Drivers who are already registered with Dubai Salik will still need to register a separate account for Abu Dhabi toll gates…

Recently, the UAE government announced that Abu Dhabi would introduce its own toll gates on several roads in the capital. While initially announced to come into effect from Tuesday October 15, the Abu Dhabi government has since announced that there will be a free trial period from October 15 to January 2020, with the paid scheme launching in January 2020.

Similar to the way Salik works in Dubai, car owners will need to register to so that the charge can be automatically deducted from their account.

The Department of Transport has set up a website explaining exactly how to register, where the gates are and how much the charges will be. Fines are also in place for any drivers who pass through the gate without paying the charge.

Residents who are already registered with Dubai Salik will still need to register a separate account for Abu Dhabi toll gates, as they are not linked. To register, drivers must create an account and credit it with Dhs100, Dhs50 of which can be used against toll fees.

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The fees have been split into Dhs4 for peak hours and Dhs2 for off-peak hours, with a maximum daily fee of Dhs16 per vehicle. Peak hours run Saturday to Thursday from 7am to 9am and 5pm to 7pm. Off-peak hours cover the remaining times 24 hours per day plus Fridays and public holidays.

Fines for passing through the toll gates without registration (following a ten-day grace period) will start at Dhs100 and can increase each day up to Dhs10,000. Drivers can also be fined Dhs50 for passing through with an insufficient balance, but you will have ten days to credit the account and avoid the fine.

Introducing the toll gates aims to improve congestion in the emirate and encourage drivers to car pool to reduce the number of cars on the roads. Toll gates are located on bridges leading to Abu Dhabi City, including Sheikh Zayed Bridge, Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Bridge, Al Maqtaa Bridge and Mussafah Bridge.

To register your vehicle/s visit itps.itc.gov.ae.

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Images: Getty