When driving through the streets of Dubai, you will inevitably notice the electronic gates that you pass beneath without needing to stop. This is simply the smart road toll system, Salik, which ensures seamless traffic flow in the Emirate. If you plan to own a car or even rent one for a short period through King Way, understanding all the details of the Salik system in Dubai is an essential step to avoid unexpected fines and guarantee a trouble-free journey.
Salik System Guide in the United Arab Emirates
In this guide we have prepared for you, we provide the practical information you truly need, starting from how to purchase and activate the tag, right through to quick top-up methods and the locations of the gates. This will save you the hassle of searching and answer your questions directly. Discover your practical guide to the Salik system in Dubai, covering everything from tag prices and top-up methods to avoiding fines. Accurate and direct information ensures you have a safe journey without surprises.
What is the Salik System in Dubai?
The Salik system in Dubai is a smart and advanced framework specifically designed to achieve high traffic flow in the Emirate’s streets. It relies entirely on Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology to automatically identify vehicles via the electronic system.
The real advantage you will feel as a driver is the lack of need to stop at any toll booth to pay fees. As soon as you pass beneath one of the toll gates spread across Dubai, the system scans the tag affixed to your car’s windshield and immediately deducts the toll fee (4 AED) from your prepaid balance.
Salik Card Price, Including Initial Balance
When planning to purchase the card, it is important to know the total cost and how the amount is split to ensure you pay the fair and official price.
The unified cost for obtaining the Salik Welcome Kit is 100 AED when purchased from authorized sales outlets. This amount is divided into 50 AED for the price of the tag itself, and 50 AED which is automatically added to your balance for immediate use in crossings.
Where to Buy the Salik Tag in Dubai
To make things easier and save your time, the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has ensured that Salik system cards are available at strategic locations that are easy to access during your daily commutes.
There is no need for a long search; you can obtain the “Salik Tag” and activate it immediately by heading to one of the petrol stations spread throughout the Emirate, which are the most practical choice for drivers, or through authorized service centers if you prefer direct interaction with staff to complete other procedures.
Salik tags are available at the following stations:
- Emarat Stations.
- ENOC Stations.
- EPPCO Stations.
- ADNOC Distribution Stations.
Checking Salik Fines by Plate Number
It can sometimes happen that you pass through a gate without noticing that your balance is insufficient, which exposes you to fines. Therefore, regularly checking your vehicle’s record is a necessary precautionary measure.
You can easily check for any outstanding amounts or fines registered against your car without needing to visit service centers, using digital channels that provide accurate and updated data.
These steps allow you to know your legal status and avoid the accumulation of financial penalties that may result from late payment.
Steps for Inquiry via the Official Website or Smart App:
- Access the official Salik website, or the Smart Salik application.
- Select the “Inquire about violations” service from the main menu.
- Accurately enter the vehicle details (Plate Number, Code, and Plate Source).
- Click the search button to display the list of violations, their date, and value, if any.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if i pass under the gate and haven’t installed the tag Yet?
Don’t worry, the system grants you a grace period of 10 working days from the time of the first crossing to purchase and activate the Salik card. If you activate it within this period, only the normal toll fee of 4 AED will be deducted. If you exceed the deadline, you will incur a fine for non-subscription to the system.
Are fees deducted twice when passing the Al Mamzar gates (North and South)?
If you cross the Al Mamzar North gate and then the Al Mamzar South gate (or vice versa) in the same direction within one hour only, only one toll fee (4 AED) will be charged.
How do i deal with Salik if i am driving a rental Car?
You do not need to purchase a tag for rental cars, as the rental company will have pre-activated the system. The company will deduct the value of the gate crossings from you upon returning the vehicle, and they usually add a simple administrative fee (usually 1 AED) on top of the official tariff for each crossing.
