Gone are the days when you had to wait for the number-coding window hours to drive your Lexus hybrid.

Lexus Philippines said in a November 2022 press statement that all its hybrid models are covered under the exemptions provided by Republic Act 11697 or the “Electric Vehicle Industry Development Act.”

“Lexus continues to be driven in offering its customers with hybrid electric vehicles that provide comfort, practicality, and sustainability which, because of the new law, you can now use daily,” the company said. 

“Each feature hybrid technologies which are a result of genuine and ongoing concern for the harmful effect vehicle emissions can have on the environment while simultaneously enhancing personal mobility,” Lexus added.

Toyota’s luxury arm offers six hybrid models in the Philippines. These include the UX, NX, and RX crossovers, along with the IS, ES, and LS sedans.

Perks of going electric

R.A. 11697 lapsed into law on Apr. 15, 2022, under then-President Rodrigo Duterte.

Among the perks it offers to electric vehicle (EV) owners, including those who own hybrid cars, is an exemption from the number-coding scheme implemented by the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) and local government units until April 2030.

Number coding refers to disallowing certain vehicles on the road based on the last digit of their license plate numbers to help reduce traffic congestion on major roads in Metro Mania.

The MMDA’s window hours (or the times you're allowed to drive a vehicle covered by number coding) are from 10:01 am to 4:59 pm and 8:01 pm until 6:59 am the following day.

So the next time you’re pulled over in your hybrid Lexus for an alleged number-coding violation, kindly show the officer this article, and you should be good to go!