Complete guide to DARB toll gates in Abu Dhabi

• Abu Dhabi Salik/DARB
• Registration
• Toll Gate Costs
• Fines
• FAQs

If you commute to your workplace daily, you might have encountered a toll gate. These toll gates are checkpoints on roads or bridges where drivers pay a fee to continue their journey. Governments take this initiative to fund and upkeep infrastructure, encourage alternative transportation modes such as public buses or carpooling and manage traffic flow. Abu Dhabi Salik, or DARB toll gate, plays a similar role in the capital city.

This comprehensive guide outlines how Salik for Abu Dhabi works, including registration, paying fees and avoiding fines.

Please note: this article will be updated as and when new regulations are announced. For more information, refer to the official DARB/Integrated Transport Centre’s website.

WHAT IS THE DARB ABU DHABI TOLL GATE SYSTEM?

People usually ask, “Is there Salik in Abu Dhabi?”. The answer is yes. However, the Salik equivalent in Abu Dhabi is called DARB. Similar to the Salik system in Dubai and part of the greater DARB Abu Dhabi, this is an automated road toll system.

DARB/Darb or Salik Abu Dhabi is an initiative by the Department of Transport Abu Dhabi. Designed to manage traffic flow and encourage public transport use, DARB uses overhead sensors that automatically charge tolls as you pass under designated points.

Remember, DARB aims to ensure a smoother traffic flow for everyone. You can navigate Abu Dhabi efficiently by registering your vehicle and planning your trips around peak hours.

HOW IS THE DARB TOLL DEDUCTED IN ABU DHABI?

Salik Abu Dhabi does not have the same scanning technology as the Dubai Salik system. Salik in Dubai automatically scans the Salik tag installed on the vehicle’s windshield. This is how tolls in Dubai work.

 On the other hand, toll charges in Abu Dhabi are deducted from the prepaid DARB account based on the vehicle’s number plate using an integrated electronic payment wallet.

ABU DHABI TOLL GATE DARB LOCATIONS

According to the UAE government’s official website, toll gates are located on the following main bridges leading to the capital city:

• Al Maqtaa Bridge
• Mussafah Bridge
• Sheikh Zayed Bridge 
• Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Bridge

ABU DHABI SALIK REGISTRATION

Vehicle owners must activate their DARB accounts with the official DARB website or app to avoid fines. How to register for Salik in Abu Dhabi, you might ask?

Here’s what to do for Abu Dhabi Salik registration online:

• Visit the DARB website or download the DARB mobile application from Google Play Store or Apple Store.
• Select the service type “Individual” under the Create New Account section.
• Enter your valid email address and submit.
• An OTP (One Time Password) will be sent to your email address. Enter the OTP.
• Select your emirate (where your vehicle(s) are registered).
• Enter your Traffic Code Number.
• Select your registered mobile phone number.
• Enter the OTP sent to your mobile phone.
• Enter and confirm your desired password.

Before starting the registration process, ensure you have an Emirates ID,
the car’s number plate, credit/debit card details and an active phone number and email ID.

Once you confirm your password, you’re officially registered. Now you can fully access your account, activate it, register your vehicles for toll-free travel and even top up your DARB wallet for seamless toll payments.

As per the Abu Dhabi toll registration website, the initial registration fee for Abu Dhabi toll gates is around AED 100. Of this, AED 50 will be added as credit to your account.

You can review our DARB registration guide if you have more queries regarding Abu Dhabi Salik registration.

COST FOR PASSING THROUGH THE ABU DHABI TOLL GATE

These are the costs for the new tollgate system in Abu Dhabi:

• DARB Abu Dhabi costs AED 4.
• Motorists are only charged for the peak hours of Abu Dhabi Salik timings* – Monday to Saturday (07:00 am to 09:00 am and 05:00 pm to 07:00 pm).
• No DARB charges apply during non-peak hours on weekdays.
• The DARB toll in Abu Dhabi is also free on Sundays and public holidays.
• The maximum DARB fee per day is AED 16.  
• Monthly caps for private vehicles are:
  • AED 200 for one vehicle
  • AED 150 for the second vehicle
  • AED 100 for each additional vehicle

HOW TO PAY FOR DARB’S TOLL GATE FEE

With the DARB toll system in Abu Dhabi, you don’t need to worry about fumbling with cash at toll gates. Instead, you can top up a virtual wallet associated with your account. Hence, the fee is automatically deducted from your wallet balance whenever you drive through a DARB toll gate. Conveniently, you can top up this wallet anytime online through the DARB website or mobile app using your credit or debit card.

Drivers should also note that DARB’s website is connected to the Federal Traffic System, so whenever a new car is registered, it will automatically appear on the system without you having to create another DARB account.

*Please note: toll gate timings stated above are as per the Integrated Transport System (ICT)’s official website.

WHO IS EXEMPTED FROM PAYING TOLL CHARGES IN ABU DHABI?

Here is a list of individuals exempted from toll charges in Abu Dhabi:

• Senior Emiratis
• People of Determination
• Emiratis with low income 
• Retired Emiratis

Please note that the exemption is limited to one vehicle. The toll system will automatically exempt these categories from paying tolls if their vehicles are registered in Abu Dhabi. However, owners of vehicles registered in other emirates must log into their accounts to claim an exemption.

Here’s how they can do it:

• Register for an account on the DARB website or mobile application
• Login to your account and select the ‘Exemption’ option
• Choose the category that applies to your exemption request
• Submit the required documents to support your exemption claim

Vehicles exempted from toll gate charges include:

• Senior or retired Emiratis, Emiratis with limited income and People of Determination
• Ambulances
• Taxis with an Abu Dhabi licence
• Towed vehicles
• School buses registered in Abu Dhabi
• Public buses carrying 26 or more passengers
• Electric vehicles
• Police vehicles of the capital city
• Ministry of Interior Vehicles
• Armed Forces vehicles
• Civil Defence vehicles and motorbikes

ABU DHABI SALIK FINES

Those attempting to cross the toll gates in Abu Dhabi without an activated DARB account can expect hefty fines. DARB registration is mandatory, even for exempted vehicles.

There are four types of toll gate system violations:

Unregistered Vehicle: If you drive through a DARB toll gate without registering your vehicle, you have ten working days to register it. Failing to register after the grace period will result in fines:

• First Offense: AED 100 (regardless of the number of crossings on that day)
• Second Offense: AED 200 per day (regardless of the number of crossings)
• Third Offense (and subsequent): AED 400 per day (regardless of the number of crossings)

Insufficient Balance: Vehicles with licence plates from outside Abu Dhabi will be fined AED 50 if their DARB account balance is inadequate to cover the toll. This fine applies only after a 5-day grace period to top up the account after a toll crossing.

For Abu Dhabi residents, if you drive through a DARB toll gate with insufficient balance in your account, you won’t be able to avoid settling the outstanding fee.

Before you can renew your registration, waive any traffic fines, cancel your registration, export your vehicle or even make any changes to your vehicle information at the Driver Licensing Department, you’ll need to clear your DARB toll debt in full.

Tampering with Licence Plate: Tampering with your vehicle’s licence plate to avoid paying tolls will result in a fine of AED 10,000.

Damaging Toll Equipment: Damaging any electronic payment machines or toll gates will result in a fine of AED 10,000.

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FAQS ABOUT SALIK ABU DHABI

HOW CAN I TOP UP MY WALLET?

Topping up your DARB wallet or going for an Abu Dhabi Salik balance check is easy. You have several options:

• Dashboard: Log in and look at the top left corner of your dashboard. You’ll see your wallet name with a “Top Up” button. Click that button to add funds.
• Vehicles Page: Go to the “Vehicles” section and select a specific vehicle. If the system allows it, you’ll see a “Top Up” button for that vehicle’s assigned wallet. Click it to add funds.
• Profile Page: After logging in to your account, click on your name in the top right corner. This will likely take you to your profile page, where you should find a top-up wallet option.

WHERE TO BUY A SALIK TAG IN ABU DHABI?

You do not need to buy a DARB tag in Abu Dhabi. The fees will be deducted from your account based on your car’s number plate. However, it is advisable to check the DARB’s official website for further details.

DO DUBAI SALIK TAGS WORK IN ABU DHABI?

The Dubai Salik tag does not work in Abu Dhabi. Dubai Salik fees are collected using tags attached to the vehicle’s windscreen. On the other hand, the toll gate fees are collected using sophisticated number plate recognition technology in Abu Dhabi.

Motorists from Dubai may need to register for the Abu Dhabi toll system account if they plan to visit. 

WHAT TIME IS DARB FREE?

Abu Dhabi salik free timings are:

• On Sundays and official public holidays
• Every day outside of peak hours:
  • Between 09:00 am and 05:00 pm
  • From 07:00 pm to 07:00 am

HOW CAN I CONTACT ABU DHABI SALIK OR DARB?

Here are the contact numbers and information of Darb:

• Toll-free number: 800-850
• Email: customer.care@itc.gov.ae

If you can reach a representative at Darb’s office in Abu Dhabi for any inquiries or requests, here is the Abu Dhabi Salik location:

• Location: Al Khor Street, Rabdan, Abu Dhabi
• Working Hours: 07:30 am to 03:30 pm (Monday to Thursday) | 07:30 am to 12:00 pm (Friday)

That concludes our guide on the Abu Dhabi Salik version.

Although the processes differ, this toll gate Abu Dhabi system works similarly to Salik in Dubai. If you’re in the neighbouring emirate, recharge your Salik account in Dubai to ensure a sufficient balance for toll deductions every time you pass a gate.

For the latest Abu Dhabi toll gate news and updates, follow us on MyBayut.