Driving in Dubai can rack up significant toll fees. But what if you could bypass them completely—legally? That’s exactly what the Salik Free Exemption in Dubai offers for eligible residents, specifically People of Determination and their immediate family members.
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Let’s walk through everything you need to know—from eligibility and documents to renewal steps and smart application tips—to make the most out of this government-supported benefit.
Understanding Salik: Dubai’s Automated Road Toll System
Before diving into the exemption, let’s understand how Salik works.
Salik is an automated toll system in Dubai managed by the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA).
It uses RFID technology to deduct toll fees automatically as vehicles pass through toll gates.
There are no physical toll booths—just Salik gates that scan your vehicle tag and deduct charges from your prepaid Salik account.
Current Toll Fees (2025)
With regular commuting, costs can exceed AED 4,000 per year. The Salik fee waiver is therefore a massive relief for eligible families.
Who Can Apply for Salik Toll Exemption?
The program targets People of Determination—a term used in the UAE for individuals with disabilities—and extends to their first- and second-degree relatives.
Qualifying Disabilities Include:
Physical disabilities
Mental disabilities
Visual impairments
Autism spectrum disorders
Eligible Family Members (If the vehicle is not registered under the person of determination):
Parents
Spouse (requires a valid marriage certificate)
Children (requires a birth certificate)
Grandparents
Siblings
Grandchildren
Note: Proof of relationship is required for all applications submitted on behalf of a relative.
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How to Apply for Salik Free Exemption in Dubai
There are two official channels to submit your application—via the Salik website or by email.
Option 1: Apply Online via Salik Portal
Visit the official Salik website.
Log in to your account
Go to the exemption section
Upload all required documents
Submit the application
Wait for confirmation from the Special Accounts team
Option 2: Apply via Email
Download the commitment form from the website
Fill out the form and attach all documents
Email everything to: specialaccounts@salik.ae
Await confirmation after review and approval
Once approved, the team will contact you via phone.
You might also like: Salik Toll Free Timings Guide
Required Documents Checklist
Before applying, make sure you’ve prepared the following:
Emirates ID (Valid)Vehicle registration card (Mulkiya)People of Determination card OR Sanad cardProof of relationship (if applicable)Commitment form (if applying via email)
Pro Tip: Missing or invalid documents can delay processing. Double-check expiry dates before submission.
Free Salik Tag? Yes, But With a Catch
If you don’t already have a Salik tag, and your exemption is approved, you’re eligible for one free tag. However, only one vehicle per person of determination can benefit from the toll waiver.
You’ll need to:
Cancel the exemption on the old vehicle
Apply for a new one if you change cars
How Long Is the Exemption Valid?
The Salik exemption is valid for 12 months. After one year, you must renew it to remain exempt.
Documents Required for Renewal:
Updated Emirates ID
Current vehicle registration
Valid People of Determination/Sanad card
Relationship proof (if needed)
Cancellation form (if switching vehicles)
Mark your calendar for renewal reminders. Late renewals may lead to automatic toll charges.
How Long Does It Take to Get Approved?
Once submitted with the correct documents, the exemption takes up to five working days to process. This applies to both new applications and renewals.
Free of chargeHassle-free digital processYearly update needed
Why This Exemption Matters: Driving Toward Inclusion
Dubai is known for its cutting-edge infrastructure and inclusive governance. This initiative is more than just a cost-saving program—it’s part of a larger commitment to empowering the People of Determination.
Whether it’s traveling to work, medical centers, or simply getting around town, this exemption:
Reduces daily financial stress
Promotes independence
Acknowledges the added mobility challenges some families face
How to Avoid Violations: Quick Tips
Even with the exemption, some users get fined due to missing steps or expired permits. Here's how to stay clear of trouble:
Don't ignore the one-vehicle rule
Always renew before expiration
Update Salik if your Emirates ID or vehicle changes
Contact support if you're unsure: 800-SALIK (72545)
How Salik Free Exemption in Dubai Supports UAE’s Vision
This program reflects Dubai’s broader commitment to building a barrier-free city. The UAE’s People of Determination Strategy aims to make everything from public transport to education and mobility more accessible—and the Salik waiver is a practical step in that direction.
By eliminating toll expenses, the government is ensuring equal opportunity for residents regardless of their physical or mental challenges.
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FAQs
1. Who is eligible for the Salik fee exemption in Dubai?
Eligibility is granted to People of Determination—a term used in the UAE to refer to individuals with disabilities. This includes those with:
Mental disabilities
Physical disabilities
Visual impairments
Autism spectrum disorders
Additionally, first- and second-degree relatives of People of Determination (such as parents, children, spouse, siblings, grandparents, and grandchildren) can also apply for the exemption—provided they submit valid documentation proving the relationship and that the vehicle is used to serve the needs of the individual.
2. What documents are required to apply for the Salik exemption?
Applicants must submit the following:
A copy of the valid Emirates ID (applicant’s ID)
A copy of the valid vehicle registration card (Mulkiya)
A valid People of Determination Card from the Ministry of Community Development, or a Sanad Card from the Community Development Authority
A proof of relationship document (such as a birth or marriage certificate), if the vehicle is not owned by the person of determination
A signed commitment form (if applying via email)
Ensure all documents are valid and clear, as incomplete or expired documentation can lead to delays.
3. How can I apply for the Salik fee exemption?
There are two methods:
Online via the Salik website: Log into your account, upload the required documents, and submit your application directly. The Special Accounts team will process your request and contact you once approved.
Via email: Download the commitment form, fill it out, attach all required documents, and send everything to specialaccounts@salik.ae. The Special Accounts team will verify the documents and notify you once the exemption is active.
4. Can I apply for more than one vehicle under the Salik exemption?
No. Only one vehicle per person of determination is eligible for toll fee exemption. If a second vehicle is needed, it must go through the standard Salik toll system. However, the exemption can be transferred to another vehicle later by canceling the previous exemption and applying for the new one.
5. How long is the Salik exemption valid, and how do I renew it?
The exemption is valid for one year from the date of approval. To continue enjoying toll-free travel, applicants must renew annually before the exemption expires.
For renewal, you’ll need to resubmit:
Updated Emirates ID
Valid vehicle registration
Valid People of Determination/Sanad Card
Proof of relationship (if applicable)
A cancellation form if switching to a new vehicle
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6. How long does it take to process a Salik exemption application?
The processing time is usually within five working days, assuming all submitted documents are valid and complete. This timeline applies to both new applications and renewals. Applicants will be contacted by phone once the exemption has been approved.
7. What happens if I don't renew my Salik exemption on time?
If your exemption expires and you continue to drive through Salik toll gates without renewal, you’ll be charged the regular toll fees like any standard vehicle. In some cases, this could also result in penalties if the Salik tag doesn’t have sufficient balance or isn’t linked properly to an active account.
To avoid this, set reminders for renewal and check the status of your exemption regularly on the Salik website.
8. Can I receive a free Salik tag as part of the exemption?
Yes. If your Salik exemption application is approved and you don’t already own a Salik tag, you are eligible to receive one tag free of charge. The tag is mandatory for the toll system to recognize your vehicle at Salik gates, even if you are exempt from charges.
9. What if I sell my exempted vehicle or buy a new one?
You must first cancel the existing exemption tied to the old vehicle by submitting a cancellation form. Then, you can apply for a new exemption using the new vehicle’s registration card and resubmit all required documents. Each vehicle change requires a new application, even if the driver or person of determination remains the same.
10. Is the Salik exemption available outside of Dubai?
No. Salik is specific to Dubai. Other Emirates, such as Abu Dhabi, use separate toll systems like Darb. The Salik exemption does not apply in those regions. If you frequently travel between Emirates, toll fees outside Dubai will still apply based on the local system in use.
Disclaimer: The information presented in this article is for general informational purposes only. The details provided are based on the best information available at the time of publication and may be subject to change without notice due to potential updates in educational policies or scheduling adjustments by the respective authorities. Readers are advised to contact the relevant offices directly for the most accurate and current information.