If you're a driver in Dubai, there's a high chance you've encountered a Salik toll at some point during your travels. The city’s roads can get hectic, especially during rush hours when traffic comes to a standstill and cars are stuck bumper to bumper. To help combat this congestion, the city introduced the automated Salik toll system.
With Salik, the system automatically deducts the toll fees from your account as you pass through toll gates. This guide will walk you through how the system works, where the tolls are located, how to get a Salik tag, and how to avoid fines.
How to Get a Salik Tag
To obtain a Salik tag, you'll need your vehicle’s registration number (which is listed on your car's license plate), your emirate, and your vehicle's plate category. The tag costs AED 100, with half of that amount credited to your account upon activation. If you choose to order the tag online, there is an additional AED 20 fee.
How Much Does a Salik Toll Cost?
The standard toll fee for Salik is AED 4 each time you pass through a toll gate. However, there are some exceptions. On weekdays and all day Sunday, vehicles passing through the Al Maktoum Bridge toll on Umm Hurair Road are exempt from toll fees when the floating bridge is closed.
Additionally, if you pass through both the North and South Al Mamzar toll gates within the same hour, the second crossing is free of charge.
Salik account top-ups can be done in various ways, including via SMS, through Salik’s customer service line, at kiosks, via vending machines, or through the Salik website and app.
Dynamic Toll Pricing Coming in 2024
Starting January 2024, the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) plans to introduce dynamic toll pricing during peak hours. This means that toll fees may increase during high-traffic periods, especially in busy areas, as the demand on the roads rises.
Where Are the Salik Toll Gates in Dubai?
Currently, there are eight Salik toll gates across Dubai, with two additional gates expected to open by November 2024. The existing toll gates are located at:
- Al Barsha
- Al Garhoud Bridge
- Al Maktoum Bridge
- North Al Mamzar
- South Al Mamzar
- Al Safa
- Airport Tunnel
- Jebel Ali
If you're a driver in Dubai, it’s crucial to have a valid Salik tag in your car. Without it, you will incur fines each time you pass through a toll gate, especially after the 10-day grace period following vehicle registration.
New Salik Toll Gates Coming in November 2024:
- Al Safa South
- Business Bay Crossing
Salik Toll Fines
If you drive through a Salik toll gate without sufficient funds in your account to cover the AED 4 toll, and you don’t top up your account within five business days, you’ll be fined AED 50 for each toll crossing. You’re allowed only one such infraction per day.
If your vehicle doesn’t have a valid Salik tag after the initial 10-day grace period following registration, you’ll face fines each time you cross a toll. The first fine will be AED 200, the second AED 200 again, and AED 400 for each subsequent crossing. In cases of fraud, such as tampering with your Salik tag or causing damage to the toll system, the fine can reach AED 10,000.
The maximum amount of fines a driver can accumulate in a year is AED 10,000.
Reporting Faulty or Lost Salik Tags
To avoid further fines, it’s important to report any issues with your Salik tag within 90 days. If your tag is faulty, Salik will replace it for free. If the tag is lost or stolen, you must notify Salik immediately, and the tag will be deactivated. A new tag will need to be purchased.
How to Contest a Salik Toll Fine
If you receive a Salik toll fine that you believe is unjust, you can contest it within 13 months of the violation. You can submit your appeal online or via the Salik app by selecting the fines you wish to dispute and adding them to your list of disputes.
To file an appeal, you’ll need to provide details of your case. After submission, you’ll receive a reference number for your request. The appeal will be reviewed, and you’ll receive an SMS notification of the final decision within 15 days.
Dubai's New Salik Toll Gates: What You Need to Know.
In conclusion, navigating the Salik toll system in Dubai can seem a bit daunting at first, but once you’re familiar with the rules, it becomes much easier. Ensure your Salik tag is active, maintain a funded account, and keep an eye on new toll gates and potential changes to pricing. By following these guidelines, you can avoid fines and make your driving experience in Dubai more seamless.