Dubai
2023/07/06
Dubai is a bustling metropolitan! But the city's development brought about its fair share of transportation challenges and traffic congestion. So in a quest to improve the city's transportation system, the management came up with the Salik toll gates.
Installed in several points in Dubai, the Salik toll gates will help generate income reinvested in various infrastructure projects, public transportation networks, etc. Whether you live to Dubai or rent a car in Dubai, there's a high chance you may have come across or heard about the Salik toll gates. So keep reading as we demystify everything you need to know about the Salik toll gates.
Salik is an Arabic word that means "open" or "clear." It's an automated toll gates system launched by the Road and Transport Authority in 2007. Introducing the Salik system aims to alleviate traffic congestion on major roads. This groundbreaking innovation in the Dubai traffic system uses a Salik tag. The tag is a small electronic transponder linked to your prepaid account with radio frequency identification technology.
So, anytime you drive through any toll gate, the intelligent toll collection mechanism automatically deducts a fee from your account.
It's a requirement to have a tag to pass through a Salik toll gate. So to buy a tag, below is the step-by-step guide to follow.
The first step to buying this tag is to visit the Salik website to check for your nearest customer service centre. Or you can contact their helpline for more support.
When going to the service centre, ensure you go with all the required documents. Typically, you'll need a valid passport or Emirates ID and your vehicle registration card.
At the centre, you will receive an application form to fill out. In the form, you will be asked to provide personal information like your name, address, vehicle information, contact information, etc.
After filling out the form, there's a one-time fee you'd have to pay for the tag. The fee varies, so it's best to ask the agent attending you about the current cost. Depending on the centre, you can pay via cash or other electronic payment methods.
After completing the registration step, you will get a tag and the necessary installation instructions. The tag is a small device you can install in your vehicle, often on the windscreen.
Now that you've installed the tag, the next thing is to create an account. You can do this online through the Salik website or mobile app. Set up an account following the prompt on the website to link the Salik tag to your license number.
The Salik system uses a prepaid method of payment. So, you must have an available balance every time you intend to pass the gate. The toll gates monitor every vehicle that passes through it, and violating its terms of usage will attract fines. But upon activating the Salik tag, you'd get AED 50 in your balance. And AED 4 will be deducted from the balance whenever you pass any toll gates.
Motorists in Dubai must have the Salik tag to pass through the mentioned toll gates. Passing the toll gates without a tag attracts a fine of up to AED 400, depending on the times you pass. However, it is worth noting that there's a maximum of one violation a day.
If you don't want to go through the hassle of paying for the Salik tag or reloading the Salik gates, here are some tips to avoid the charges:
Time your travel
Some Salik toll gates offer motorists a reduced or no charge at certain times of some days. The two Al Mamzar is a prime example where you can travel both gates in the same direction but pay the AED 4 charge. Also, the Al Maktoum gate is another example where you can travel through them free from Monday to Friday between 10 pm and 6 am and from Saturday to Monday between 10 pm and 6 am.
Use public transport
Dubai offers commuters several public transportation options like trams, buses, Dubai Metro, etc. Opting for any of these gives you the luxury of reaching your destination without worrying about paying the Salik toll gate fee.
Use alternative route
The Salik toll gates are located on certain roads and bridges. Depending on where you're going, there may be alternative routes you can follow to avoid this charge. However, these alternative routes may take you longer to reach your destination. You can find the best alternative ways using Google Maps or Apple Maps.
Carpool with a friend
Another option you can consider is sharing a ride with a friend. When you carpool, even if you must pay the Salik toll gate charge, it will be distributed amongst the passengers in the vehicle. This way, one person won't have to bear the entire charge burden.