Dubai: When driving in Abu Dhabi, you may come across toll gates that have been installed at four different locations in the emirate, known as Darb. The Darb toll system was launched by Abu Dhabi’s Integrated Transport Centre (ITC) in January 2021, and whether you live in the emirate or travel to it regularly, you would need to know about the system and when and how much you will be charged.
How much does each crossing cost?
Each crossing is charged at Dh4, with a daily cap at Dh16 for private vehicles.
This means that if you cross the gates more than four times in a day, you will only be charged a maximum of Dh16. According to ITC, charges will not be levied on Fridays and public holidays.
Charge only during peak hours
It is important to note that he toll is only charged during the rush hour.
Department of Municipalities and Transport, Abu Dhabi announced the toll timings as follows:
1. 7am-9am
2. 5pm-7pm
This means that there will be no fees for crossing the gates during non-rush hour timings.
Exemptions
According to ITC, the following categories are exempt from the toll system:
1. Elderly citizens
2. Retired citizens
3. People of determination
4. Low-income citizens
The following vehicles have also been exempted from the toll system:
1. Ambulances
2. Army vehicles
3. Civil defence vehicles
4. Police vehicles from other emirates and Ministry of Interior vehicles
5. Public taxis licensed in Abu Dhabi
6. School buses permitted by ITC
7. Transport buses of 26+ passengers
8. Motorbikes
9. Towed vehicles
However, registering vehicles on the Darb system is mandatory, even for the exempted categories. To apply for exemptions, applicants need to visit the Darb app or website.
Monthly fee cap
There is also a monthly cap for private vehicles.
1. Dh200 for the first vehicle
2. Dh150 for the second vehicle
3. Dh100 for each additional vehicle
The daily and monthly fee caps do not apply to company vehicles.
Location of toll gates
There are four toll gates:
1. Sheikh Zayed Bridge
2. Sheikh Khalifa Bridge
3. Mussafah Bridge
4. Al Maqta'a Bridge
How can I register?
You can register via the Darb website - https://darb.itc.gov.ae/RucWeb/login - or through the Darb app.
Step 1: Create New Account – Individual, or sign in using your UAE Pass.
Step 2: Enter your email address and check on the Captcha verification.
Step 3: Enter the one-time password sent to your email address.
Step 4: Enter your vehicle details like the emirate where it is registered and the Traffic Code No. You can find the T.C. No. at the back of your driving licence.
Step 5: Verify the mobile number associated with the T.C. No – you will be asked to verify the mobile number and a one-time password will be sent to your mobile.
Step 6: Fill in the registration form.
Step 7: Make the payment.
Registration charge
The minimum payment is Dh100 per vehicle, but Dh50 will be credited back to the user account after registration is completed. Then, they can top up the account and the toll will be deducted automatically every time they pass a toll point.
For more information, motorists can contact the Department of Transport on 800 88888.
