Introduced by the RTA (Road and Transport Authority), Salik is an electronic toll collection system that deducts toll charges automatically from your account whenever you pass under a Salik toll gate. Salik has streamlined road toll payments without the need for stopping at toll gates. Every registered vehicle in the UAE is required to have a Salik tag on its windshield to ensure a smooth driving experience.
This article will answer some important questions, such as how to recharge your Salik account, what the minimum balance requirement is, how to avoid Salik fees and more.
Ways to Recharge Your Salik Account
RTA has provided many different ways to recharge your Salik account, making the process easy and convenient. Here are the multiple methods provided:
1. Online via the Salik Website:
You may easily top up your Salik account online through their Salik website by following these easy steps:
- Log in with your credentials
- Select “Recharge Method” – use “online payment” if you do not have a recharge number
- Enter Account details, including your information and a vehicle plate number
- Choose the amount you wish to recharge and click “Next”
- Fill up the payment information
- Receive a confirmation upon successful recharge
2. Online via Smart Salik App:
Another convenient and fast way to recharge your Salik account is via the Salik Smart App. While the process is similar to that on the website, you will be required to set up a PIN for the app. Once registered, follow these steps to recharge the account:
- Select “Recharge Now”
- Enter the details required (either your recharge card number or the amount you wish to recharge)
- Choose your payment method (credit card, Net Banking, Noqodi, Apple Pay)
- Enter email address and a mobile phone to receive the confirmation and proceed with the payment
- You will see a confirmation screen once the payment has been completed
3. Online through mobile banking App
Most banking apps in the UAE will allow you to top up your Salik account or set up an automatic top-up for Salik. To use this service, you will need to have your Salik account number ready for registering in the system. Once registered, you may follow the easy steps in your mobile banking app to set up the Auto Top Up Salik option or recharge Salik when required.
(For more specific information, refer to your mobile bank app or customer service.)
4. Online through the RTA app
If you are used to using the RTA app for all your transportation needs, you may also use it to recharge your Salik account. After logging in, you may do so by following these steps:
- Select “Services,” located at the bottom of the page
- Click on “Salik”
- Choose the option “Recharge My Salik Account”
- Enter the required details (your phone number and vehicle information)
- Choose the recharge amount (50, 100, 150, 200, 250)
- Complete the payment information
These are the three most convenient ways, however, RTA provides other methods of recharging Salik’s account. Those include:
Recharging Salik with a Salik Card
A Salik card is a very easy option to recharge your balance. The card is available in amounts of 50, 100, and 200 AED and can be used in several locations and through different methods. You may recharge the car via:
- Phone Call: Simply call the Salik helpdesk at 800-SALIK (72545), scratch the number on the back of the card, and enter when prompted. Once the process is completed, you will receive a confirmation message on your phone.
- SMS: Scratch the number on the back of the card and send the message in the following format: R
12-digit number Salik account number Salik PIN to 5959. Once the process is completed, you will receive a confirmation SMS with your new balance.
You may purchase a Salik Recharge Card at any petrol station (ENOC, EPPCO, ADNOC, Emarat) or select retail outlets.
Recharge Salik through banks and ATMs
You may find some banking facilities in Dubai, including ATMs and Cash Deposit Machines (CDMs) that have the option to recharge your Salik account. Once you locate the machine, follow the on-screen instructions to easily top up your Salik account.
Recharge Salik through Self-service kiosks
Salik kiosks in Dubai may be found using the RTA Smart Drive App. Once you visit the nearest Salik kiosk, you will be prompted to enter your username (or registered email address) and password to log in. After that, select the “Recharge Tab” and deposit cash to your Salik account. The kiosk will automatically complete the transaction and confirm the top-up.
Tips to Maintaining Your Salik Account
Maintaining your Salik balance is as important as maintaining any other account in the UAE to avoid getting fined. With several methods available, it shouldn’t be too hard to keep track of your balance, but we suggest the following:
- Enable Auto Recharge: To make sure you are on the safe side with sufficient balance, set up an automatic top-up. This is the most reliable way to avoid fines.
- Monitor Your Balance: Download one of the apps (Smart Salik, RTA) to check your Salik balance frequently and stay updated. Alternatively, visit the Salik website to check your balance.
- Plan Ahead for Long Journeys: If topping up according to usage, calculate the number of toll gates on your route to estimate the charges and top up accordingly.
What is the Salik minimum Top-Up and Limits?
To top up your Salik account, you are required to deposit a minimum of 50 AED to your account. This is the standard minimum amount, regardless of the method you are using.
The limit for the balance on your Salik account is set at 50,000 AED, ensuring sufficient room for frequent travelers. Beware that while having enough balance may give some peace of mind, make sure not to become complacent with recharges.
What is the Fee for Passing Salik Without Balance?
Salik tag will automatically detect once your vehicle has passed under a Salik toll, however, sometimes it takes a day or two for the charges to reflect on your account, especially if you are passing through both North and South Mamzar Salik gate. For that reason, once your account balance hits zero, you will have a grace period allowing you to recharge. If the account has not been recharged, you may incur fines:
- First offense: 50 AED
- Second offense: 100 AED
- Subsequent offenses: 200 AED per violation
What is the Salik Grace Period?
The RTA provides a 5-day grace period to recharge your account after passing a Salik tag with insufficient balance. Failure to recharge within this timeframe will result in a fine.
You can easily track the remaining period before getting a fine on the Smart Salik app, where you will see a warning for all the uncollected toll charges.
Conclusion
Salik is an efficient system designed to simplify travel across Dubai’s toll roads. When you understand how to recharge your account and stay proactive with your balance, you can enjoy uninterrupted travel without worrying about penalties. Whether you prefer manual top-ups or the ease of automatic recharges, maintaining your Salik account is now easier than ever.
