No-Parking and Absolute No-Parking Zones in Manila: What Every Driver Must Know
Parking in Metro Manila has always been tricky. With limited spaces, heavy traffic, and ever-changing rules, many drivers often risk parking on the roadside—only to return and find their car clamped, ticketed, or worse, towed!
To address this, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), along with local government units (LGUs), has implemented a unified parking policy. At its core are two categories: No-Parking Zones and Absolute No-Parking Zones.
Understanding the difference between the two is crucial—not just to avoid penalties, but also to contribute to smoother traffic flow and safer roads. Here is a comprehensive guide that will walk you through these new policies.
No-Parking vs Absolute No-Parking: What’s the Difference?
No-Parking Zones
- Definition: Roads where parking is restricted during certain hours or only on specific sides. Parking may be allowed outside peak hours.
- Examples: Secondary roads like Apacible, Jose Abad Santos, Pedro Gil, and United Nations Avenue.
- Penalty: Ticketing (Uniform Ordinance Violation Receipt) or towing if causing obstruction.
Absolute No-Parking Zones
- Definition: Roads where parking is prohibited at all times—24/7. Stopping, loading, or unloading is not allowed.
- Examples: Major roads like Roxas Boulevard, Taft Avenue, Aurora Boulevard, and all Mabuhay Lanes.
- Penalty: Immediate ticketing, towing, and impounding.
Why Are These Rules Important?
- Reduce Congestions – Even a single parked vehicle on a busy road can cause bottlenecks and slow down traffic.
- Improve Road Safety – Illegally parked cars create blind spots and block access for emergency vehicles.
- Ensure Consistency – A unified policy prevents confusion, as rules previously varied by city.
- Promote Discipline – Clear restrictions remind drivers to use designated parking facilities instead of side streets.
Tips to Avoid Penalties
- Learn the Roads – Familiarize yourself with absolute no-parking zones, especially if you drive through the City of Manila on a daily basis.
- Look for Signages – Pay attention to “No Parking” and “Tow-Away Zone” signs, and painted curbs (yellow or red) that also signal restrictions.
- Mind the Hours – Some no-parking zones only apply during rush hours (6–9 AM, 4–7 PM).
- Use Parking Apps – Apps such as ParkNFly or Google Maps often list nearby legal parking areas.
- Don’t Risk It – While parking in restricted areas may save you a few pesos in parking fees, it could cost you thousands if the car is towed.
What’s New: Unified No Parking Policy
The Regulation No. 25-001, titled “Harmonizing Public Street Parking in Metro Manila and for Other Purposes,” aims to standardize parking rules across Metro Manila. Recently introduced by the MMDA, this policy creates clarity and avoids confusion for motorists.
This unified approach ensures that drivers know exactly where they can and cannot park—reducing disputes, improving traffic flow, and creating a safer road environment.
List of No-Parking and Absolute No-Parking Zones within the City of Manila
Absolute No-Parking Zones
- C.M Recto Avenue
- Pres. Quirino Avenue
- Roxas Boulevard (R-1)
- Taft Avenue (R-2)
- Magsaysay Blvd. / Aurora Blvd. (R-6)
- Rizal Avenue (R-9)
- Delpan (R-10)
- 17 Mabuhay Lanes
No-Parking Zones
- Agusto Francisco Street
- Alfonso Mendoza Street
- Apacible Street
- Arellano Avenue
- Ayala Boulevard
- Bacood Street
- Beata Street
- Blumentritt Road, Sampaloc
- Carreon Street
- Dimasalang Street
- Estrada Street
- Fajardo Street
- Finance Road
- Geronimo Street
- Guanzon Street
- Jesus Street
- Jose Abad Santos Avenue
- Kalaw (Westbound)
- Laong-Laan Street
- Laura Street
- Lawton
- Legarda Street
- Leon Guinto Street
- M. Dela Fuente Street
- Maceda Street
- Maria Clara Street
- Moriones Street
- Natividad Lopez Street
- Old Sta. Mesa
- Onyx Street
- Osmena Highway
- P. Sanchez Street
- Pablo Ocampo Street
- Padre Burgos Avenue
- Padre Faura Street
- Panaderos Street
- Pasigline Street
- Paz Street
- Pedro Gil Street
- Penafrancia Street
- Pres. Quirino Extension
- Quirino Street, Tondo, Manila
- R. Magsaysay
- Retiro Street
- Mel Lopez Boulevard (R-10)
- Romualdez Street
- San Andres Bukid
- San Anton Street
- San Marcelino Street
- Singalong Street
- Tayuman Street
- Tejeron Street
- United Nations Avenue
- Vicente Cruz Street
- Victorino Mapa Extension
- Victorino Mapa Street
- Zobel Roxas Street
Parking violations in Manila are more than just fines—they’re also about discipline and safety. By being aware and understanding the difference between No-Parking Zones and Absolute No-Parking Zones, drivers can both avoid unnecessary expenses and contribute to smoother, safer traffic.
Just remember: When in doubt, don’t park. Look for designated parking facilities and keep our roads clear for everyone’s benefit.
