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In light of the successful experience of Salik Dubai, Abu Dhabi has introduced a toll system. It was developed in collaboration with the Integrated Transport Centre and the Department of Transport. The automated toll system known as DARB started its trial period in October 2019. It became fully operational in early 2020. Thus, marking significant strides in enhancing traffic flow within the city.
Moreover, DARB has been successful in reducing traffic congestion. While encouraging public transport use during peak hours. This is because it corresponds to some of the government’s objectives. These major on efficient management of traffic volumes. Thus, minimizing pollution from the automotive sector. The following is an extensive guide to the Abu Dhabi toll gates system.
Reasons why DARB Toll Gate was Introduced in Abu Dhabi
Traffic Congestion Reduction: The fast-growing economy of Abu Dhabi led to an increased number of vehicles on its roads. It resulted in traffic congestion. The introduction of the DARB toll gate seeks to tackle this problem by charging toll fees during peak hours. The system discourages unnecessary traveling by private vehicles at peak times. Thus, promoting easier flow of traffic and minimizing snarl-ups.
Promotion of Public Transport: The aim of toll charges by DARB is to discourage people from using their cars during rush hours. Encourage them instead to use public modes such as buses and trains. This will in turn lower the overall volume of traffic. Make choosing public transport more attractive and feasible as a result contributing towards an effective transportation system.
How to Register for DARB Abu Dhabi?
Every car owner in the UAE must register with this DARB facility before accessing any of its lanes. Its registration can be done either through the mobile app or via the DARV portal. Where two methods are considered more convenient and prompt than others.
Steps for Individual Registration
- Open the DARB portal or mobile app.
- Click “Individual Registration”.
- Type your valid email address.
- Check your email for OTP and enter it within the time given.
- Provide your driving license’s traffic code number as well as select the source document location
- Enter your phone number to get OTP for verification purposes only.
- Fill up the form which includes Emirates ID and date of birth. Then create a password to complete the registration process.
- After successfully registering a user may check their wallet balance along with the registered vehicle status. Multiple vehicles can be managed by adding their respective traffic codes to the account.
Cost of Registration for DARB
It is worth noting that DARB charges AED 100 for every registration done. With AED 50 being refunded back into one’s account. In actual sense, it thus costs AED 50 only to register for this toll gate service.
DARB Account Activation
Activating the DARB account is a straightforward process. Just follow the following easy steps and your account will be activated.
- Log In to Your Account
Open the website or mobile application and log in to your account. - Register Your Vehicles
Click on the “Register Vehicle” and add all the respective details including the number plate. - Choose Your Payment Method
Make a selection between the use of a credit card or Amwal Wallet for your payment. - Make a Deposit
The activation of your account will require you to make a minimum deposit of AED 100.
Abu Dhabi DARB Toll Gate Timing
According to the official website, DARB toll gates in Abu Dhabi have specific operating hours. During peak periods from Monday to Saturday:
- Morning Hours: Tolls apply from 7:00 AM until 9:00 AM.
- Evening Hours: Tolls are applicable between 5:00 PM and 7:00 PM.
- The toll is not charged on:
- Sundays.
- Public holidays.
- During Ramadan month, the following is the timing schedule for DARB tolls:
- Morning Hours: Between 8 am and 10 am || Afternoon Hours: Between 2 pm and 4 pm
In this way, traffic flow will be optimized which lets users plan their journeys in a better manner.
How DARB Toll Charges are Deducted in Abu Dhabi?
Unlike the Salik system that uses a tag on a car’s windscreen when passing through it, The DARB tolling process applied in Abu Dhabi applies another technology for deducting this money.
Prepaid Account
A prepaid DARB account linked to your vehicle’s number plate is used to charge for the tolls.
Electronic Payment Wallet
It is an integrated electronic payment wallet. This automatically subtracts toll fees based on your vehicle registration details.
The moment your car crosses a DARB toll gate, it recognizes its number plate. Then deduct the amount from your account with DARB. This makes payment processes more efficient. Since no physical tags or stickers are necessary throughout this smooth process.
How to Add Credit to Your Account?
You can add credit to your DARB account in different ways:
Online:
- DARB Website
Access your account on the DARB website, log in, and click on “My Wallet”. Then click on “Top-up”, and select the amount you want (between AED 50-10,000). Choose either Amwal Wallet or a credit card as your method of payment. - DARB App
Get the DARB app from App Store, Google Play or Huawei’s App Gallery. After logging into it, go under “My Wallet,” there is an option that says “Top up.” Select how much you want to pay and complete using your preferred method of payment.
Offline
- Self-Service Kiosks
These are situated at various petrol stations and convenience stores all over Abu Dhabi. For payments either with cash or through credit cards select your vehicle and choose a top-up amount. - Customer Service Centers
Visit any DARB service center in Al Mafraq or Mussafah. To make payments via cash or card provide us with the vehicle number and top-up amount.
How to claim exemption from DARB Toll charges for vehicles registered outside Abu Dhabi?
For owners of vehicles registered in other emirates who would like to be exempted from DARB toll charges. They need to follow the following steps:
- Sign Up
Firstly, you are supposed to create an account on the website or mobile application of DARB. or Use your login details to get into your account. - Pick Exemption Category
Go to the ‘Exemption’ option under your profile menu. - Select Exemption Category
Choose a category that is indicated in the exemption request form written by you. - Submit Documents
The necessary documents which will serve as evidence must be given to justify their claims.
Abu Dhabi Toll Gate Locations
DARB has its own four toll gates in Abu Dhabi located at:
- Al Maqta Bridge
- Mussafah Bridge
- Sheikh Zayed Bridge
- Sheikh Khalifa Bridge
DARB Toll Gate Tariffs
- Off-Peak Hours: There will be no toll charge.
- Sundays and Holidays: No toll charge on off peak hours.
- Maximum Daily Limit: Maximum of AED 16 per vehicle.
- Monthly Caps:
- First vehicle: AED 200
- Second vehicle: AED 150
- Additional vehicles: AED 100 each
DARB Fines
- Unregistered Vehicle:
- First violation –AED100.00
- Second violation-AED 200.00
- Third and subsequent violations– AED 400.00 each time.
- Insufficient Balance Fine: For transactions amounting to less than the required balance within five working days, a fine of AED50 will be charged for each transaction.
- Manipulation Fine: If the driver tampers with the license of the vehicle to avoid paying charges at Darb Lane Crossing. One has to pay an amount not exceeding ten thousand Dirhams.
- Damaging Fine: An individual who breaks or tampers with any electronic payment machine or toll gate shall pay a penalty. It will be of AED 10,000.
- Maximum/Accumulated Violations: The maximum penalty for any one owner of a motor vehicle shall not exceed AED 10,000. It must not relate to more than one vehicle registered in that person’s name or under his control.
In relation to all other breaches fines collected should not go beyond AED 10,000 per motorist.
DARB Exemptions
Automatically Exempted Vehicles (No Request Needed):
- Emergency ambulance services.
- Armed forces and civil defense vehicles.
- Public transport buses.
- Motorcycles.
- Public taxis.
- Authorized school buses.
- All passenger buses (26 or more passengers as defined by licensing authority).
- Abu Dhabi Police.
- Ministry of Interior.
- Local Emirates Police.
- Trailer vehicles.
Exemptions by Request:
One vehicle per category for:
- People of Determination.
- Families with limited income.
- Senior citizens.
- Retired citizens.
Navigating the DARB Online Portal
The DARB online portal has a number of features designed to help you manage your account.
- Check Account Balance – View your current balance and transaction history.
- Update Vehicle Information – Keep your vehicle details up-to-date.
- Manage Multiple Vehicles – Link and manage multiple vehicles through the portal.
- Access Transportation Services – Use the portal for public transportation. It includes taxi services and parking management.
DARB vs Salik
Similar to Dubai’s Salik, Abu Dhabi’s DARB uses RFID technology for charging tolls. But Salik employs tags placed on vehicle windscreens. DARB levies charges using vehicle number plates. DARB in Abu Dhabi versus Salik in Dubai Toll Systems Comparison:
- Technology
DARB uses automatic number plate recognition instead of a physical sticker. Salik requires a sticker on the vehicle’s windscreen. - Applicability
Salik tags are only for use within Dubai but cannot work in any other Emirate such as Abu Dhabi. Vehicles registered in Dubai have to go through another registration process for DARB. - Toll Gate Locations
- Four toll gates exist under DARB’s jurisdiction within Abu Dhabi. While there are eight saliks spread across strategic locations around Dubai.
- Registration and Payment Procedures
The two systems have different ways in which they get registered or paid. It is therefore crucial to understand all requirements of both systems for a smooth drive in UAE.
What to Do if More than One Car Comes Under a Person’s Name?
There is no requirement for a separate registration for your vehicle. All cars and trucks can be linked together under one account. Additionally, any new car that comes into your possession is automatically displayed in DARB.
What Are Your DARB Fines Like?
You can access all information regarding your fines by logging into the Darb portal or mobile app. Here you will find details about any pending fines and manage your transactions effectively.
Vehicle Registration Fees
The total amount required for registering a vehicle is AED100 this consists:
- AED 50 as registration fee.
- A balance of AED 50 in the wallet was created on the same account.
How to avoid DARB fines?
In order to avoid all this, make sure you follow the following guidelines:
Register on the System
In case you end up passing through a toll booth without being registered. A 10 days grace period is awarded within which you can register. Failing to register during this window means that you have violated the rules of Darb.
Costs for violations
- AED 100 (first time)
- AED 200 (second time)
- AED 400 (third time and subsequent)
Can I go to Abu Dhabi without registering with DARB?
No, coming into Abu Dhabi without having a registered account in DARB incurs a penalty. For example, if there are no registered plates at the gate being crossed, some of the penalties may include:
- AED 100 for the first time
- AED 200 for a second time
- AED 300 for all the other occurrences beyond that stage.
Thus, it’s important that you register your vehicle with DARB. Be in compliance with this system of payment.
How Do I Contact DARB In Abu Dhabi?
Contact Information
- Toll-Free Number:800850
- Email Address: customer.care@itc.gov.ae
Office Location and Working Hours
- Address: Al Khor Street, Rabdan, Abu Dhabi
- Working Hours:
- Monday: Thursday:07.30 am – 03.30 pm
- Friday: 07.30 am –12.00 pm
- Saturday: Closed
Registration for Company Vehicles
The following steps are followed when registering multiple vehicles under a company:
- Open the DARB portal and select “Establishment”.
- Complete your email, traffic code, and mobile number verification process.
- Other details you need to fill in the registration form are:
- Name
- Emirates ID
- Date of Birth
- Nationality
- Trade License Number
- Trade License Issue and Expiry Dates
- Password
After completing the registration, users can access this dashboard. Which will provide information concerning vehicle registrations as well as wallet statuses.
Conclusion
DARB greatly improves the convenience and efficiency of travel within Abu Dhabi. It controls traffic flow and encourages public transport use. You can enjoy easy account management online, different modes of payment, and exemptions for some categories of cars. DARB offers a seamless drive. Fines can be avoided and well as enjoy worry-free drive across urban areas by registering your car. Use the DARB system today to simplify your trips in order to make roads smoother and more systematic.
