Following in the footsteps of the neighboring emirate Dubai and its Salik road toll gate system, Abu Dhabi’s very own Darb road toll gate system is set to be functional from 2nd January 2021. With a fee of AED 4 for each crossing, motorists will be charged if they choose to drive over any of the four bridges the toll gates are currently installed on between 7 am to 9 am and between 5 pm to 7 pm.
Unlike Dubai’s Salik road toll system that charges throughout the day, motorists will only be charged during peak hours (between 7 am to 9 am and between 5 pm to 7 pm) in the emirate of Abu Dhabi. At all other times of the day, motorists are free to use the Sheikh Zayed Bridge, Sheikh Khalifa Bridge, Al Maqta Bridge, and Musaffah Bridge without having to pay the toll charges.
How to register your vehicle for the Darb toll gate system:
- Download the DARB application from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store.
- Click ‘Register Now’.
- Enter your email address.
- Verify your account by typing in the OTP sent to your email address.
- Select the emirate your car is registered in.
- Enter your traffic file number.
- Enter an active mobile number.
- Enter OTP sent to your active mobile number.
- Select a password to complete registration.
What are the registration fees?
A registration fee of AED 100 must be paid per vehicle, of which AED 50 will be credited back as balance in the registered account.
How much does it cost to cross the Darb toll gate?
Each time a vehicle crosses a toll gate, AED 4 will be deducted from the registered account.
Is the tariff applicable on all days?
Unlike in the emirate of Dubai, Abu Dhabi’s Darb toll gate system will only charge motorists from Saturday to Thursday between peak hours of 7 am to 9 am and between 5 pm to 7 pm. No tariffs will be charged on Fridays, public holidays, and when passing the toll gate outside peak hours.
Are there any daily or monthly caps?
Yes, the maximum daily toll per vehicle is AED 16, with a maximum monthly cap of AED 200 for the first vehicle, AED 150 for the second vehicle, and AED 100 for each additional vehicle registered to a single account.
Do I need to have the sticker displayed on my windscreen?
Since the Darb toll gate system scans vehicle number plates there is no need to have the sticker displayed on your windscreen.
Who is exempted from paying the road toll charges?
Senior citizens aged 60 and above, retired citizens, people of determination, and citizens with limited income can apply to be exempted from paying road toll charges. To apply, individuals falling into the exempted categories must visit the Darb website and apply for exemption requests specifying the type of exemption and attaching the necessary documentation.
Which vehicles are exempted from paying toll charges?
Ambulances, vehicles belonging to the Armed Forces, Civil Defense vehicles, public buses, motorcycles, authorized public taxis, authorized school buses; vehicles belonging to the Ministry of Interior, Abu Dhabi Police and police forces from other emirates, in addition to trailers are all exempted from paying toll charges.
Is there any grace period to avoid paying fines for crossing without balance in the account?
Registering your vehicle into the Darb system is mandatory for all motorists visiting or residing in Abu Dhabi. Should a motorist cross the toll gate without being registered, they are given a grace period of 10 days to register their vehicle before being issued a fine. Likewise, motorists who cross a toll gate during peak hours without sufficient balance in their account will be given a grace of 5 days to recharge their account before a fine is issued.
