A Guide to Understand Salik Fees and how it’s Calculated in UAE

Understanding and calculating Salik fees in the UAE can be tricky, especially if you are new to the country. Salik is a road toll system implemented by the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) of Dubai to fund road maintenance and development projects in the emirate. The fees are paid by drivers in the form of a charge for every time they pass through a Salik toll gate. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the Salik system, including how the fees are calculated and the different payment options available. It also includes tips on how to reduce the amount of fees you pay and provides an understanding of the benefits of the system. Whether you are a frequent traveler or a newcomer to the region, this guide will help you understand the Salik fees and make sure you get the best value for your money.

What is Salik?

Salik is the Arabic word for “pathway”. The Salik road toll system was introduced in Dubai in 2007 and was designed to channel the fees collected to fund road maintenance and development projects in the emirate. RTA collects the fees and uses them to improve the traffic infrastructure. The system uses electronic toll gates that are placed at all major entry and exit points in the city. The gates scan the license plates of every vehicle that passes through and calculates the fees based on the vehicle type, number of axles, and the distance traveled. Vehicles are charged a certain amount based on the type of vehicle and how many times it has passed through a toll gate. The fee is then deducted from the vehicle’s prepaid Salik account. The system is implemented in the Abu Dhabi, Ajman, Fujairah, Ras Al Khaimah, and Umm Al Quwain.

How Salik Fees are Calculated

The Salik fees for a vehicle are calculated based on the vehicle type and number of axles. The type of vehicle is determined by the vehicle plate number, which is usually displayed on the windscreen. You can check the fees for your vehicle at the RTA website. The fee for a vehicle with two axles is the same as one with three axles. Select the type of vehicle and enter the plate number to find the fee payable. The fees are calculated based on the distance and the type of vehicle. The table below shows the rates per kilometer and per vehicle type.

Different Payment Options

Salik uses an integrated e-Toll system that allows you to pay the fees online through a debit card, credit card, or an e-wallet account. The payment options allow you to make the payment easily, anytime and anywhere. You can expect to receive an invoice in your name and vehicle number from the RTA once a month. The invoice contains details of the amount due and the payment due date. It is recommended that you make the payment on or before the due date to avoid any penalties. The RTA sends the invoice to the owner of the vehicle, regardless of who has been using the vehicle. You can pay the fees using any of the following options: – Credit/debit card/ or an e-wallet account: The RTA provides a list of toll gates, their locations, and the fees payable. You can select the gate you wish to pass through and select the payment option to pay the fee. You can also pay for multiple gates in a single transaction for the same day. You can use a debit or a credit card to make the payment. Alternatively, you can make the payment through an e-wallet account such as Paypal, Google Pay, Apple Pay, etc. The advantage of paying through an e-wallet account is that you can store funds in the account and use it to pay the fees at any time. – By providing the vehicle’s license plate number along with the vehicle owner’s name and address: This is a manual payment system that provides the owner the option of paying the fees by providing the vehicle’s license plate number, along with the vehicle owner’s name and address. This is a good option if you don’t have an e-wallet account and don’t want to make the payment through credit/debit card/ or don’t have access to internet.

Tips to Reduce Salik Fees

There are a few things you can do to reduce the amount of Salik fees you pay. First, check the type of vehicle and the number of axles before you travel. The RTA website provides a list of fees for various vehicle types. You can also check the fees at the toll gate when you pass through. This will help you determine the amount you need to pay. The second tip is to use the manual payment option to pay the fees. By providing the vehicle’s license plate number along with the vehicle owner’s name and address, you can avoid paying extra by mistake. You can make the payment by providing the details at the toll gate. Third, consider registering your vehicle in the Salik system. You can register your vehicle online and start using the Salik system. This will help you avoid paying the fees each time you travel and will save you time and money. Fourth, make the payment on time. The RTA sends an invoice in the name of the owner of the vehicle. It is important to make the payment on or before the due date to avoid any penalties. Fifth, consider opting for the Salik Silver account. This is a prepaid account and can be opened with a minimum deposit. The account provides a discount of 30% on the fees charged at toll gates. Sixth, if you are a frequent traveler, consider buying a Salik Gold account. The account provides a discount of 40% on the fees charged at toll gates. Seventh, consider a Salik Silver Plus account if you are a frequent traveler. This account provides a discount of 50% on the fees charged at toll gates.

Benefits of the Salik System

The Salik system helps to reduce traffic congestion in Dubai and is expected to be the backbone of Dubai’s road network in the future. It also provides a reliable and efficient transport system, improves road infrastructure and reduces the need for new roads by diverting traffic away from areas where there is limited space for expansion. The system ensures that the funds collected are used for the purpose for which they are collected – to maintain and improve the road infrastructure. It also helps to reduce air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. Another advantage of the system is that it is easy to use and convenient. All you need to do is enter the vehicle information and make the payment through debit or credit card. Moreover, it provides a great value for money and helps you save on fuel costs by avoiding the use of fuel-guzzling vehicles.

How is Salik Calculated: Frequently Asked Questions

Will a toll gate be installed on every road in Dubai? No. The toll gates are installed only at entry and exit points where there is considerable traffic. Can a vehicle be exempted from paying the fees? Yes. Vehicles that are used for emergency and relief purposes, those that are used for transporting critical medical supplies, and vehicles that are registered with the RTA as being in operation with disability certificates are exempted from the toll. Can electric cars be exempted from paying the fees? Yes. Electric cars are exempted from the payment of toll fees. Can motorcycles be exempted from paying the fees? Yes. Motorcycles are exempted from the payment of toll fees. Can trucks be exempted from paying the fees? Yes. Trucks weighing less than 3.5 tonnes are exempted from the payment of toll fees.

How is Salik Calculated: Summary

This article has explained what Salik is, how the fees are calculated and how the different payment options work. It has also provided useful tips for reducing the amount of Salik fees. The article has also explained the benefits of the Salik system, including reduced traffic congestion and improved road infrastructure. Overall, this article is a must-read for anyone who travels frequently or is new to the UAE.

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