Darb Toll Gate in Abu Dhabi: A Quick Guide to What You Need to Know

Saturday, 10 August 2024

The Darb Toll Gate is probably familiar to you if you drive through the city regularly or are moving to Abu Dhabi. We provide all the important details you want regarding the Darb system in this tutorial, including its regulations and workings. Continue reading to find out more about utilizing Abu Dhabi’s toll system.

The toll gate system in Abu Dhabi, known as Darb, went into effect on January 2, 2021. Its main goals are to encourage citizens to use public transit and to relieve traffic congestion around the emirate.

The system uses sophisticated technology, replacing traditional physical gates with automated toll gates and sensors. With this configuration, tolls can be automatically debited from your account and you don’t have to pay in person at each gate, ensuring a smooth trip.

Not just Abu Dhabi residents need to register with the Darb toll system; all UAE residents who pass through any of the toll gates must do so.

Table of Contents

• How Does Darb’s Toll Gates System Work?
• Where Are Darb Toll Gates Located?
• What Are Abu Dhabi Toll Gate Timings?
• When Is the Darb Fee Collected and What Are the Peak Hours?
• How Much Is the Darb Fee?
• What Is the Main Difference Between Salik and DARB?
• How to Register for a Darb Account
• How to Top Up Your Darb Account Wallet
• How to Pay Darb’s Toll Gate Fee
• How to Avoid Paying Darb’s Fines
• Frequently asked questions

How Does Darb’s Toll Gates System Work?

The Darb toll gates system in Abu Dhabi employs advanced technology to streamline toll collection. Here’s how it operates:

1. Automated Toll Gates: The toll gates are equipped with automation technology. As you drive through, the system captures your vehicle’s license plate number using high-resolution cameras.
2. Automated Fee Deduction: Based on your vehicle’s plate number, the system automatically deducts the appropriate toll fee from your pre-loaded account balance.
3. No Physical Tags Required: Unlike some toll systems that require physical tags or stickers, Darb uses your vehicle’s plate number alone for identification and billing, making the process both convenient and efficient.

This technology ensures a smooth, contactless experience for motorists, allowing for quick and hassle-free travel across the city.

Where Are Darb Toll Gates Located?

Darb toll gates are strategically placed on four key bridges leading into Abu Dhabi. You will find them at:

• Sheikh Zayed Bridge
• Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Bridge
• Al Maqtaa Bridge
• Mussafah Bridge

These locations help manage traffic flow and ensure efficient toll collection for vehicles entering Abu Dhabi.

What Are Abu Dhabi Toll Gate Timings?

In Abu Dhabi, toll charges are applied during peak traffic hours only. The designated peak times are from 07:00 am to 09:00 am in the morning and from 05:00 pm to 07:00 pm in the evening, from Monday to Saturday. You will not incur any Darb charges outside these peak hours on weekdays, so you can plan your travel accordingly to avoid extra costs.

When Is the Darb Fee Collected and What Are the Peak Hours?

The Darb toll fee is collected during specific peak hours each day. If you pass through the toll gates outside these hours, you will not be charged. The peak hours for Darb toll fees are:

• Morning Peak: 07:00 am – 09:00 am
• Evening Peak: 05:00 pm – 07:00 pm

How Much Is the Darb Fee?

The Darb toll fee remains consistent throughout both morning and evening peak hours. You will be charged each time you pass through a Darb toll gate. The fee is:

• Darb Fee: AED 4

What Is the Main Difference Between Salik and DARB?

Salik and DARB are both toll systems used in the UAE but operate using different technologies and methods.

Salik, implemented in Dubai, utilizes RFID technology with physical tags placed on the windshields of vehicles. These tags are scanned as vehicles pass through toll gates, automatically deducting the toll fee from the user’s account.

On the other hand, DARB , Abu Dhabi’s toll system, employs an advanced approach by using vehicle number plates for toll collection. Instead of physical tags, DARB uses automated toll gates equipped with sensors to identify vehicles through their license plates and deduct the toll fee directly from the driver’s account.

This distinction means that while Salik requires a visible tag on your vehicle, DARB’s system is more streamlined, relying solely on plate number recognition for toll management.

How to Register for a Darb Account

Registering for a Darb account is a straightforward process that can be completed via the Darb official website or mobile application. Follow these steps to set up your account:

1. Prepare Required Documents: Before starting, ensure you have the following documents:
   • Traffic code number
   • Emirates ID
   • Mobile number registered in the traffic file
   • Active personal email address
2. Start Registration:
   • Download the Darb mobile application or visit the Darb official website.
   • Click on the “Create New Account” option.
3. Enter Details:
   • Select the service type as “Individual”.
   • Input your email address.
4. Verify Your Email:
   • You will receive an OTP (One-Time Password) on your email. Enter this OTP to verify your email address.
5. Select Emirate:
   • Choose the emirate where your vehicle is registered.
6. Enter Vehicle Details:
   • Provide your vehicle’s traffic code number.
   • Choose the mobile number associated with your traffic file.
   • Enter the OTP sent to your mobile number.
7. Create Password:
   • Set a password for your account and confirm it.
8. Complete Registration:
   • Once you have entered all the required information and verified your details, your Darb account registration will be complete.

By following these steps, you’ll have a Darb account set up and ready for use, allowing you to manage your toll payments and account information efficiently.

How to Top Up Your Darb Account Wallet

Topping up your Darb account wallet is a simple process that can be done online. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to add funds to your Darb wallet:

1. Log In to Your Darb Account:
   • Visit the Darb website or open the Darb mobile application.
   • Log in using your account credentials.
2. Top Up Your Wallet:
   • Option 1: Click on the “Top-up” button located next to your wallet’s balance.
   • Option 2: Go to the vehicles page, select any of your registered vehicles, and you’ll see an option to top up the wallet associated with that vehicle.
   • Option 3: From the profile page, click on your name at the top right corner of the display, and then select the option to top up your wallet.
3. Add Funds:
   • Follow the prompts to enter the amount you wish to add to your wallet.
   • Complete the transaction using your preferred payment method.
4. Check Your Balance:
   • Before passing through Darb toll gates, check your wallet balance to ensure you have sufficient funds. This can be done easily from your account dashboard.

How to Pay Darb’s Toll Gate Fee

To pay Darb’s toll gate fee, you need to top up your account wallet. The system will automatically deduct the toll fee each time your vehicle passes through a Darb toll gate.

Here’s how you can manage payments:

1. Top Up Your Account:
   • Website: Log in to your Darb account via the official website and add funds using your credit or debit card.
   • Mobile App: Open the Darb mobile application, navigate to the wallet section, and recharge using your credit or debit card.
2. Automatic Deduction:
   • Once your account is funded, the toll fees will be automatically deducted from your wallet whenever you pass through a Darb toll gate.

Do You Need a Separate Darb Account for Each Vehicle?

No, you do not need a separate Darb account for each vehicle. You can register multiple vehicles under a single Darb account. The Darb system is linked to the Federal Traffic System, so any new vehicle you add will be automatically updated in your account.

How to Check Your Darb Fines

To check your Darb fines, simply log in to your Darb account via the website or mobile application. Your account will display any outstanding fines or charges associated with your vehicles.

Vehicle Registration Costs

The total cost for vehicle registration with Darb is AED 100 per vehicle. This fee is divided as follows:

• AED 50 for the registration process.
• AED 50 added as a balance in your Darb account wallet.

By keeping your account funded and up-to-date, you ensure smooth transactions and avoid any penalties related to toll fees.

How to Avoid Paying Darb’s Fines

To avoid incurring fines under the Darb toll gate system, it’s essential to adhere to the rules and regulations. Here’s how you can prevent penalties:

1. Register on the System:
   • Ensure you register on the Darb system before passing through any toll gates. You have a grace period of 10 working days to complete the registration after your first passage.
   • Violation Costs:
     • AED 100 for the first violation
     • AED 200 for the second violation
     • AED 400 for subsequent violations
2. Maintain Sufficient Credit in Your Wallet:
   • If your vehicle is registered outside Abu Dhabi, make sure you have enough credit in your Darb wallet before using the toll gates. You have a 5-day grace period to top up your account if you run out of balance.
   • Violation Costs:
     • AED 50 for insufficient credit.
   • For Abu Dhabi residents, ensure your account has enough credit before conducting any vehicle-related transactions at the Driver Licensing Department.
3. Avoid Tampering with Your Vehicle’s License Plate:
   • Do not alter or tamper with your vehicle’s license plate to evade toll charges. This action is strictly prohibited.
   • Violation Cost:
     • AED 10,000
4. Prevent Damage to Toll Gates or Payment Machines:
   • Be cautious not to cause any damage to the toll gates or electronic payment machines.
   • Violation Cost:
     • AED 10,000