Dubai’s Road and Transport Authority (RTA) introduced Salik, the RFID-based electronic toll system, in 2007. It is a modern solution to long traffic queues of vehicles in Dubai. Salik automatically deducts the toll fee when tagged vehicles cross the gate. Today, we will answer some important FAQs about Salik Dubai.
All About Dubai Salik
Once you have the account and tag, using Salik is easy and straightforward. You can recharge and check Salik account balance with an account number through the app or website.
Following are common questions that might concern new Salik users.
Account
Can I register more than one vehicle from a single Salik account?
No, despite having multiple cars registered on your name, you will be provided with a single Traffic File Number. This number can only be used to register one Salik account and hence you cannot register multiple vehicles. However, you can request to add a vehicle in your existing account, if it is registered in any other Emirate.
How to check my account balance?
You can check your balance through Smart Salik App (Android | iOS) or Salik website. You can also call the 24 hr helpline and follow these steps.
- Dial 800-72545.
- Select language: Press 1 for Arabic and 2 for English.
- Press 3 and enter your account number and pin.
- Press 1 to inquire about your current balance.
Can I share my account balance with others?
The balance is non-transferable, once it’s recharged in the account. The expiry limit of the balance is for 5 years, after which it will be unusable.
How to update a new mobile number in a Salik account?
You can only register one mobile number on each account. To update a new mobile number, visit Salik customer service location or Smart Salik App. You can also browse Salik’s official website. If you decide to call on 800-72545. Select the language, log in to your account and press 3 to update your mobile number.
Functionality
Is it necessary to have a Salik tag for crossing the gate?
Yes, it is obligatory to have Salik tag for every vehicle passing through the gate.
What happens if I cross Salik without a tag?
It is considered a traffic law violation to pass the gate without a tag. After your first trip, you will be provided a 10 days grace period to install Salik tag on your car. If you fail to do that, you will be fined or penalized according to the law.
Can Dubai Salik be used in Abu Dhabi?
No, Dubai Salik tag will not work in Abu Dhabi. DARB, the Abu Dhabi toll gate system, utilises a different technology that uses a number plate to scan vehicles rather than tags.
App and Website
How to create Salik account via app and website?
Here are a few steps involved in registering your Salik account.
Website
- Visit the official website of Salik.
- Click the option ‘Create an Account’
- First Step: Fill in all the personal information.
- Second Step: Provide contact information, preferred communication medium and process it.
Mobile Application
- Select the ‘New Online User’ option.
- Choose ‘Sign Up With Account Number’.
- Provide your account and mobile number.
- Press ‘Next’ and enter the One Time Password (OTP) sent to your mobile number.
- Type preferred username and password.
- Select ‘Confirm’ and your account will be registered.
What are the key features of Salik app?
The main features of the app are:
- Balance inquiry.
- Tag activation.
- Recharging Salik accounts.
- Customer service locations.
- History of recent trips.
Tolls and Charges
Is Salik free on public holidays?
No, Salik gates are not free on any public or gazetted holiday. It charges toll 24/7 across the year.
Do I have to pay Salik twice if I cross Al Mamzar North gate and then Al Mamzar south gate?
You have to pay only once if you pass gates in the same direction within one hour and without exiting the highway from any other gate.
Do I have to pay 5% VAT charges on Salik services?
Yes, 5% VAT applies to the Salik tariff and tag activation charges since 1 June, 2026.
Tags
Where to buy Salik tag in Dubai
You can purchase it online from the RTA official website. It will be delivered to our registered address. You visit the nearest outlets at Emarat, ADNOC or EPPCO/ENOC petrol stations.
Are there any documents required to purchase Salik tags online?
Only the vehicle details mentioned in the vehicle registration card will be required to purchase a tag.
How to activate my Salik tag?
To activate the Salik tag, visit Smart Salik mobile application or their website. You can also call on 800-72545 and press 4 for activation.
How to purchase Salik tags online?
You can purchase it online from the RTA’s website. However, the online tag is only available for private vehicles and motorbikes registered in the UAE.
Violations
What can I do if Salik violation I received is not correct?
You can re-dispute your violations by the following channels.
- RTA official website
- Smart Salik App
- Salik customer service location
- Call at 800-72545
Where to pay for my Salik violations?
Salik violations can be paid by visiting any Vehicle Registration Department across the UAE. For the online payment you can visit;
- Dubai Police website in case of Dubai number plate.
- Abu Dhabi Police website in case of Non-Dubai number plate.
- RTA official website
What are the different types and amounts of Salik violations?
There are two basic types of Salik violations;
Insufficient Funds (ISF violations)
If you cross the gates with insufficient balance in your Salik amount and fail to recharge it within 5 days, it will be considered an ISF violation. You can be charged AED 50 for this.
Unregistered plate (URP violations)
If you cross the Salik gates with an unregistered vehicle, you will be fined AED 100 for the first trip. For the second, it will be AED 200; for more than two, it will be AED 400.
There are eight Salik toll gates that can charge hundreds of vehicles within a minute. The toll is completely electronic, which makes it a fast track. It has its own rules and regulations that every user must follow. If you are planning to buy used cars for sale in Dubai, make sure to buy your own Salik tag; the old ones are non-transferable.
Stay tuned to UAE’s best cars blog for more information on Salik.
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