If you’re a driver in Dubai then there’s a high chance that you’ve had to use a Salik toll gate at some point.
Getting around the city can be a bit frantic at times with traffic chock-a-block during rush hour with cars sitting nose-to-tail.
One solution that the city has come up with to fight congestion on busy city roads has been the introduction of the automated Salik toll collection system.
When you drive through a gate, the smart system will automatically deduct the toll fee from your account.
For newcomers to Dubai, or the more frugal amongst us, it can be a bit daunting knowing what to do when it comes to the tolls.
And, with the rules recently being updated by Salik, there’s no better time for a refresher course in all things Salik. We’ll explain where they are, how to get a tag and how to fight those pesky fines.
How do I get a Salik toll gate tag?
This one is crucial for all drivers in Dubai as without a valid Salik tag in your car you’ll face hefty fines every time you pass through a gate after the initial 10-day grace period.
Thankfully, getting your hands on a tag couldn’t be easier. All you have to do is go to the website, enter your details and pay a fee.
You’ll need your T.C number from your vehicle license card, enter which emirate you live in, the category your vehicle plate falls under and your plate code and number.
The Salik tag costs Dhs100 with half of that added to your account as credit when activated. If you apply for it online then you’ll need to pay an extra Dhs20 charge.
How much does it cost to go through a Salik toll gate?
Generally, it costs Dhs4 every time you go through a Salik toll gate but there are exceptions.
On weekday evenings and all day on Sundays, cars passing under the toll gate at Al Maktoum Bridge, located on Umm Hurair Road are exempt from Salik tolls when the Floating Bridge is closed.
If you pass through Al Mamzar South and Al Mamzar North within the same hour then you get the second one you pass through for free.
You can top-up your Salik account in Dubai in a number of different ways including text, the Salik helpline, kiosks, ATMs, apps and the Salik website.
So, where are the Salik toll gates in Dubai?
There are currently eight toll gates placed around the city with two more set to be added in November of 2024.
You can find the toll gates at:
- Al Barsha
- Al Garhoud Bridge
- Al Maktoum Bride
- Al Mamzar North
- Al Mamzar South
- Al Safa
- Airport tunnel
- Jebel Ali
And the new gates added in November will be in:
- Al Safa South
- Business Bay
What are the fines?
If you pass through a toll gate with insufficient funds in your account to cover the Dhs4 toll fee and you haven’t covered the fee within five business days then you’ll need to pay Dhs50 each time you pass through a gate. There is a maximum of one violation per day.
If you pass through a Salik toll gate without a valid registered Salik tag on your vehicle after the initial 10-day grace period when buying a vehicle then you’ll face fines every time you pass through a gate. It’ll cost Dhs200 the first time you pass, Dhs200 for the second time and Dhs400 every other time you pass through after that.
If you have been found tampering with your tag for fraudulent purposes or have caused damage to a Salik toll gate then the fine is Dhs10,000.
According to the latest rules, the maximum amount of fines in one year that a motorist can face is an aggregate of Dhs10,000.
To avoid further fines you must inform Salik within 90 days if your tag is found to be defective. Salik will then replace your tag free of charge. If your tag has been lost or stolen then Salik must be informed immediately and your tag will then be deactivated. You must then pay for a new tag.
How do I fight a toll gate fine?
If you have a fine on your traffic file that you want to contest then you must do so within 13 months of the fine being issued.
You can dispute the fine online or through the app by selecting any relevant fines and adding them to a dispute list.
To dispute the fine you must provide details for your dispute. You’ll then receive an application reference number. Your dispute will then be investigated and you’ll receive a text message on the final decision within 15 days.
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