Salik Toll System Guide: Everything You Need to Know

Salik is Dubai's electronic toll collection system, operational since July 2007. If you're driving in Dubai, understanding Salik is essential to avoid penalties and manage your travel costs effectively.

What is Salik?

Salik (meaning "clear" or "open" in Arabic) is an automatic toll system that:

• Uses radio frequency identification (RFID) technology
• Charges vehicles automatically when passing toll gates
• Operates 24/7, 365 days a year
• Helps manage traffic flow on busy roads

Current Toll Rates (2025)

Standard Vehicles

| Gate Passage | Fee | |--------------|-----| | Each toll gate | AED 4 | | Daily maximum | No limit | | Insufficient balance fee | AED 50 |

Commercial Vehicles

Commercial vehicles pay the same rate but may have different account requirements.

Toll Gate Locations

Dubai currently has 8 Salik toll gates:

1. Al Maktoum Bridge - Connecting Deira to Bur Dubai
2. Al Garhoud Bridge - Near Dubai Festival City
3. Al Safa - Sheikh Zayed Road (near Mall of the Emirates)
4. Al Barsha - Sheikh Zayed Road
5. Airport Tunnel - Near Dubai International Airport
6. Al Mamzar North - On Sheikh Zayed Road
7. Al Mamzar South - On Sheikh Zayed Road
8. Jebel Ali - Sheikh Zayed Road (near Ibn Battuta Mall)

Getting a Salik Tag

Where to Buy

1. Petrol Stations: ENOC, EPPCO, EMARAT
2. Supermarkets: Carrefour, Spinneys, Lulu
3. Online: salik.ae or RTA website
4. RTA Service Centers

Tag Cost

• Tag price: AED 50 (includes AED 50 balance)
• First recharge: Typically AED 100 minimum

Installation

1. Clean inside windshield thoroughly
2. Peel off backing from tag
3. Place on upper center of windshield
4. Press firmly for 30 seconds
5. Tag is immediately active

Registering Your Tag

Why Register?

Registration allows you to:

• Recharge online
• Receive low balance alerts
• View transaction history
• Manage multiple vehicles

How to Register

Online (salik.ae):

1. Create an account
2. Add your tag number
3. Link your vehicle details
4. Add payment method

Via App:

1. Download "S'hail" app (RTA)
2. Create account or use UAE Pass
3. Add Salik tag
4. Complete registration

Recharging Your Account

Online Methods

1. Salik Website (salik.ae)

   • Log in to your account
   • Select "Recharge"
   • Enter amount (minimum AED 100)
   • Pay by card

2. S'hail App

   • Open app and select Salik
   • Choose recharge amount
   • Complete payment

3. Dubai Now App

   • Navigate to Salik services
   • Recharge with saved card

In-Person Methods

1. RTA Service Centers: Cash or card
2. Self-service Kiosks: At malls and metro stations
3. Etisalat/du stores: Account recharge

Automatic Top-up

Set up auto-recharge to never run out:

1. Log in to salik.ae
2. Enable auto-recharge
3. Set threshold amount (e.g., below AED 50)
4. Set recharge amount
5. Link credit/debit card

Penalties for Insufficient Balance

What Happens?

If you pass a Salik gate without sufficient balance:

• The toll is recorded
• AED 50 penalty is added
• Total charge: AED 4 + AED 50 = AED 54

Avoiding Penalties

1. Set up auto-recharge
2. Enable low balance SMS alerts
3. Check balance before long trips
4. Keep minimum AED 50 balance

Penalty Accumulation

Multiple passages without balance:

• Each passage incurs separate penalty
• Penalties can accumulate quickly
• Unpaid Salik fees block vehicle registration renewal

Salik Account Management

Checking Balance

Online: Log in to salik.ae SMS: Send "BAL" to 5765 App: Check in S'hail app Phone: Call 800 SALIK (800 72545)

Transaction History

View your toll history to:

• Track travel patterns
• Verify charges
• Dispute incorrect charges
• Download statements

Multiple Tags

If you have multiple vehicles:

1. Buy tag for each vehicle
2. Register all tags to one account
3. Maintain shared balance
4. Track each vehicle separately

Rental Cars and Salik

Who Pays?

• Rental companies typically handle Salik
• Charges added to your final bill
• Some rentals include Salik in daily rate
• Check rental agreement carefully

Using Your Own Tag

Some rental companies allow you to:

1. Register the rental car temporarily
2. Use your own Salik tag
3. Return tag registration after rental

Commercial Vehicles

Fleet Accounts

For businesses with multiple vehicles:

• Corporate accounts available
• Volume discounts may apply
• Centralized billing
• Fleet management features

Taxi and Ride-Share

• Taxis and ride-share pass Salik costs to passengers
• Typically shown separately on receipt
• Standard AED 4 per gate applies

Salik and Traffic Flow

Why Toll Roads?

Salik was implemented to:

• Reduce congestion on key routes
• Fund road infrastructure
• Encourage alternative routes
• Improve overall traffic flow

Peak vs Off-Peak

Salik charges are the same 24/7. However:

• Traffic is heaviest 7-9 AM and 5-8 PM
• Consider alternate routes during peak
• Plan trips to minimize toll gates

Alternative Routes

To avoid specific Salik gates:

Al Safa Gate Alternatives

• Use internal roads through Al Quoz
• Take Al Khail Road (may have own gates)

Bridge Gate Alternatives

• Business Bay Crossing
• Floating Bridge (limited hours)

Planning Routes

Use Google Maps or Waze to:

• See toll gate locations
• Compare routes with/without tolls
• Estimate total journey cost

Troubleshooting

Tag Not Reading

If your tag isn't detected:

1. Check tag placement
2. Ensure tag isn't damaged
3. Verify account has balance
4. Contact Salik support

Incorrect Charges

To dispute a charge:

1. Log in to salik.ae
2. Find the transaction
3. Submit dispute with details
4. Provide evidence if available

Lost/Stolen Tag

1. Report immediately on salik.ae
2. Deactivate the tag
3. Purchase new tag
4. Transfer remaining balance

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use cash at toll gates?

No, Salik is fully automated. No cash payments at gates.

Do motorcycles pay Salik?

No, motorcycles are exempt from Salik tolls.

Is there a monthly cap?

No, there's no daily or monthly maximum. Each passage is charged.

Can I get a refund on unused balance?

Registered accounts can request refunds through RTA, minus processing fees.

Conclusion

Salik is an efficient toll system that's easy to use once set up. Key takeaways:

• Get your tag from any petrol station
• Register online for convenience
• Set up auto-recharge to avoid penalties
• Keep at least AED 50 balance

For current gate locations and any updates, visit salik.ae or the RTA website.