If you’re cruising around Abu Dhabi, whether you’re a commuter, casual visitor, or picking up a car from a provider like Hertz UAE, it’s important to complete the Abu Dhabi toll gate registration online. The cleverly planned Darb toll system is designed to cut congestion, control traffic flow, and promote public transport, making every journey smoother, simpler, and smarter.
This guide gives you a complete compass, from creating your Darb Abu Dhabi account to controlling costs and crossing checkpoints confidently with complete peace of mind.
What is the Darb Toll System?
The automated road toll system, known as the Darb toll system, was introduced by the Abu Dhabi Department of Municipalities and Transport through the Integrated Transport Center. It’s designed to control traffic congestion and plan for peak-time movement. Unlike Abu Dhabi Salik, it works through a Darb toll gate account instead of using physical tags on your car.
Toll Gate Locations
Currently, there are four toll gates in Abu Dhabi:
- Sheikh Zayed Bridge
- Al Maqta Bridge
- Sheikh Khalifa Bridge
- Mussafah Bridge
These Darb toll system gates operate during peak hours:
- 7:00 AM – 9:00 AM
- 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Toll charges apply from Monday to Saturday, with Sundays and public holidays being toll-free.
Who Needs to Register for the Abu Dhabi Toll?
Abu Dhabi toll registration is compulsory for:
- Citizens and commuters with vehicles registered in any emirate
- Curious city visitors driving into Abu Dhabi
- Car renters, including those using premium providers like Hertz UAE
- Commercial vehicles and company-owned cars
- Private car owners from other participating emirates
Even if your car is currently registered in Dubai, you’ll still need to complete the Abu Dhabi toll registration for Dubai vehicles before crossing any checkpoint or passing through a Darb toll gate.
How to Register for the Abu Dhabi Toll System
Creating your Darb tolling system account is a clear process, easily completed through the Darb Abu Dhabi website or the convenient mobile app on iOS and Android.
Step-by-Step Registration:
- Click onto the Darb website.
- Create your Darb account by clicking “Create a New Darb account.”
- Enter your Emirates ID number and your registered mobile phone number.
- Complete your car’s profile by adding the plate number and uploading the vehicle registration paperwork.
- Connect your traffic code number or your company’s establishment code if it’s a work vehicle.
- Pick your preferred payment method, like a credit or debit card.
- Charge your Darb wallet to complete the setup and start using the system.
Once your registered account is confirmed and charged, you’ll be cleared to cruise through any Darb tolling system checkpoints in the city.
Documents Required for Toll Registration
To complete your toll gate Abu Dhabi registration, make sure you prepare the proper paperwork, including:
- Valid Emirates ID
- Vehicle’s Mulkiya (registration document)
- Active mobile number or registered phone number
- Valid credit or debit card for payment
These core credentials are required whether you’re the car’s primary owner, cruising in a rental, or controlling multiple vehicles under one Darb account.
Setting Up Your Darb Account
Once your Darb Abu Dhabi account is created, you can conveniently control and customize everything online:
- Check and clear your charges, you can pay your Darb toll gate charges directly from your account
- Check your Darb wallet credit to stay prepared and prevent penalties
- Connect or cancel access for multiple cars
- Correct contact details or car information anytime
- Change your preferred payment method
- Set up auto-recharge to avoid an insufficient balance
A carefully controlled Darb account ensures you’re always primed to pass through any Darb toll gates located across the city with confidence.
Payment Methods and Toll Recharge Options
You can keep your Darb wallet charged and current through several convenient payment channels:
- Credit or debit cards (Visa/MasterCard)
- Click-to-pay options via the Darb portal
- Configurable auto-recharge settings
- Compatible mobile payment platforms
Consistently keeping your balance complete helps you prevent penalties and cruise past toll checkpoints without complications.
If you’re also managing tolls in Dubai, check out our guides on different ways to recharge Salik and how to easily check your Salik balance to ensure your accounts stay topped up no matter where you’re driving.
Toll Charges and How They Are Calculated
Here’s how toll gate fees are calculated:
- AED 4 per crossing during peak periods
- Complimentary crossings during off-peak hours, Fridays, and public holidays
- Charges apply per car, per direction, at each checkpoint
This carefully planned toll system is crafted to control traffic flow and reduce congestion on Abu Dhabi’s crowded corridors.
Toll Exemptions and Discount Programs
The Darb toll system provides purposeful privileges for:
- Senior citizens of the Emirates
- People of determination
- Patriotic, low-income population
- Electric vehicles (temporary)
- Emergency vehicles and public transport
To apply for exemptions:
- Log in to your Darb system account
- Submit your Emirates ID and vehicle details
- Select your category and upload the required documents
Only one vehicle per person is allowed under the exemption scheme.
Fines and Penalties for Non-Compliance
Passing an Abu Dhabi toll gate without proper registration or payment can lead to fines and fees:
- AED 100 for the first violation
- AED 200 for the second
- AED 400 for the third
- Fines can accumulate up to AED 10,000 per month
Other violations include:
- Failing to file a vehicle registration
- Using an unverified or unused Darb account
- Crossing with a critically low credit balance
Avoid added admin fees by keeping close control of your Darb tolling account.
How to Check and Pay Toll Violations
To track unpaid tolls in Abu Dhabi:
- Log in to your Darb dashboard via the website or mobile app
- Visit the Violations section
- View violation details and proceed with payment
- If needed, file a formal fine dispute directly through the platform
Use your traffic code number, registered vehicle number, or Emirates ID to access all details.
Stay updated on your Abu Dhabi toll tax registration to avoid unexpected fines.
Using Rental Cars on Abu Dhabi Toll Roads
If you’re driving a rental ride, especially from reputable providers like Hertz UAE, toll tracking is typically taken care of. Still, be sure to confirm:
- Is the car correctly registered in the Darb system?
- Are tolls transparently charged to my card?
- Are fees folded into the final rental invoice?
Always clarify who controls toll charges and what the consequences are for violations or delayed payments.
Stay Ahead with Hertz UAE: A Seamless Driving Experience
Driving through Abu Dhabi toll gates becomes smooth and straightforward once you’re signed up with the Darb toll gate system. Whether you’re a daily Dubai driver or renting a vehicle from a reputable provider like Hertz UAE, you must complete your Abu Dhabi toll register and keep your Darb wallet well-funded.
Facing questions or feeling confused about your Abu Dhabi toll register? Connect with Hertz UAE; we’re here to assist and steer you smoothly in the right direction.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What if I pass the Abu Dhabi toll gate without registration?
If you cruise through a checkpoint in Abu Dhabi without completing your toll registration, you could face costly consequences. The Darb toll system offers a ten-working-day grace period from your first crossing to complete your Abu Dhabi toll register and avoid violations.
If you fail to register within that timeframe, fines will follow:
- First fine: AED 100
- Second slip: AED 200
- Subsequent strikes: AED 400 each
Is Darb registration mandatory?
Yes. Every vehicle entering Abu Dhabi’s Darb toll gates must be duly registered, even if you’re cruising in from other emirates. Failing to complete your Abu Dhabi toll register on time could lead to fees, fines, and frustrating delays.
How much is DARB registration?
Registration is free of charge, but you’ll need to fund your Darb wallet to cover toll fees during peak traffic times. Staying topped up ensures smooth, stress-free travel through Abu Dhabi’s toll gates.
What is the fine for an unregistered vehicle in DARB?
Fines start at AED 100 for the first violation and go up with every repeated crossing without registration: AED 200 for the second and AED 400 for each one after.