If you’re a daily commuter on the roads of Abu Dhabi, you may have encountered a toll gate known as Darb. The Darb toll gate system in Abu Dhabi is an alternative to the Salik toll gate in Dubai. The government takes this initiative to fund and upkeep infrastructure, encourage public transportation modes such as buses and carpooling, and manage traffic flow.
Electronic toll collection technology allows motorists to travel around the city easily and conveniently, saving them time.
This comprehensive guide will help you understand the purpose and use of the Darb toll gate in Abu Dhabi, whether you’re new to the city or have lived here for a long time.
What is the Darb Toll Gate in Abu Dhabi
The Darb toll gate in Abu Dhabi is one of the many prestigious projects introduced to reduce traffic congestion and encourage public transportation.
The sole purpose of the Darb toll gate is to ease congestion and manoeuvrability across the city, saving tons of time with its automated toll collection system. Although Darb toll gate is equivalent to the Salik in Dubai, which uses vehicle tags, Darb relies on automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) to collect toll fees electronically.
Why was the Darb Toll Gate Introduced
As Abu Dhabi’s population skyrocketed, the number of vehicles on the roads also increased, causing traffic congestion and frustration among residents. By charging vehicles during specific times (7-9 AM and 5-7 PM), Darb encourages people to use public transportation rather than private cars, which can be costly. This initiative is a broader strategy that makes public transit more convenient and avoids traffic flow problems.
Timings of Darb Toll Gate
The Darb toll gate operates in Abu Dhabi with weekday peak hours, Monday to Saturday.
- Mornings: 7 AM to 9 AM
- Evenings: 5 PM to 7 PM
Toll fees do not apply on Sundays or any recognised public holidays in Abu Dhabi. You can travel outside the specified weekday peak hours without toll fees.
Understanding the Function of Darb Toll Gate
The Darb toll gate system uses automated number plate recognition, unlike other toll gates like Salik, which uses vehicle tags to scan for the deduction of toll fees.
As a vehicle passes through one of the Darb toll gates in Abu Dhabi, a sophisticated gantry system equipped with an Automated Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) camera captures the vehicle’s license plate. This information is instantly processed and matched with the owner’s Darb account. The system checks whether the car is appropriately registered or has sufficient funds in the Darb account to cover the toll fee. If the account matches these conditions, the appropriate toll fee is automatically deducted from the account without any physical payment or stopping at the gate.
Owners are encouraged to check and maintain their Darb accounts regularly to ensure smooth travels and avoid fines. This can be easily done through the Darb online portal or mobile application, both of which offer convenient options for account management, balance top-ups, and viewing transaction history.
How to Register for the Darb Toll Gate System
Getting started with your Darb account is quick and straightforward. Install the Darb mobile application from your app store, set up your user profile, and add your vehicle details. Since the system uses license plate recognition to identify vehicles, you do not need to install physical tags or devices on your car.
How to Register a Private Car with Darb:
Step-by-step instructions:
- You can download the Darb app or visit the official Darb portal online. The app is available for Android and iOS devices.
- Set up a new user profile and confirm your email address.
- Choose the emirate where your vehicle is registered.
- Enter your Traffic Code number (found on the back of your driver’s license)
- You can provide your mobile phone number and verify it using a one-time password (OTP) sent via SMS.
- Once your account is active, you can link your vehicle by entering your license plate number and selecting the correct type of vehicle.
How to Register a Company Car with Darb:
Step-by-step instructions:
The process for registering corporate or commercial vehicles is similar in most parts but involves a few additional steps:
- Select “Establishment Service” as the account type during account set-up.
- Input company-specific information such as the Trade license number, official business name, and address.
- Provide the Emirate’s ID details of the authorised representative overseeing the account.
- Add each company vehicle by entering its license plate number and specifying the vehicle category.
Darb Account Registration Cost
To activate a Darb toll gate account for your vehicle in Abu Dhabi, a one-time registration fee of AED 100 is required for each car. Out of this total amount, AED 50 is immediately added to your Darb account as an initial balance.
This means you’ll have prepaid credit available from the start, allowing you to use the toll system without needing to make an additional top-up immediately. The remaining AED 50 covers administrative and registration costs associated with setting up your account in the system. This ensures your vehicle is linked correctly and recognised whenever you pass through any Darb toll gate in the city.
Darb Toll Gate Locations in Abu Dhabi
In Abu Dhabi, Darb toll gates are located at all major bridges going into the city. There are a total of four Darb toll gates situated across Abu Dhabi:
- Sheikh Zayed Bridge Toll Gate
- Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Bridge Toll Gate
- Al Maqtaa Bridge Toll Gate
- Mussafa Bridge Toll Gate
Darb Mobile App Overview
The Darb mobile app offers a user-friendly and efficient way to handle all aspects of your toll gate account in Abu Dhabi. Designed for convenience, the app provides many features that allow you to control your account anytime, anywhere.
- Set up and manage your profile: You can easily create your Darba account and update your personal information, such as contact details.
- Register and monitor vehicles: Add new vehicles to your account and view or modify existing vehicle details.
- Review toll activity: Access a detailed log of all your toll gate crossings associated with your account.
- Check and refill your balance: Stay informed about your toll balance and recharge it instantly using multiple payment options, such as credit/debit cards or voucher codes.
- Submit disputes or apply for exemptions: Use the app to file a complaint regarding incorrect toll charges or apply for exemptions if you meet the eligibility criteria.
Darb Toll Gate Fine
You will be fined if you pass a toll gate without registering your vehicle for a Darb account. The fine amount will significantly increase with repeated offences.
- First violation: AED 100
- Second violation: AED 200
- Third violation and onwards: AED 400
When passing through the Darb toll gate, if your vehicle has insufficient balance in the account, you will be fined, with a grace period of 5 working days for vehicles outside of Abu Dhabi. Per the toll gate, the fine is AED 50 after the grace period.
Darb Toll Gate Exemptions
Some vehicles are automatically exempt from paying the Darb toll fees due to their function or classification. These include emergency response vehicles such as:
- Ambulances
- Armed forces
- Motorcycles
- Authorised taxis
- Public transport buses
- Passenger buses accommodating more than 26 people
On the other hand, specific individuals can receive a toll exemption, but only after submitting a formal application. Such individuals include:
- Senior citizens above the age of 60
- Retirees
- Individuals with disabilities
- Limited-income citizens
FAQs
What are the peak hours for toll charges under the Darb toll gate system?
Toll charges apply during peak hours from 7 AM to 9 AM and 5 PM to 7 PM Monday through Saturday, and a fee of AED 4 follows.
What should I do if I pass a toll gate without registering for Darb?
If you pass a toll gate without registering for Darb, you will incur a fine, starting from AED 100 for the first instance.
How can I register for the Darb toll gate system?
To register for the Darb toll system, download the Darb toll app or visit the online portal and follow the above-mentioned registration process.
Follow the Arabwheels Blog for the latest information.
Find out more on Arabwheels to sell or buy cars in the UAE.