Salik is an automated toll collection system that has been playing a critical role in streamlining traffic flow and facilitating quicker commutes in Dubai since 2007.
Dubai has a reputation for having a great infrastructure that features pristine roads, neighborhoods and an extremely efficient transportation system. The urban development in Dubai aims to provide its residents as well as tourists with a seamless experience. One major step in this direction is the introduction of the innovative Salik system.
Salik is an automated toll collection system that has been playing a critical role in streamlining traffic flow and facilitating quicker commutes in Dubai since 2007. But what is Salik and how has this system been able to reshape the toll collection process in Dubai? This is what this blog is all about.
So, if you are new in Dubai and don’t have a clear idea about how to navigate the complexities of the Salik system then don’t worry and keep on reading till the end because this article will break it all down for you.
- Salik: A Brief Overview
- How Does Salik Work?
- Salik Gates Locations in Dubai
- Salik in Dubai Fees
- Getting a Salik Tag in Dubai
- Salik Tag Activation
- Salik Account Top Up
- The Salik Tag Installation Procedure
- Fines & Penalties for Violating Salik in Dubai
Salik: A Brief Overview
Salik is a pioneering system that was launched in December 2007 to collect tolls from vehicles moving in and out of certain designated areas in a more efficient manner.
Salik uses a very simple mechanism that involves scanning a small RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) tag placed in your vehicle’s windshield.
After scanning, the Salik system gets access to your Salik account and deducts the toll charges automatically. This way drivers do not have to stop at the toll gates which leads to better traffic flow and reduced congestion.
How Does Salik Work?
Salik system has the following main components
Salik Tag
This is a small RFID tag containing a microchip that you place on the inside of your vehicle’s windshield slightly below the review mirror. The chip in this tag communicates with the toll gates initiating the toll deduction process.
Toll Gates
These are specific toll gates placed on Dubai’s roads and bridges for toll collection. These gates are equipped with scanning systems that detect the tag’s presence as your vehicle enters the gates.
Automatic Deduction
After your vehicle enters the gate, the Salik system deducts the fee from your prepaid Salik account automatically. The whole process takes mere seconds which ensures an interrupted driving experience.
Account Management
You can manage your Salik account on your phone using an app. The app shows you the current balance as well as your transaction history.
Account Recharge Options
You have several options to recharge or top up your Salik account including.
Online, SMS, kiosks, apps, etc.
Following are a few steps you can follow to use Salik on your own vehicle or rental cars
- Create a Salik account through the app or the Salik website. You can also visit an authorized registration center.
- Give accurate contact, personal as well as vehicle details.
- Obtain the Salik tag and place it on your windshield on the inside. Link this tag to your Salik account.
- Top up your Salik account using the app, online banking or kiosks.
- Approach the Salik toll gate and move at a steady speed.
- The gate will detect the tag and deduct your toll in an instant.
Salik Gates Locations in Dubai
Salik gates have been placed on some of the most critical roads and bridges in Dubai to ensure a smooth flow of traffic. These gates ensure smooth traveling between different Dubai business districts, key commercial hubs and residential areas.
Following are some key Salik gates locations in Dubai
Airport Tunnel
Located on Beirut Street, this gate gives you seamless access to the airport.
Al Safa
This gate is at the Sheikh Zayed Road which connects you with major routes connecting business districts in the region.
Al Barsha
Situated at Sheikh Zayed Road, this Salik gate gives you access to several iconic commercial as well as residential hubs.
Al Garhoud Bridge
This gate is at the Sheikh Rashid Road and it allows you to reach major commercial centers.
Al Maktoum Bridge
Located at Umm Hurair Road, this toll gate allows you to move easily between key business areas.
Al Mamzar North and Al Mamzar South
Located at Al Ittihad Road, these gates connect the northern and southern regions of the city.
Jebel Ali
This gate is seen at the Sheikh Zayed Road giving you access to major industrial zones.
Salik in Dubai Fees
The Salik gate charges you about AED 4 per crossing. This cost far outweighs the time you save when moving from one location to another using the toll gates. Every gate charges you the same fee which helps you with budgeting when going out for a trip or when moving regularly through these gates.
All of these gates charge the same 24 hours of the day except the Al Maktoum gate which allows you to pass free of charge between 6 PM to 10 AM as well as on Sundays.
Getting a Salik Tag in Dubai
It is a sticker-like tag that you attach to your vehicle’s windshield. This tag is unaffected by the weather or speed of the vehicle. You can get this card online or from gas-filling stations in Dubai.
The complete process involves registering the vehicle with the relevant authorities and buying the tag. Then you just link the card to your Salik prepaid account and attach it to your car’s windshield from the inside.
Here is how you can do it
- Your Salik account is a single user account registered by the RTA. This account can be linked to all the Salik tags placed on vehicles that you own.
- For registration, you can fill out the RTA application form at Salik outlets or you can apply online. After filling out the form attach the documents like a copy of the car registration card, a copy of the trade license (for companies), and identification documents.
- After verification, you will get the Salik kit that includes a tag. You will also receive an SMS that contains your account number and a PIN.
- When buying online you will have to pay AED 120 where AED 50 is for the tag, AED 50 is for prepaid toll credit and AED 20 are delivery charges.
- For offline purchases, you have to pay AED 100 as there are no delivery charges in this case.
Salik Tag Activation
Here is how you can perform the Salik tag activation
- Visit the website of RTA and select the option “Activate Salik Tag”.
- Select the option “New Salik Customer” or Existing Customer.”
- New users first have to register before initiating the activation.
Salik Account Top Up
There are multiple ways you can top up your Salik account. Using these methods, you can easily maintain sufficient credit for all toll payments in your account .
Here are the main ways to do that
- You can use your credit card to recharge directly from the Salik app or the website.
- You can set up auto recharge with your bank to save more time.
- You can use a Salik Dubai recharge card to top up via the official website of Salik Dubai, the Salik call center or the smart Salik App.
- You can make cash payments with the help of Kiosk devices or cash deposit machines in DIB and Emirates NBD Banks.
The Salik Tag Installation Procedure
To ensure the accurate working of the tag, you need to make sure the installation is done the right way.
Here are a few steps that you can follow
- Clean your windshield from the inside to ensure better adhesion. Also, clean it from the outside to facilitate better scanning.
- Place the tag on the inside of the windshield slightly below the rearview mirror for better results.
- Peel off the backing of the tag and press it firmly onto the surface.
- Take a test drive through the nearby Salik gate to make sure the tag is working.
Fines & Penalties for Violating Salik in Dubai
There are certain violations that can subject you to fines when it comes to Salik. Following are a few of these instances along with their fines.
- If you pass through a gate with insufficient balance you will have to pay a fine of about AED 50.
- If you use an unregistered tag when passing through the gate you will be fined AED 100 for the first offense, AED 200 for the second, and AED 400 for each passing after that.
- Repeated Salik rule violations can lead to fines of as much as AED 400 or more.
- Using a tag that is tampered or damaged will result in an AED 200 fine.
Conclusion
Salik is a robust toll collection system in Dubai that contributes a lot to reducing congestion as well as increasing road safety. The revenue that the UAE authorities gather from Salik is further used to enhance the city’s road infrastructure.
And last but not least, the Salik system ensures seamless toll payments which saves drivers so much time and trouble. This reduces unnecessary delays at the toll gates which leads to a more streamlined traffic flow.
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