Abu Dhabi Darb Toll System Explained: Gates, Timings, Fees and Fines (2026)

What’s New for Darb in 2026? The Abu Dhabi toll system added two new 24/7 toll gates (Al Qurm and Ghantoot) on May 4, 2026, and removed the daily and monthly toll caps for private vehicles. Drivers must now pay AED 4 for every crossing without relying on previous maximum payment limits.

Driving in Abu Dhabi is easy, but if you familiarize yourself with the road toll system, you can save yourself from any unexpected expenses. The Darb system automatically identifies the vehicles passing through toll gates and collects the tolls applied. It's important to know the location, hours of operation, methods of payment, and fines for toll gates if you are a resident, tourist, or visitor driving a rental car from RCD Rent a Car. So, let’s check out everything about Darb Toll System.

What is the Darb Toll Gate System?

The Darb toll system is an electronic toll system introduced by the authorities in Abu Dhabi to control traffic and promote the efficient use of the road.

It is under the control of the Q Mobility company in cooperation with Abu Dhabi Mobility.

Contrary to toll booths, drivers do not have to stop at Darb or pay cash. Cameras automatically recognise vehicle number plates when they pass through active toll gates. The appropriate fee is then documented and collected through the registered vehicle's payment account. There are no physical tags or toll barriers required, making commuting and visiting convenient.

Abu Dhabi Darb Toll Gate Locations

There are six toll gates (Darb) in Abu Dhabi for major bridges and important roads of the city. There are currently four of these on bridges that head towards Abu Dhabi Island, and two more were opened on 4th May 2026.

Below you will find the six locations:

Al Qurm and Ghantoot are two newer gates that are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. They are being introduced to improve traffic flow and give alternative travel routes for motorists.

Abu Dhabi Darb Timing and Toll Charges in 2026

The standard toll fee is AED 4 per crossing. The four original bridge gates only charge during peak hours (7 AM–9 AM and 3 PM–7 PM), while the newer Al Qurm and Ghantoot gates charge 24/7.

Knowing when gates are open or closed in Abu Dhabi is crucial as tolls depend on the gate you used and the time of day it is open.

The toll for the four original bridge gates is AED 4 for each crossing during rush hour. The hours are from Monday to Saturday; Sundays and official public holidays are free. Drivers are advised not to assume that the time frame of the original bridge gate is applicable to the Al Qurm and Ghantoot gates, as they operate at different timings.

Note: Private vehicles no longer have daily and monthly toll caps from 1 September 2025. This means that drivers can no longer count on previous maximum daily or monthly payment limits.

How to Register and Make Darb Toll Payments?

Vehicle owners must register their cars through the official Darb website or mobile app and pay an AED 100 setup fee.

Registration can be done via Darb's official website and mobile app by the vehicle owner. It is crucial to register when moving through toll gates to avoid any penalties or fines.

The general registration process includes:

1. Go to the Darb website or download the Darb app.
2. Where applicable, sign in with UAE Pass.
3. Fill in traffic file information and any necessary personal information.
4. Add your car and check its registration information.
5. Pay for registration and maintain enough wallet balance.

The registration fee is a total of AED 100: AED 50 as a registration fee and AED 50 credited to the wallet.

How to Check Your Darb Account Balance?

The mobile application and online portal can be used to check your Darb account balance. Log in to your account, go to Wallet, and view your available balance. You can also check out the transaction history and recharge your wallet with a credit card or debit card. The app also has the feature of automatic wallet top-ups, which can help avoid running out of balance.

Fines and Penalties for Toll Gates in Abu Dhabi

Passing through a toll gate in an unregistered vehicle results in an AED 100 fine for the first violation, increasing up to AED 400 for subsequent violations.

Just like accumulating unexpected Dubai traffic fines, ignoring your Darb registration or failing to maintain a sufficient wallet balance can lead to severe financial penalties. The authorities offer grace periods, but it is not a regular way of payment. The following are the most common Abu Dhabi toll gateway ticket fines:

Important grace periods:

• Unregistered vehicles need to be registered within 10 working days of the first crossing.
• Outside registered vehicles have to settle insufficient wallet balance within 5 working days.

In the case of an unregistered vehicle, the penalties will be issued for the first day of violation AED 100, the second day of violation AED 200, and the third day of violation AED 400, irrespective of how many crossings are made on the day of violation.

How to Pay Darb Fines?

The outstanding fines can be paid on the Darb website or App. Log in to your account, check the violation details, and pay via the available wallet balance or credit card. In addition, if you are mistaken that you have received an incorrect fine, you can file a grievance on the official Darb platform.

Rental Car Toll Charges in Abu Dhabi

For those visiting Abu Dhabi with a rental car, knowing about the tolls can help you plan your trip. Rental cars are registered in the name of the rental company, unlike privately owned cars. The company handles the Darb registration of the vehicle and collects the toll transactions.

If you pass through an active toll gate, the system automatically records the crossing. If you are a visitor, make sure you also read our guide on whether tourists can drive in Dubai with a foreign license before starting your journey. The rental company can then charge you for the toll used according to its rental agreement.

Before picking up your car, verify:

• Whether an additional fee for Darbs will be added to the rent?
• How much the company charges per toll crossing?
• If an extra administration fee applies, and how much?
• Whether tolls will be deducted from your card or security deposit?

Choose a Rental Car for Exploring Abu Dhabi

With a car hire in Abu Dhabi, visitors can explore the city independently at their own speed. If you are looking for a rental for a trip, check out RCD Rent a Car to determine the right type of car you should hire for your travels.

Whether you need a spacious SUV rental for a family road trip across the Sheikh Zayed Bridge or a compact economy car for city commuting, verify the toll agreement and familiarize yourself with the contract before hitting the road.

Tips To Avoid Darb Toll Charges and Fines

With a bit of planning, it's possible to save yourself some unnecessary tolls on the trip.

• Before choosing your route, review the locations of toll gates.
• If possible, take alternate routes to bypass tolls.
• Avoid traveling during peak hours through the four original bridge gates.
• If you are the owner of the vehicle, ensure that there is enough balance in the Darb wallet.
• When hiring a car, check the toll registration and payment agreement.
• Check your toll transactions and rental invoices.

Emila Hales

My name is Emila Hales. I've been living in the UAE for the past five years, and I absolutely love traveling. Writing about my travel experiences is something I enjoy, and I'm excited to share my adventures with others who are passionate about exploring new places.

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