Got wheels? Heading to Abu Dhabi? Whether it’s your trusty sedan or a flashy rental taking you for a weekend getaway or a last-minute Louvre visit, you’ve got to know the deal with AUH’s sneaky toll gates. No one wants a surprise fine ruining their vibe (or their wallet). So, before you hit the road like a lost gazelle, here’s everything you need to know to navigate the Abu Dhabi toll gates smoothly and avoid fines.
What Is It Called
Many drivers wonder: “Does Abu Dhabi have its own version of Salik?” The answer is yes – it’s called DARB. Initiated by Abu Dhabi’s Department of Transport, this automated toll system functions similarly to Dubai’s Salik but with some key differences.
As part of the comprehensive DARB Abu Dhabi initiative, this smart toll system uses advanced sensors to automatically charge vehicles passing through designated toll points. The primary goal is to optimise traffic flow and promote sustainable transportation options across the emirate.
DARB Registration
Vehicle owners must activate their DARB accounts with the official DARB website or app to avoid fines. How to register for Salik in Abu Dhabi, you might ask?
1. Visit the Darb Toll System Website
- Visit the DARB website or download the DARB mobile application from Google Play Store or Apple Store.
2. Create an Account or Log In with UAE Pass
- If you already have a UAE Pass account, simply log in with your existing credentials.
- Select the service type Individual under the Create New Account section.
- Enter your valid email address and submit.
- An OTP (One Time Password) will be sent to your email address. Enter the OTP.
- Select your emirate (where your vehicle(s) is registered).
- Enter your Traffic Code Number.
- Select your registered mobile phone number.
- Enter the OTP sent to your mobile phone.
- Enter and confirm your desired password.
3. Add Your Vehicle Details
- Once logged in, navigate to the Vehicle Registration section.
- Enter your vehicle’s information, including the plate number, category, and registration expiry date.
4. Link Your Vehicle to the Toll System
- Link your vehicle to the DARB Toll system.
- This ensures that your vehicle is recognised when passing through toll gates and that fees are correctly deducted from your account.
5. Pay the Registration Fee
- There is a one-time registration fee of AED 100, with AED 50 credited to your account as a starting balance.
- You can pay this fee using a credit or debit card directly on the website.
DARB Locations
Unlike Dubai, which has 10 (unbelievable!) toll gates throughout the city, there are only four toll gates located on bridges connecting us to the capital city. Those are –
- Sheikh Zayed Bridge:
The 842-meter-long Abu Dhabi bridge starts at the intersection of Sheikh Zayed Road and Al Saadah Street, near the Park Arjaan by Rotana Hotel. It ends on the other side of the Maqta Channel, connecting Abu Dhabi island to the mainland. The bridge spans the Maqta Channel, providing a crucial connection between the island and the rest of the UAE.
- Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Bridge
The 64-meter-high Abu Dhabi bridge is known for its unique architectural design, featuring a striking design with rolling curves, and is an important landmark and a major transportation route connecting the island to the mainland.
- Al Maqtaa Bridge
Approximately 300 meters long, the Maqta bridge starts on Abu Dhabi Island and ends on the mainland, forming a crucial link for transportation and trade. The bridge is located near the Al Maqta Fort, which is also a historical landmark.
- Mussafah Bridge.
The Mussafah Bridge in Abu Dhabi connects the mainland to Mussafah, easing traffic congestion and providing access to the industrial area. It starts near the eastern ring road, linking it to highways toward Shahama and Dubai. The bridge ends near a roundabout providing access to various directions, including Al Ain Road, Khalifa City, Abu Dhabi Golf Club, and Dubai.
How Is It Charged
These are the costs for the DARB toll gate system in Abu Dhabi:
- Morning Peak hour – 7:00 AM – 9:00 AM ; Evening Peak hour – 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM.
- Charges of AED 4 will be applied when motorists drive through peak hours.
- If you are travelling during non-peak hours, DARB charges are not applied.
- The DARB toll is also free on Sundays and Public Holidays.
- The maximum DARB fee per day is AED 16.
- Monthly caps for private vehicles are:
- AED 200 for one vehicle
- AED 150 for the second vehicle
- AED 100 for each additional vehicle
How To Pay And Top Up
No more fumbling with cash with the DARB toll system in Abu Dhabi. You can now top up a virtual wallet that is associated with your account. The fee is then automatically deducted from your wallet balance whenever you drive through a DARB toll gate. Conveniently, you can top up this wallet anytime online through the DARB website or mobile app using your credit or debit card.
Who Is Exempted From Paying The Fee
The toll system automatically exempts the following categories from paying tolls if their vehicles are registered in Abu Dhabi. However, owners of vehicles registered in other emirates must log into their accounts to claim an exemption.
Please keep in mind, there is only one vehicle allowed for each category.
Exempted Without Request
- Public transport buses
- Motorcycles
- Ambulances, Armed forces, Civil defence vehicles holding the numbers and logo
- Authorised public taxi vehicles in Abu Dhabi
- Authorised school buses by the Integrated Transport Centre
- All passenger buses (capacity specified for 26 passengers and above by the licensing authority)
- Trailer vehicles
- Ministry of Interior, or other Local Emirates Police
- Vehicles holding the logo and number of Abu Dhabi Police
Exempted With Request
- People of Determination
- Senior Citizens
- Family of Limited Income
- Retired Citizen
DARB Fines
Those crossing the toll gates in Abu Dhabi without an activated DARB account can expect hefty fines. DARB registration is mandatory, even for exempted vehicles.
There are four types of toll gate system violations:
1- Registered Vehicles: When registered vehicles, especially those from outside Abu Dhabi, cross a toll gate with insufficient balance, there’s a 5-day grace period to add funds. After that, an AED 50 fine applies for each transaction.
2- Unregistered Vehicles: When vehicles that are not registered with DARB pass through a toll gate, a fine will be issued after a grace period of ten days from passing. The penalty amount varies depending on how often you repeat the violation.
- AED 100 for the first time.
- AED 200 for the second time.
- AED 400 for the third time or more.
3- Manipulation Fine: A fine will be issued for the amount of AED 10,000 for manipulating the vehicle’s license plate to evade the payment of traffic.
4- Damaging Fine: A fine of AED 10,000 will be issued for damaging any of the electronic payment machines or toll gates.
Do Taxis Charge Tolls
Think taxis get free passes through Abu Dhabi’s toll gates? Think again! Every time your cab zips through a peak-hour toll (7-9 am or 5-7 pm weekdays), you’ll spot an extra AED 4 lurking in your fare. Pro move? Time your rides outside rush hours to dodge the stealth surcharge. Because nobody likes surprise fees – except maybe the taxi meter!
Alternative Routes To Avoid Toll Charges
To avoid the DARB toll in Abu Dhabi, you can use alternative routes like Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road (E311) or Emirates Road (E611).
- Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road (E311): This highway runs parallel to the E11 (Sheikh Zayed Road) and connects Dubai to the northern emirates, offering a toll-free option for travel to and from Abu Dhabi.
- Emirates Road (E611): Similar to E311, E611 provides another route to bypass the DARB toll, especially for those travelling from the northern emirates or Dubai.
Additionally, consider travelling during off-peak hours or on Sundays and public holidays, when DARB is free. Use Google Maps or Waze to direct you to roads that do not charge a toll. You can also utilise public transport, like buses, to avoid toll charges.
Protect Your Wallet
So next time you hop in an Abu Dhabi taxi, remember, those toll gates don’t play favourites! Whether it’s your ride or a cab, peak hours mean peak charges. A little timing savvy saves you AED 4 per toll, and who wouldn’t want extra cash for a karak chai instead? Now you’re toll-wise, road-ready, and nobody’s fool.
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