- Registration process for individual
- Registration process for companies
- DARB toll gate registration cost
- Charges for toll gate system Abu Dhabi
- Abu Dhabi toll gate fines
Following the success of Salik in Dubai, Abu Dhabi introduced a new toll gate system with the collaboration of the Integrated Transport Centre and the Department of Transport. The automated toll gate system, called DARB, was initiated on trial in October 2019 and became active at the start of 2020. It has played a positive role in improving the flow of traffic in the city.
The system has helped control traffic congestion issues while encouraging the use of public transport during peak hours in the capital. Overall, the system is in line with the government’s efforts to improve traffic flow and reduce emission. This guide covers everything you need to know about the Abu Dhabi toll gate system.
Understanding Abu Dhabi Toll Gate System
It is an electronic road toll system with no barriers. Through RFID technology, the charges of toll gates are automatically deducted from your registered prepaid account without the need to stop your vehicle.
DARB vs Salik
Just like Salik Dubai, Abu Dhabi toll gate system (DARB) automates the process through RFID technology. Although both systems use similar technology, they differ in mechanism. Dubai Salik uses Salik tags on the windscreens of the vehicles, whereas DARB utilizes vehicle number plates to collect toll charges.
Abu Dhabi Toll Gate System Registration Process
All vehicle owners in the UAE must register through the DARB system to create their account in order to use the toll gate system. The registration process is straightforward for all users. You can either register via the main DARB portal page or DARB mobile app. Ideally, registration through the mobile application is advised as it remains updated.
Registration Process
For the registration of a new account, access the DARB portal or mobile app and follow the listed steps:
- Select the Individual Registration tab
- Enter your valid email address
- Check the email for OTP and enter the pin within the timed window
- Enter your traffic code number from the back of driving license along and select the source file location
- Enter your mobile phone number to receive the OTP for verification
Once you have verified your details, you will have access to the registration form. The form will be partially filled from already provided traffic information. You will further need to enter your Emirates ID, DOB and set up the password for the account.
Upon completion of the registration process, you can access the DARB dashboard to get a status overview of registered and unregistered vehicles along with your current wallet balance.
If you own multiple vehicles on different traffic codes, link them to account by adding traffic code.
Registration of Company Vehicles
For registration of multiple vehicles under a company, the steps are similar to individual registration. Select Establishment tab and follow process for email, traffic code and mobile number verification.
Once you have access to the registration form, some of the essential data will be partially filled. Complete the form by adding further details including:
- Name
- Emirates ID
- DOB
- Nationality
- Trade License Number
- Trade License Issue and Expiry Date
- Password
After the successful completion of the form, you can use your Abu Dhabi toll gate system login details and access the dashboard. It gives you an overview of vehicle registration information and wallet status.
Cost of Registration
The registration fee of DARB is AED 100, out of which AED 50 will be credited back to the user account. In short, you will actually be paying AED 50 for registration.
Abu Dhabi Toll Gate System Locations
Toll gates in Abu Dhabi are installed along four major roads:
- Al Maqta Bridge
- Mussafah Bridge
- Sheikh Zayed Bridge
- Sheikh Khalifa Bridge
Abu Dhabi Toll Gate System Fees
The system is set up to charge during peak hours so as to reduce traffic during this time.
The following is the list of charges based on Abu Dhabi toll gate system timings:
- Peak hours (07:00 – 09:00 and 17:00 – 19:00) | Monday – Saturday | AED 4 per passage
- Sundays and public holidays – free of charges
There is a maximum cap for these charges. For instance, if you pass through the gates multiple times, your total charges will not exceed AED 16 for that day. Similarly, there is a monthly cap for the owner of multiple vehicles.
Based on the order of vehicle under an individual account, the cap is set at AED 200 for the first vehicle, AED 150 for the second vehicle and AED 100 for each subsequent vehicle.
Abu Dhabi Toll Gate Fines
Fines are divided into two categories of Abu Dhabi toll gate system violations: fines due to unregistered vehicles and insufficient balance.
Fines on Unregistered Vehicle
If a vehicle unregistered in DARB system passes through the Abu Dhabi toll gate, the owner will be notified to create an online account. The owner will have a 10-day grace period before being charged with a violation.
According to ITC, failure to register will result in an initial fine of AED 100, which will increase for each subsequent day, including AED 200 for 2nd day, AED 400 for 3rd day followed up by a maximum accumulation of up to AED 10,000 in fines. You can easily avoid these fines by catering to the list of dangerous things to avoid while driving.
Fines for Insufficient Balance
Insufficient balance leads to a fine if you forget to top up the DARB wallet. Before the violation is recorded, you will still get a 5-day grace period to recharge your balance.
Eligibility for Exemptions
The government of Abu Dhabi ensures that some people and services are not burdened by the toll gate system.
Locals over the age of 60, retirees, low-income Emirates and people of determination are exempted from the toll charges. However, exempted vehicles still need to be registered to use the Abu Dhabi toll gate and use the DARB portal to request an exemption.
Similarly, various public and some private vehicles are also eligible for exemption. These include tow trucks, registered school buses, public buses, electric vehicles, police vehicles, Ministry of Interior vehicles, ambulances, armed forces vehicles and civil defence vehicles along with motorbikes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Abu Dhabi toll gate system active?
The Abu Dhabi toll gate system (DARB) is fully active since 2nd January 2021.
Who pays the toll for rental cars?
The Abu Dhabi toll gate system will forwarded the charges to the owner of the vehicle. Depending on your rental agreement, such charges might come in form of additional fees by the rental companies.
This should give you a clear understanding of how Abu Dhabi toll gate works. Look out for the announcements by ITC as they review fine policies, since fines are always susceptible to change.
In the meantime, if you are looking for some affordable vehicle options, check out some used cars for sale in Abu Dhabi. Stay tuned to our auto blogs for more information on car parts, market trends, repairs and automotive technology.
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