Abu Dhabi’s toll gate system to go live on January 2, 2021

Abu Dhabi’s toll system will come into effect on January 2, 2021, a year after its originally planned date.

The Integrated Transport Center (ITC), part of @AbuDhabiDMT, has called upon vehicle owners in #AbuDhabi to register for the ‘Darb’ toll gate system and activate their accounts via https://t.co/mNhf2FN0xt or via the Darb app. The system will go live from 2 January 2021. pic.twitter.com/KtxLvJ9OsR

— مكتب أبوظبي الإعلامي (@admediaoffice) December 8, 2020

The Integrated Transport Centre (ITC), which forms part of Abu Dhabi’s Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT), has urged motorists in the capital emirate to register for the toll system and activate their accounts via the ‘Darb’ website or app. Registration charges equal Dhs100, of which Dhs50 is the fee, with the residual amount credited to the user’s account.

’Darb’ will be activated during peak times only on 4 bridges leading into Abu Dhabi, from 7-9am, and from 5-7pm. AED4 will be charged for each crossing in order to enhance traffic flow, and to encourage use of alternative means of transport.

— مكتب أبوظبي الإعلامي (@admediaoffice) December 8, 2020

The four toll gates have been set up on Sheikh Zayed Bridge, Sheikh Khalifa Bridge, Al Maqta Bridge and Mussafah Bridge. The system is hoped to help reduce traffic congestion.

Tolls will only be charged during peak hours, from 7am – 9am and 5pm-7pm. Motorists will be charged Dhs4 per crossing – except on Fridays and public holidays – capped at Dhs16 per day and Dhs200 per month for private vehicles.

Exempt categories
The toll fee has been waived off for elderly, low-income and retired citizens, as well as for people of determination. However, registering vehicles on the Darb system is mandatory, even for those relieved of the fees.

Exempt vehicles
Ambulances, civil defence vehicles, public transport buses, army vehicles, public taxis licensed in Abu Dhabi, transport buses of more than 26 passengers, towed vehicles, motorbikes, school buses permitted by ITC and polices vehicles from other emirates and Minister of Interior vehicles, are exempt from the surcharge.

The four toll gates in Abu Dhabi were originally slated to go live on January 2, 2020.

Read: Abu Dhabi toll gates to implement charges from Jan 2, no fee during non-peak hours