No Dubai driver can avoid Salik toll gates. The electronic system charges toll fees automatically as you pass through, debiting the registered amount from your account without you needing to stop. New rules came into force in July 2024 — here is a quick, updated guide covering everything you need to know.
How to Get a Salik Toll Gate Tag
Every vehicle driven in Dubai must carry a valid, registered Salik tag to avoid fines. Getting one is straightforward: visit the Salik website, enter your details, and pay a AED 100 deposit. Of that amount, AED 50 is credited directly to your Salik account as usable balance. There is also an AED 20 application fee if you register online.
How Much Does a Salik Crossing Cost?
The standard charge is AED 4 per gate. Two exceptions apply:
- Al Maktoum Bridge: Free during weekday evenings and on Sundays when the Floating Bridge is closed. - Al Mamzar North and South: Free on the second gate if you pass through the first gate within the same hour.
How Many Salik Toll Gates Are There in Dubai?
There are currently eight active toll gates across Dubai. Two additional gates are set to open in November 2024, bringing the total to ten.
Current gate locations:
- Al Barsha - Al Garhoud Bridge - Al Maktoum Bridge - Al Mamzar North - Al Mamzar South - Al Safa - Airport Tunnel - Jebel Ali
New gates opening November 2024:
- Al Safa South (Sheikh Zayed Road) - Business Bay Crossing (Al Khail Road)
What Are the Salik Fines?
- Insufficient balance: AED 50 per violation, maximum one fine per day, if you do not top up within five working days. - No valid tag — 1st offence: AED 100. - No valid tag — 2nd offence: AED 200. - No valid tag — subsequent offences: AED 400 per crossing. - Tampering with a tag or damaging a gate: AED 10,000.
The maximum total fines per vehicle per calendar year is AED 10,000.
If your tag is defective, report it to Salik within 90 days to prevent fines from accumulating on a faulty device. Lost or stolen tags must also be reported immediately; you will need to purchase a replacement.
How to Dispute a Salik Fine
Salik fines can be contested within 13 months of the date of issue through the Salik website or mobile app. Submit the details of your dispute and a decision will be returned within 15 working days.
Keeping up with these rules helps you avoid unexpected charges every time you drive through Dubai.
