Tips for Using Your NOL Card: Dos and Don’ts to Remember
The NOL card is a staple public transport tool for commuters in Dubai. It is a convenient and efficient way to pay for public transportation services in the emirate with just a single tap. With that in mind, regular NOL card users must know its correct usage to avail of its benefits and have a smooth travel experience within the city.
Let’s go through the basic dos and don’ts of using a NOL card, its violations and fines.
Essential Rules for Using a Nol Card
The NOL Card simplifies fare payments for the Dubai Metro, buses, public parking, taxis and other public transportation options, all with a single tap. This versatile smart card provides convenience and flexibility in a bustling city. Moreover, with the Nol Pay app, commuters can avail of all these features on their smartphones.
However, it’s paramount to handle your NOL Card with diligence. Fines are imposed for any misuse or incorrect usage of the NOL Card, including failure to check in or check out correctly and sharing it with unauthorised individuals. That said, here is the basic etiquette of using a NOL card.
7 Dos to Remember When Using a NOL Card
Here are the basic rules to remember when using a NOL card:
Protective Pouch for NOL Card:
Always carry your NOL Card in a protective pouch to prevent damage.
Minimum Balance for Seamless Travel:
Maintain a minimum balance of AED 7.5 on your NOL Card for seamless travel. For two-way trips, the card must have at least AED 15.
NOL Red Ticket Usage Requirement:
Ensure your NOL Red Ticket has a minimum of 1 single trip for usage.
Proper Check-Out Procedure:
Always check out properly to avoid potential overcharges.
Handling Rejected NOL Card:
If your NOL Card is rejected by a reader, wait for the indicator light to stop flashing before you try again.
Exclusive Use of NOL Blue Card:
Keep your NOL Blue Card for your exclusive use and do not share it.
Lost NOL Blue Card Reporting
In case of losing your NOL Blue Card, report the loss immediately by calling the customer service of RTA Dubai at 800 90 90.
Bus Penalty Rules
Familiarise yourself with the rules to avoid penalties while using the RTA Dubai bus.
Metro Penalty Rules
Stay informed about metro penalty rules to avoid fines when using the metro.
5 Don’ts to Keep in Mind Regarding NOL Cards
Commuters who avail the NOL card while using Dubai public transport must avoid the following instances.
Avoid Overlapping Cards
Never place more than one NOL Card over a reader simultaneously.
Ensure Steady Transactions
When tapping your NOL Card on a reader, do so with patience to prevent incomplete transactions. If needed, re-tap the same NOL Card until the transaction completes.
Protect Your NOL Card’s Integrity
Refrain from bending, writing on, scratching, tapping, cutting or affixing stickers or photos to the NOL Card to avoid damage.
Mind Your Card’s Placement
Avoid placing the NOL Card in your back pocket to prevent harm to the card’s microchip.
Maintain Card Security
Do not permit others to use your NOL Blue Card, as it is only for your exclusive use.
Know the Fines: NOL Card Violations in Dubai
Apart from the above-mentioned dos and don’ts of using a NOL card, RTA has imposed fines for the following violations:
- Failure to present NOL card upon request: AED 200
- Using a card designated for others: AED 200
- Using an expired NOL card: AED 200
- Using an invalid NOL card: AED 200
FAQs
How much is a NOL card in Dubai?
In Dubai, the NOL Card, a secure and personalised smart card with an e-purse of up to AED 5000, costs AED 70. This price includes an initial e-purse value of AED 20.
Where to recharge a NOL card in Dubai?
You can add credit to your card at various locations, including NOL recharge stations at metro and bus stations, RTA happiness centres or RTA smart kiosks. Online top-ups are also available through the RTA website and the S’hail app.
What is NOL Plus?
Nol Plus is a loyalty program for NOL card users in Dubai. When you use your NOL card for Dubai Metro, buses, taxis and parking, you earn points. Once you accumulate enough points, you can exchange them for an NOL card balance to top up your account.
How do I check my NOL card balance?
You can check the NOL card balance via RTA smart kiosks, the Nol Pay app or the official Nol card website by entering your card details. In addition, you can also visit the Dubai metro or bus station to check the balance.
How to use a NOL card?
Place your NOL card on the card reader. Wait to hear a beep or look for the green light which signals a successful check-out. Pass through the gate/entrance. The gate will automatically calculate and the cost of your trip/journey based on the number of zones you have passed.
This brings us to the list of dos and don’ts of using a NOL card and its violations. The card offers ample convenience to public transport users, summing up several services into one. On the other hand, if you prefer a personal ride, here are several used cars for sale in the UAE that you can sift through.
Stay connected to dubizzle’s cars blog to learn about the transport system and facilities in the Emirates.