Introduced in 2007 by the Road and Transport Authority RTA, Salik is an electronic toll gate system to improve the traffic flow in Dubai. A Salik is basically a tag that is attached to the windscreen of your vehicle, which allows you to travel hassle-free. It will enable you to travel through all the toll gates situated in Dubai without being stopped and checked. Once you buy a new vehicle and complete its registration at RTA, the next step is to get a Salik tag for a smooth driving experience across the region.
The rule of the Salik tag is that once you pass through any of the toll gates in Dubai, AED 4 will be automatically deducted from your Salik account. However, if you accidentally pass through a Salik toll gate without a Salik sticker, then you will be heavily fined AED 400. Moreover, once you install a Salik tag, you can recharge the balance whenever it gets insufficient. You can also remove a Salik tag from your vehicle if you are planning to sell your car.
To learn all about the Salik tag, we have gathered all the information required to help you buy the Salik tag and enjoy driving hassle-free.
Where to buy Salik Tag
After you register your car under your name at RTA, you can apply for the Salik tag. A Salik tag is purchased for AED 100, from which AED 50 is added to your Salik account. There are multiple ways you can buy a Salik tag. You can visit the RTA office and fill out the registration form, or the banks and some petrol stations also provide Salik tags.
Additionally, if neither option works for you, you can also purchase a Salik tag online through the RTA website by showing the registration card. This process requires the amount of AED 120 to be transferred online. Your Salik account will be opened within two days after you apply, and you will receive your Salik sticker at your doorstep. Once you receive the Salik kit, you can install the tag on your vehicle and drive around Dubai toll gates trouble-free.
Documents Required
- Emirates ID
- A vehicle registration Card
- An amount of AED 100
How Does Salik Work
The Salik toll system uses Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology to automatically deduct the toll fee when a vehicle passes through the toll gate. The system’s sensor recognizes and scans the Salik tag on the car’s windscreen, even if the vehicle is moving at high speed. This efficient system ensures that the daily fee is withdrawn accurately every time the car passes through the toll.
How to Recharge Salik’s Account
It is essential to check your Salik account balance and ensure that it has enough funds. You can check your balance online anytime. If you pass through a Salik toll point with an insufficient balance, you will have five working days to recharge your account. However, if you don’t reload your account after five days, a fine of AED 50 will be charged to you.
The good news is that you can quickly recharge your Salik account online through bank transfers, kiosks, ePay, the RTA app, the Salik app, or Salik recharge cards and vouchers.
Salik Toll Gates, Located in Dubai
There are currently eight toll gates located in Dubai, mainly on highways. The locations of these operational toll gates are:
- Jebel Ali
- Al Mamzar North
- Al Mamzar South
- Al Safa
- Al Garhoud
- Al Barsha
- Al Maktoum
- Airport Tunnel
Alternative Routes
Although the RTA system has brought an efficient way of using the Salik toll gate to improve traffic flow in Dubai and provide a smoother driving experience, car owners without the Salik tag can also choose alternative routes and skip the toll. The alternate routes you can select are AlKhair Road and Jumeirah Road. Moreover, you can also get help from your GPS, which will guide you through the toll-free routes.
The Process of Salik Tag Deactivation
Whether you are selling your car or simply no longer require the service, make sure to deactivate the Salik account and remove the sticker from your car’s windscreen. Doing so will prevent unwanted charges from being made to your account.
Documents Required
The following documents are required to deactivate your Salik tag and Salik account successfully.
For Individuals
- A valid Emirates ID of the applicant is required if the ownership of the vehicle has not been changed.
For Companies
- Valid Emirates ID
- An official document signed by the company includes the removal of Salik tags and plate numbers an applicant wants to remove.
The service charges for deactivating your Salik account are free.
Preparation Before Deactivating Salik Tag
Before deactivating your Salik account, check for outstanding dues and negative balances and clear them beforehand. Moreover, if there are any pending violations or fines, first clear all the pending fines and dues before you proceed with the cancellation process. Otherwise, canceling Salik is not allowed and could lead to legal issues.
Three Ways of Deactivation
There are three different ways you can easily deactivate your Salik account within minutes. Let’s explore each way here:
Salik Website or Salik Smart App
- Log into your account using your details.
- Navigate to the services section and select the ‘remove vehicle’ option.
- Fill out the cancellation form providing the number plate and reason for cancellation.
- Now, wait for the confirmation message for the vehicle to be removed.
Salik Customer Service Centers
- Visit the customer service center.
- Fill in the vehicle removal form.
- Bring your valid ID and give information about your Salik account.
- The representatives will help you remove the vehicle from your Salik account.
Salik Call Center
- You can also call the Salik call center for information and services at 800725445.
- Request for vehicle removal from your account.
- The vehicle will be removed from your account at the moment.
Post Cancellation Process
If you have any balance remaining in your Salik account after deactivating the account and the Salik tag from your vehicle, you can keep the balance for up to five years. During this time, you can re-register the account on your next car and use the remaining balance. However, if you don’t use the balance within five years, it will be forfeited.
Moreover, you can also request a refund of the remaining balance. To do so, log in to your Salik account and fill out the refund request form. Once submitted, the refund will be credited to your bank account, which is linked to your Salik account. Before applying for a refund, ensure that all your toll charges are paid to avoid any delays in the refund process.
End Note
As we conclude, the Salik system is designed to improve urban transportation and provide a hassle-free driving experience. It also helps improve traffic management and encourages sustainable development. With a Salik tag, you can drive through toll gates and clear roads without any inconvenience. Additionally, obtaining a Salik tag is a simple process that doesn’t involve much hassle. All you need to do is apply for it and add some money to your Salik account, and you’re all set to go.
