include:

• Electric vehicles (EVs)
• Full hybrid vehicles (HEVs)
• Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs)

The stated framework treats EVs as permanently exempt, while full hybrid vehicles have an exemption period through April 15, 2030.

NOT exempt (where many get caught)

Some vehicles are easily confused with exempt categories.

These include:

• Private motorcycles used for personal trips
• Mild hybrid vehicles (MHEVs)
• Brand-new vehicles once the applicable plate or conduction sticker number is assigned
• Private cars that are being used for business purposes

Being marketed as a hybrid vehicle does not automatically mean that an MHEV receives the same treatment as a full hybrid.

Makati Coding Violation Fine – The Escalating Penalty

Makati’s stated local penalty structure becomes more expensive for repeat violations.

Makati LGU Ordinance fines (the higher tier)

The escalation is why drivers should not assume that every Makati coding ticket will be only ₱300 or ₱500.

MMDA Single Ticketing System fines (the lower tier)

The MMDA Single Ticketing System has its own fine framework.

The applicable authority and violation framework matter when determining which penalty applies.

Drivers should also deal with violations promptly. Unpaid records can potentially affect future vehicle registration or driver’s license transactions.

How NCAP Cameras Enforce Makati Coding Hours

The No-Contact Apprehension Policy (NCAP) uses cameras to capture plate information at selected intersections and major traffic corridors.

A simplified process looks like this:

1. A camera scans the plate number.
2. The system identifies the plate’s last digit.
3. The digit is compared with the day’s coding schedule.
4. A coded vehicle detected during the restriction may be recorded.
5. A violation notice can be issued through the applicable process. You can also use the LTO Violation Checker to review applicable violation records.
6. The driver can pay or contest the violation according to the applicable procedure.

The restriction begins at 7:00 AM, so drivers should not treat 7:01 AM as an acceptable arrival time.

Important areas can include:

• EDSA-Makati
• Magallanes
• Boni
• Ayala Avenue
• Buendia or Gil Puyat
• Pasong Tamo
• Skyway entry and exit areas

Drivers can use the applicable MMDA violation checker and LTMS Portal for checking records where those systems apply.

How to Plan Around Makati Coding Hours

The safest approach is to plan your route before entering Makati on a coded day.

Strategy 1: Park outside Makati on your coded day

One option is to park outside Makati and use another form of transportation.

Possible alternatives include:

• Bonifacio Global City (BGC)
• Taguig
• Mandaluyong
• Manila
• Grab
• Taxi
• Public transit

This can be useful for people who work in Makati but have a vehicle coded for that weekday.

Strategy 2: Use the off-peak gap correctly

There is no midday gap in Makati.

Instead, the safer periods are before 7:00 AM and after 7:01 PM.

If your vehicle is coded, adjusting your arrival and departure time can help you avoid entering Makati during the restriction.

Strategy 3: Switch to an exempt vehicle

A qualifying electric vehicle may be exempt under the EVIDA framework.

Full hybrids, including HEVs and PHEVs, also have the stated exemption through April 15, 2030.

Mild hybrid vehicles should not automatically be included because MHEVs have a different classification.

Strategy 4: Carpool with non-coded plates

Carpooling can help when several colleagues have different plate numbers.

For example, a group with five different plates can coordinate which vehicle is used on each weekday so that a non-coded vehicle is available.

Strategy 5: Use public transit

Makati is connected by several public transportation options, including:

• EDSA Carousel
• Jeepneys
• MRT-3
• Buendia station
• Other public transit routes

For regular commuters, using public transportation and a Beep card may be more practical than risking repeated coding fines.

Strategy 6: Plan motorcycle routes around Makati

Motorcycle riders should plan carefully because private motorcycles are not automatically exempt under the stated Makati restriction.

Depending on the destination, a rider may need to use routes through:

• BGC
• Taguig
• Manila
• Mandaluyong

The key is to avoid accidentally crossing into Makati during the motorcycle’s coded period.

EDSA Odd-Even Scheme (Additional Layer)

The EDSA Odd-Even Scheme, described as launching in June 2025, adds another traffic-management consideration for drivers using EDSA.

Under the stated system:

• Odd-numbered plates ending in 1, 3, 5, 7, or 9 are associated with odd calendar dates.
• Even-numbered plates ending in 0, 2, 4, 6, or 8 are associated with even calendar dates.
• The scheme is described as applying all day.
• It can operate separately from standard MMDA coding hours.

For drivers using the EDSA-Makati segment, both sets of restrictions may need to be considered.

For example, a plate ending in 3 is Tuesday-coded. If the applicable calendar-date rule also conflicts with the vehicle’s plate, the driver could face an additional EDSA restriction.

Because the odd-even scheme is separate from ordinary coding, drivers should check its current status and fine schedule independently.

When Makati Coding Hours Are Suspended

Regular coding is not normally applied on:

• Saturdays
• Sundays
• Philippine national holidays
• Special non-working holidays

Examples include Independence Day, Bonifacio Day, Christmas, and New Year’s.

Additional suspensions can be announced because of:

• Severe weather
• Typhoons
• Heavy floods
• National emergencies
• State events
• Visits by foreign heads of state
• Power outages affecting traffic management systems

For current announcements, drivers can check:

• Makati City Government official announcements
• Makati City Government Facebook page
• MMDA Facebook page, @mmdaph
• MMDA hotline 136
• Makati Public Safety Department (MAPSA)

Emergency situations, including the 2026 national energy emergency, should be checked through current official announcements rather than assumed to automatically suspend coding.

Common Makati Coding Hours Misconceptions

Myth 1: “Window hours apply in Makati too.”

False under the stated Makati schedule. The restriction runs continuously from 7 AM to 7 PM, so the usual midday window should not be assumed.

Myth 2: “Motorcycles are exempt in Makati like everywhere else.”

False for private motorcycles under the stated local restriction. Motorcycle riders need to check their coded weekday.

Myth 3: “EDSA is always MMDA standard hours.”

Not necessarily. EDSA passes through several jurisdictions, and the Makati segment has its own local coding treatment.

Myth 4: “₱500 is the maximum coding fine in Makati.”

The MMDA Single Ticketing System may have a ₱300–₱500 fine, but the stated Makati LGU penalty can escalate to ₱1,000, ₱2,000, and ₱5,000.

Myth 5: “I can drive in Makati after 6 PM.”

A coded vehicle remains restricted until 7:00 PM. Driving at 6:30 PM is still within the coding period.

Related guides: Is Number Coding Suspended Today

FAQs

What are the Makati coding hours in 2026?

Makati coding hours are 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM, Monday through Friday, under the stated local schedule. There is no midday window. The coded plate schedule is:

Are there window hours in Makati?

No. The usual 10:01 AM–4:59 PM window used in many NCR cities does not apply under the stated Makati schedule. Coding continues throughout the day from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM.

Are motorcycles included in Makati coding hours?

Yes. Under the stated Makati local restriction, motorcycles are included. A motorcycle rider should check the plate’s coded weekday before entering Makati during the 7 AM–7 PM period.

What is the Makati coding fine?

The stated Makati LGU penalty is:

• ₱1,000 for the first offense
• ₱2,000 for the second offense within 12 months
• ₱5,000 for the third offense within 12 months

A separate MMDA Single Ticketing System fine can also apply depending on the enforcement framework.

What roads in Makati are covered by coding?

Major roads include Ayala Avenue, Buendia or Gil Puyat Avenue, Pasong Tamo or Chino Roces Avenue, Pasay Road, Estrella Street, Reposo Street, Salcedo Village roads, Legaspi Village roads, and the EDSA-Makati segment.

Skyway elevated sections have a different status, while entry and exit ramps within Makati territory require additional attention.

Does the EDSA-Makati segment follow MMDA or Makati rules?

The stated rule is that the Makati portion of EDSA between Boni and Magallanes follows Makati’s continuous 7 AM–7 PM schedule instead of the standard MMDA split schedule.

Can I drive in Makati during the midday window?

No, not if your vehicle is coded and the Makati restriction applies. The 10:01 AM–4:59 PM window used in other NCR cities should not be assumed to apply in Makati.

What is the Makati LGU ordinance for coding?

The stated local framework uses continuous 7 AM–7 PM coding, has no midday window, includes motorcycles, and provides escalating fines of ₱1,000, ₱2,000, and ₱5,000 for successive offenses within the relevant period.

Are EVs and hybrids exempt from Makati coding?

Qualifying EVs are described as exempt under Republic Act 11697, the EVIDA Law. Full hybrids, including HEVs and PHEVs, are described as exempt until April 15, 2030. Mild hybrid vehicles or MHEVs should not automatically be treated the same way.

How do NCAP cameras catch Makati coding violations?

NCAP cameras can scan vehicle plates at selected intersections and traffic corridors. The system can compare the last digit with the coding schedule and record a vehicle detected during the applicable restriction.

Is the Makati coding rule the same as the MMDA scheme?

No. The MMDA system provides the broader Metro Manila framework, while the stated Makati local rules are stricter because of the continuous hours, lack of a window, motorcycle inclusion, and escalating local fines.

What time does Makati coding end?

The stated Makati coding period ends at 7:00 PM, with the restriction lifting at 7:01 PM. This is earlier than the common 8:00 PM end time in the standard MMDA schedule, but Makati does not provide the midday window.

Can I cross Makati during coding hours without driving on its main roads?

It depends on the exact road and jurisdiction. Some interior residential or gated subdivision roads may have different enforcement conditions, but drivers should not assume that using a smaller road automatically avoids coding.

What if I’m an Uber/Grab driver — is my motorcycle exempt in Makati?

A motorcycle operating under a qualifying TNVS status may have an applicable exemption. Private motorcycle use for personal trips is different. The exemption depends on the vehicle’s legal and operating status, not simply the fact that it is a motorcycle.

How do I check if my Makati coding violation was recorded?

Drivers can check applicable MMDA violation records and the LTMS Portal where relevant. Makati LGU violations may also be handled through the city’s traffic management system.

Is Makati coding suspended during the 2026 national energy emergency?

Emergency-related suspensions should be confirmed through current Makati City Government and MMDA announcements. A national emergency does not automatically mean that every coding restriction is permanently suspended. Weekends and applicable Philippine holidays are separate from emergency announcements.

Conclusion

Makati coding is easier to manage once you remember three key points: 7 AM–7 PM, no midday window, and the plate-digit schedule. The additional motorcycle restriction and the special treatment of the EDSA-Makati segment make it important to check your route before entering the city.

For drivers, the safest habit is to check the coded day, confirm whether the vehicle qualifies for an exemption, and avoid assuming that rules from neighboring NCR cities apply inside Makati. Understanding the local fine structure can also save you from an expensive repeat violation.