If you have recently moved to Dubai or just bought a car, you should be aware of Salik and how it works. Once you have a car in Dubai, you will need to have the Salik tag on your car’s windscreen.
The Salik system was adopted by the Roads & Transport Authority (RTA) to improve the flow of traffic in Dubai. Salik is Dubai’s automated electronic toll system used on specific roads and bridges in Dubai. The current locations of toll gates in Dubai are at the Airport Tunnel, Jebel Ali, Al Barsha, Al Garhoud Bridge, Al Maktoum Bridge, Al Mamzar South, Al Mamzar North, Al Safa North, Al Safa South and Business Bay.
Moving in Dubai becomes quite easier if you have a Salik tag. It allows you to drive through any toll gate across Dubai. AED 0 – AED 6 will automatically be deducted from your account when you pass through a toll gate. Therefore, you need to make sure that your Salik account remains topped up. You can read our blog post on the cost of Salik in Dubai for more details. Drivers who pass through a Salik toll point without a Salik tag or with insufficient funds can face fines as high as AED 400 per day.
3 Ways to Get a Salik Tag
You can get a Salik tag for AED 100, out of which AED 50 will be added to your account balance. To get a Salik tag, you will need to fill out the registration form and submit a copy of your car registration. RTA has introduced multiple locations where motorists can purchase a Salik tag. You can purchase the tag at:
- RTA Customer Service Centers
- Banks: Dubai Islamic Bank and Emirates NBD Bank branches.
- Petrol stations: Emarat, EPPCO/ ENOC, and ADNOC petrol stations
In addition to these, you also have the option of buying your Salik tag online. When you receive your application, expect to receive a Salik kit. Once you have installed the tag, you will be free to travel through the toll gates. It typically takes a couple of days for your account to be activated. No violation will occur during this time and the toll fees accumulated will be taken from your account as soon as it is activated. If you do not receive a confirmation SMS within ten days, it is advised to get in touch with Salik.
Everything You Need to Know About Recharging Your Account
It is important to keep your Salik account topped up. If you don’t recharge your account within five days after passing through a toll gate with insufficient funds, you will have to pay a fine of AED 50. You can check your Salik account balance online. Here are some of the options you can use to top it up:
#1. Recharge cards & vouchers
You can use vouchers and recharge cards to top up your Salik account. You can find them at petrol pumps, grocery stores, and supermarkets. Here’s how you can recharge your account:
- Logging into your online account and entering the 12-digit number on your card
- Calling 800-SALIK (800-72545)
- Sending an SMS to 5959
#2. e-Pay
The e-Pay service on the Salik website allows you to top up your account with a credit card.
#3. Banks & kiosks
There are many banks and Salik kiosks where you can recharge your account. Many banks also have the option to top up your Salik account through online banking and their bank apps.
#4. Salik Smartphone application
The RTA has recently developed a smartphone application to make it easier for motorists to recharge their accounts.
Conclusion
Getting a Salik tag is one of the most important things to do once you get a car in Dubai. Now that you know how to get one, you are one step closer to being a fully qualified car owner. If you need this information because you are planning on moving to Dubai, you can book the best movers and packers Dubai on ServiceMarket. They will help make it all so much easier for you. Moving to a new place can be intimidating. Therefore, getting help from experts can take the stress off such things.
FAQs
1. Where can I buy a Salik tag in Dubai?
You can buy a Salik tag online from the official Salik website or in person at authorized petrol stations such as Emarat, EPPCO, ENOC, and ADNOC, as well as some RTA customer service centers or other authorized outlets across Dubai.
2. How do I register for a Salik account?
After purchasing your Salik tag, you can register and activate it by entering the tag number and your details on the Salik website, the Smart Salik app, the RTA Dubai app, or by contacting the Salik call center. Once activated, your vehicle and tag are linked to your Salik account.
3. What is the tag number on a Salik tag?
The tag number is a unique identifier printed on the Salik tag pack you receive. You can use this number during the activation process on the Salik website or app to link the tag to your Salik account.
4. How much does a Salik tag cost?
A Salik tag bought at a petrol station or RTA service center costs around AED 100 in total (AED 50 for the tag and AED 50 prepaid balance). Buying online also adds a delivery fee of about AED 20, bringing the total to around AED 120.
5. Do I need to stick the Salik tag to my windshield?
Salik requires that the tag be placed on the windshield behind the rearview mirror for proper RFID reading. Official guidance says placement is mandatory.
6. How do I add a vehicle to my Salik account?
When activating a new Salik tag, you have to provide the vehicle’s registration details so the tag is linked to that particular vehicle in your Salik account. You can manage multiple vehicles or tags through the Salik website or app.
7. Does Dubai Salik work in Abu Dhabi?
No. Dubai’s Salik and Abu Dhabi’s toll system (DARB) operate independently, and Salik tags do not work for tolls in Abu Dhabi. Abu Dhabi’s system uses number-plate recognition and requires its own registration.
8. How can I transfer a Salik tag from one car to another?
Salik tags are intended to be used only on the vehicle they are registered to, and you should not transfer a tag to another car. If you change vehicles, you need to deactivate the old tag and get a new one for the new vehicle.
