Salik top-up, balance and violations
Updated 11 October 2026
Salik takes the toll from your account every time you pass a gate in Dubai, so a low balance or a missing tag turns into violations. Here's how to get a tag, top up and check your balance, and what happens if you run out.
Getting a Salik tag
| Where | Cost (AED) |
|---|---|
| Selected Emarat, ENOC/EPPCO and ADNOC stations, service centres or the Careem app | 102.50 |
| Salik website or Smart Salik app, delivered | 122.50 |
Both prices include VAT and AED 50 of toll balance; the tag itself is AED 52.50, and delivery adds AED 20. A tag bought online is activated automatically. Activate one bought in person before your first gate, on the Salik website or app, the RTA Dubai app or 800 72545. Each car needs its own tag: tags can't move between cars.
How to top up
- By card: the Smart Salik app, salik.ae, the Careem app or TAMM.
- With a recharge card or e-voucher: the Smart Salik app, the RTA Dubai app, salik.ae, SMS or 800 72545.
- In cash: Salik kiosks and Emirates NBD and DIB cash deposit machines.
- Automatically: auto top-up through banks that offer it; ask yours.
A top-up is AED 50 to AED 50,000, in multiples of 50. There's no VAT on top-ups; VAT is added to each toll instead. You can also top up someone else's account with their account number and PIN, or their mobile and plate number.
What happens if you run out
| Situation | Violation (AED) |
|---|---|
| Not enough balance, and no top-up within 5 working days of the trip | 50 |
| No registered tag after 10 working days from the first trip | 100, 200, then 400 |
| Tampering with a tag | 10,000 |
Low-balance and no-tag violations are capped at one a day per vehicle. Without a tag the first violation is AED 100, the second AED 200 and every later one AED 400. Don't count on an SMS: Salik says you may not get one when your balance runs out, but its app and website show unpaid trips with a countdown before they turn into violations. There's no VAT on violations, and the owner pays them, whoever was driving.
Disputing and paying a violation
Dispute a violation in the Smart Salik app, the RTA Dubai app, on salik.ae or by calling 800 72545. You can dispute anything posted in the last 13 months, or up to your registration renewal, even if you've already paid it, and a wrong violation is refunded. If a dispute is turned down and you have more evidence, email customerservice@salik.ae.
Pay violations on rta.ae (Violations Enquiry & Payment), on the Dubai Police website for Dubai plates or the Abu Dhabi Police website for other plates, or at any vehicle registration centre.
Selling, buying or replating a car
- Selling: peel off and discard the tag and remove the car from your Salik account straight away, or the new owner's tolls are charged to you.
- Buying a used car: remove the old tag. You have 10 working days from your first gate to fit your own.
- New plate number: keep the tag, but update the plate in your account.
- An unused account: the balance is forfeited after five years with no trips or top-ups.
For Salik prices by time of day, and Abu Dhabi's Darb, see Salik and Darb toll rates.
See what Salik costs you each week
Benzeen_ counts the Salik gates on your recorded trips at the right price for the time of day, next to fuel, service and fines, so you know what your commute costs and when to top up. Follow @benzeen.app or see the app.
Sources: Salik FAQs, Salik: recharge a Salik account. Your Salik account is the official record.
Questions
What is the minimum Salik recharge?
AED 50, in multiples of 50, up to AED 50,000 per top-up.
What happens if my Salik balance isn't enough?
You have 5 working days from the trip to top up. After that, a AED 50 violation applies, at most one a day per vehicle.
What is the fine for passing Salik without a tag?
After a 10-working-day grace period: AED 100 the first time, AED 200 the second and AED 400 every time after that, at most one a day.
How much is a Salik tag?
AED 102.50 at petrol stations and service centres, including VAT and AED 50 of toll balance, or AED 122.50 online with delivery.
How do I dispute a Salik violation?
In the Smart Salik app, the RTA Dubai app, on salik.ae or on 800 72545, for violations from the last 13 months, even if paid. Wrong violations are refunded.
Does my Salik balance expire?
Only if the account has no trips or top-ups for five years. Then the balance is forfeited.