Road tolls, like Dubai’s Salik, are coming to Abu Dhabi.
The system was announced in July 2019 and was set to launch at the start of 2020.
In March this year it was announced that the Abu Dhabi road toll would remain free until the end of 2020.
At the time of writing, from January all drivers on the road in Abu Dhabi will have to be aware of the rules and be registered for the road toll system.
Here’s everything you need to know about Abu Dhabi’s road tolls.
When does it launch?
January 2021 will be the start date for the new system and tolls will be effective from the start of the month.
Before then, drivers will be required to have an account and topped it up with credit.
How much does it cost?
A total of Dhs4 will be charged every time a vehicle passes through one of the gates in Abu Dhabi during peak times.
Peak times are between 7am and 9am then 5pm and 7pm Saturday to Thursday.
During off-peak hours and public holidays, there will be no fee for passing through the gates.
A maximum fee of Dhs16 will be charged each day, so drivers passing through four or more toll gates each day at peak times will not be charged more than the daily maximum.
Some government vehicles, emergency services and motorcycles are exempt from the charge.
Electric cars are being given a two-year grace period.
When is the fee reduced?
During off-peak hours, Fridays and public holidays the toll will be free of charge.
Off peak hours are between 7pm and 7am then 9am to 5pm, Saturday to Thursday.
How is it charged?
Drivers are required to have an account and ensure credit is added.
Vehicles will not be required to add a sticker to their window like with Dubai’s Salik. Instead they will be identified by the license plate number and credit will be taken automatically from the owner’s account.
How do I set up an account?
Drivers can register their vehicle and prepare for the launch by visiting www.itps.itc.gov.ae.
Drivers with vehicles registered in Abu Dhabi will be automatically added to the system and should receive a text message with log in details.
All users registering must have a valid Emirates ID card, car registration, email address and phone number to create their account.
Are there fines?
Fines will be in place for a number of different offences.
Passing through a toll gate with an unregistered vehicle, after a ten-day grace period, will result in a Dhs100 fine for the first day, Dhs200 for the second day, Dhs400 for the third day, up to the maximum fine of Dhs10,000.
Passing through a toll gate with insufficient balance, after the ten day grace period will result in a fine of Dhs50.
Drivers who tamper with their license plate in order to evade the toll will also be fined Dhs10,000.
Can you use a Dubai Salik account?
No, drivers will be required to have a separate account for the Abu Dhabi tolls.
The two road toll systems are entirely independent of one another.
So drivers commuting between the capital and Dubai will have to ensure they have sufficient balance in their Abu Dhabi and Salik account or face fines.
Where are the tolls?
Four toll gates are already in place at locations across Abu Dhabi.
The tolls are located at the following bridges: Sheikh Zayed Bridge, Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Bridge, Al Maqta Bridge and Mussafah Bridge.
Drivers who are on the roads on Abu Dhabi island not passing through gates will not be charged.
In addition, those on Yas Island, Khalifa City A, Al Raha Beach and the surrounding areas, not travelling to Abu Dhabi island, will not have to pay tolls.
Where can I find out more?
For more information, visit www.itps.itc.gov.ae.
