Driving in Dubai is one of the easiest ways to experience the city’s landmarks, beaches, and neighbourhoods at your own pace. But along with smooth highways and well-connected routes, there’s something every visitor needs to be familiar with. Salik, Dubai’s automatic electronic toll system.

Salik (Arabic: سالك, meaning “clear and moving”) was introduced by the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) on 1 July 2007 to make traffic flow seamless. Unlike traditional toll booths, Salik uses RFID technology, automatically deducting a fee when a vehicle passes under a toll gate. RTA

In 2022, Salik evolved into Salik Company PJSC, a public joint stock company, further solidifying its role in Dubai’s transport network.

As a tourist or expat renting a car in Dubai, understanding how Salik operates is crucial:

Pre-installed Salik Tags: A car rental in Dubai come equipped with a Salik tag, eliminating the need for you to purchase one separately.

Toll Charges: When you drive through a Salik gate, the toll fee is automatically deducted from the vehicle's Salik account. Rental companies typically bill these charges to you at the end of your rental period.

Administrative Fees: Some rental agencies may charge an administrative fee for managing Salik tolls. It's advisable to inquire about any additional charges when booking your rental car.

Becoming aware about Salik rates and when tolls apply helps avoid surprises. Here are the latest facts for 2025: (salik.ae)

Here’s what to know:

Generally, no, you don’t need to buy your own Salik tag if you’re renting. The rental company usually provides a car rental in Dubai already equipped with a Salik tag.

If somehow the car doesn’t have one (rare), the rental company should tell you. But you could get fined or charged extra if it doesn’t have a working tag and you drive through a toll gate.

Also, even with the tag, you’ll need to pay the tolls incurred; you may not physically “purchase” the tag, but you’ll pay for its use.

Yes, with caveats.

Tourists may be able to preload or maintain a Salik account (if allowed), but in most cases for Salik for car rental, you’ll be billed by the rental company. The tag is tied to the vehicle, and all Salik usage shows up in the RTA system under that car’s licence registration. Rental companies pull those records.

If possible, you can ask the rental agency: “Can I pay Salik charges myself rather than through your invoice?” Sometimes they will offer statements/generic invoices so you can see exactly how many gates & at what time.

Keep in mind: administrative fees or service charges may get added by the rental company for handling billing, documentation etc.

Renting a car in Dubai gives you liberty to explore from the city skyline to the desert. Salik for car rental is simple with Europcar:

Salik-Equipped Vehicles: Every rental car comes with a working Salik tag already installed.

Transparent Billing: We provide a breakdown of Salik usage in your final bill, so you know exactly what tolls you passed through.

No hidden fees: We don’t add hidden administrative charges for Salik beyond what gates charge.

Route guidance: Our team can suggest routes to help you avoid peak traffic times and minimize toll costs.

Learn more about our car rental Dubai services.

Ans: Salik is an automatic toll system. Rental cars have Salik tags, and tolls are billed to you through the rental agency.

Ans: No. Rental cars come pre-fitted with a Salik tag.

Ans: AED 4 off-peak, AED 6 peak, and free from 1–6 AM.

Ans: No, payments are tied to the vehicle’s account and settled by the rental provider.