Salik, which means ‘clear’ or ‘open’ in Arabic, is a road toll system introduced by the Roads and Transport Authority in 2007.
Initially, the toll system was launched by RTA to ease traffic congestion with a toll gate each at Shaikh Zayed Road and Al Garhoud bridge, forcing people to either pay or use alternative routes.
Two more gates were added later at Al Maktoum bridge and another on Shaikh Zayed Road.
The Salik tag, which represents a unique technology, can be bought from petrol stations for Dh100, out of which Dh60 will be balance or Salik credit.
The tag is pasted on the vehicle’s windscreen and each time a vehicle passes through the toll gate Dh4 is deducted from the individual’s Salik account.
A vehicle is charged for a maximum of six trips (Dh24) per day and any trips beyond this are free for that particular day.
Passing through a Salik gate without a Salik tag or credit in the account attracts a penalty of Dh50.
A person can hold multiple Salik accounts under his name and funds can be transferred from one account to another in case of a single owner. However, funds cannot be transferred to accounts owned by different owners, neither can the credit once paid be refunded.
A Salik tag or account is valid for life, however, a motorist has to pass through a Salik gate at least once in three years to keep the account active, otherwise the credit in the account will be forfeited.
