Dubai city is famous for state of art infrastructure including the road network. To maintain the high volume of traffic on the roads of Dubai, the city has implemented an electronic road toll system called Salik. The Salik system was introduced in 2007 by RTA. It plays a significant role in managing traffic by encouraging the use of alternative routes, public transportation and reduces congestion.
In this comprehensive guide, we will get to know everything about Salik Dubai, how it works and the process of registration to manage Salik accounts.
What is Salik?
The Salik is an Electronic Road Toll Collection System in Dubai that is significantly introduced to streamline that traffic flow on the busiest roads. Salik means open or clear in Arabic. It aligns the purpose of the system that keeps the road open. Unlike the traditional tool system, you have to pay Salik automatic and cashless systems to ensure a flexible drive for all users.
How is Salik different from the traditional toll system?
- Salik is fully electronic with no physical toll booths
- Driver do not need to stop at all gates that reduces traffic build up
- Charges are automatically detected from a prepaid account
Salik operates through Radio Frequency Identification Technology. Each vehicle is equipped with a salik tag to communicate with the toll gates.
How does Salik work?
Salik operates using an RFID technology tag that you place on the windshield of a car. When you pass through a toll gate, the system scans the card and tol amount is detected from your salik account. It makes the entire process convenient and ensure a smooth traffic flow on the roads of Dubai.
Let’s know how the system works
- After buying a salik tag from an authorized retailer, you place it on the windshield of the car.
- Every time you pass through a toll Gate, AED 4 will be automatically detected from your account
- There is no need to stop or slow down as the vehicle is detected electrically. The charges are debited from the account balance.
- The amount in Salik account reduces and you can top-up as needed.
Sali Gates are located across key highways in Dubai. The main purposes are to manage the high traffic and streamline the routes.
Salik Registration process
Setting up your Salik for a vehicle is a straightforward process. Here is a step by step guide how to register for our Salik account
- Buy a salik tag online via official website or from petrol stations like Emarat, EPPCO, and ENOC.
- Install the tag that comes with installation instructions. Typically you should play it behind the rear view mirror on the inside of the windshield.
- After buying the salik tag you will receive an account number and pin. Use it to activate your account online or through an RTA application.
- After the registration process add credit to your Salik account by using various payment methods such as add bank transfer or Salik recharge cards.
How to recharge your Salik account?
Recharging your salik account is easy as there are multiple ways to do so
- Login to your Salik account. Use your debit card or credit card to top the balance.
- Download the application and link it to your Salik account to recharge by using a credit card.
- Recharge your salik card at petrol stations in Dubai including Emarat, EPPCO,and ENOC.
- Registered users can also recharge their account by sending an SMS recharge card number 5959.
- Some local banks also offer Salik recharge through an online banking system.
Salik fine and penalties
Know your salik balance to avoid penalties. The fine may occur in the following situations.
- If you pass through a salik toll gate with sufficient balance in account. Top up your account within 5 days otherwise you will be fined an AED 50 per violation.
- If the salik tag is not placed properly, the system will not be able to read it, which will ultimately result in a penalty.
- You must transfer the Salik tag for any newly purchased vehicle to avoid a fine while passing through the toll gate in Dubai.
Types of fines
- AED 100 for the first offense
- AED 200 for the second offense
- AED 400 for subsequent offense
Therefore, it is important to ensure that balance is top-up and the tag is properly installed to avoid fines.
Salik for tourist, visitors, and car rentals
Visitors driving in rental cars are also subjected to Salik tools in Dubai. The rental companies include Salik charges in their bill. It is important to enquire with your rental agency about how the Salik fees are managed during the rental period. Some rental companies in Dubai also offer packages where the toll charges are capped at a certain amount for the rental period. Generally, the rented vehicle is equipped with a Salik tag. There is no need to worry about registering for Salik separately.
How to manage your Salik account?
Once you have set up your Salik account, the managing is easy and can be done through
RTA App: The RTA app allows the users to manage Salik accounts on the go. You can easily recharge check balance and view the gate transactions.
Salik website: Login to your account to Salik website to view your balance. You can also add funds and track all history with updated personal details.
Customer service: Contact the customer service by phone or email for support with account related issues.
Salik Toll Gates in Dubai
Salik gates are located on high-traffic roads throughout Dubai. Some of the main Salik toll gates in operation are:
Al Safa Gate: The toll gate is located on Sheikh Zayed Road. It is widely used by commuters traveling between business districts of the city.
Al Garhoud Gate: Al Garhoud Gate is located on the Al Garhoud Bridge. It is one of the most frequently used toll gates in Dubai. The toll gate is for people commuting to and from Deira.
Al Barsha Gate: The Al Barsha Gate Toll is also on Sheikh Zayed Road and located further south. It offers great coverage for the visitors and residents, traveling toward the Jebel Ali side.
Airport Tunnel Gate: The toll gate is essential for travelers heading to and from Dubai International Airport (DXB).
Al Maktoum Bridge Gate: The Al Maktoum Bridge Gate toll is located on the busy Al Maktoum Bridge. It helps to alleviate traffic congestion, heading towards Bur Dubai or Deira Dubai.
Jebel Ali Gate: Jebel Ali toll gate is on Sheikh Zayed Road near Jebel Ali. The toll covers the southern extremity of Dubai.
Exemptions and discounts
Some vehicles are exempt from Salik charges including:
Public transport: buses that are operated by RTA are not allowed to pay Salik charges.
Emergency vehicles: police cars, fire trucks and ambulances are exempt from the salik tools.
Electric vehicles: in order to promote eco-friendly transportation in Dubai, the city has introduced exemptions for electric vehicles. They are allowed to pass without charges for a limited period.
