Abu Dhabi Toll Gate Registration Guide + Darb Registration Fees

DARB is Abu Dhabi’s automatic toll system that charges you when you drive over certain bridges during busy times. It works only through number plate recognition, unlike Dubai’s Salik system, which needs a sticker on your windshield. So, your car doesn’t need any physical tags or devices.

The system works on four main bridges that go into the city of Abu Dhabi, and charges only apply during peak hours, which are Monday through Saturday from 7 AM to 9 AM and 5 PM to 7 PM.

Keep in mind that everyone who goes through Abu Dhabi toll gates must register at the Abu Dhabi toll gate. However, you have 10 days after your first crossing to finish the process. Still, don’t take any chances, because fines start to add up quickly after that time.

Cameras and plate recognition automatically keep track of every vehicle in the system, and it costs AED 100 to register a car, but AED 50 goes back into your account right away as toll credit.

Do I Really Need Abu Dhabi Darb Registration?

In short, yes! 

Registration is necessary for everyone who drives through Abu Dhabi and Dubai toll gates, no matter where you live or what kind of car you drive.

Once you make an account, your cars will automatically show up in the system.

• Visitors from other emirates: You have to register no matter where you are, whether it’s Dubai, Sharjah, or anywhere else. But you do get a 10-day grace period after your first crossing.
• People who rent cars: Most big companies, like Hertz, will take care of this for you. But always check with them before you leave, because some small stores forget to do this.
• Company cars: Businesses sign up for these through a different email process than the online portal. So, plan on spending more time on this.

Abu Dhabi Toll Gate Registration Requirements

Get these 5 things before you jump in. Believe me, having everything ready will save you from that annoying moment when you realize, “Oops, where’s my ID?”

• The most important one is your Emirates ID: Check to see that it hasn’t expired because the system will catch that right away.
• Vehicle registration (Mulkiya): It is that green piece of paper that you should still have, and you will need the traffic code number from it.
• Mobile number: It has to be the same one that is on your traffic file. If not, you won’t get the codes to verify.
• Email address: Any working email will do. You will need to check the password when you sign up, so remember it.
• Credit or debit card for the AED 100 cost to sign up: Relax, though; they’ll give you 50 AED back to use on future tolls.

Step-by-Step Abu Dhabi Toll Gate Registration Guide

Darb registration is way easier than you think. Plus, once you’re done, you’ll cruise through those toll gates like a pro.

Step 1: Go to the Darb Website

Click here to see the main login page. 

On the screen, you’ll see two main choices. In the meantime, don’t let all the Arabic writing confuse you. The English version works just fine for most people.

Step 2: Pick the Type of Account You Want

There are two big orange buttons at the bottom of the login screen that let you make a new account.

Most people only need an individual account, which is for personal vehicles that are registered in your name. If you are registering your own car, even if you have more than one, click this button.

For businesses with vehicles registered to the company, the establishment account works differently. 

But this means more paperwork and email verification, so only choose this option if you’re really registering commercial vehicles.

Step 3: Type in Your Email Address

When you click “Individual,” you’ll go to the registration page, which will ask for your email address first. 

You need a working email address because they’ll send you codes to verify your identity during the process.

Then fill out the “I’m not a robot” captcha. These CAPTCHA things can be a pain, but they stop spam registrations. 

When everything looks good, click “Next.” The system will send a code to your email right away.

Step 4: Check Your Email and Type in the Otp Code

Now is the time to quickly check your email. The system sends a one-time password (OTP) that only works for a short time.

How to find your verification email:

1. First, check your main inbox (it usually comes in within 30 seconds).
2. If you don’t see anything in your inbox, check your spam or junk folders.
3. The email is from DARB/Q Mobility and is about verification.
4. The code will be a 6-digit number, like 417391.
5. Copy that six-digit code and paste it into the website’s OTP field. 
6. If you don’t get the code: After waiting, click “Resend OTP” if you can.

After you enter the right code, click “Next” to move on to the next step in the Darb registration process.

Step 5: Type in Your Traffic Information

At the top, you’ll see three progress circles: Traffic Number (orange/active), OTP (finished), and Registration Form (coming next). You won’t get lost because the system tells you what to do at each step.

• Pick how you want to identify yourself:
• Traffic Number (the most common choice for regular people)
• Emirates ID (this works too, but the traffic number is usually easier)
• Unified Number (not often used, skip this unless you are told to use it)
• Try to stick with “Traffic Number” because that’s what your vehicle registration document says. 

Step 6: Choose Your Emirate

You can see 7 emirates in the “Traffic File Source” dropdown menu. Choose the emirate where your car is registered, not where you live or work.

Available options include:

• Abu Dhabi
• Dubai
• Sharjah
• Ajman
• Ras Al Khaimah
• Umm Al Quwain Fujairah

This choice is important because each emirate has its own way of writing traffic codes. Dubai codes have 8 digits, but Abu Dhabi codes have 10. 

So, if you choose the wrong emirate, you’ll have trouble entering your traffic number.

Step 7: Type in Your Traffic Code Number

The big blank box wants the traffic code number from your vehicle registration (Mulkiya). You should still have that green paper with this number on it.

• Traffic code tips that will save you trouble:
• Type in only the numbers; no spaces or dashes.
• Those who live in Dubai use 8-digit codes, like 12345678.
• Abu Dhabi and the other emirates use 10-digit codes.

To the right, there is a helpful picture that shows you where to find your traffic code on the registration form. The bright boxes show you where to find different parts of a sample Mulkiya. 

Click “Next” to move on once everything looks right. The system will check your traffic code against government databases, and it will take about 30 seconds.

Step 8: Check the Phone Number (Part of Step 2)

After you enter your traffic code, the system will ask for the mobile number you used to sign up. There can be no exceptions to this rule: it has to match exactly what’s in your traffic file.

The system then sends you another OTP by SMS. This verification, on the other hand, makes sure that your contact information is up to date and stops someone else from registering your car without your permission.

Mobile verification is the same as the email step:

• Enter your phone number exactly as it is listed with the traffic department.
• Wait for the SMS code, which usually comes in 1–2 minutes.
• Put the code in the box that says “verification.”
• Click next to proceed.

You will need to go to a traffic office first to update your contact information if your phone number does not match the traffic records. 

Step 9: Fill Out the Registration Form (Step 3)

The last step is to make your real DARB account, set up your login information, and confirm all of your details.

You will need to give:

• Your full name (taken from your Emirates ID)
• A strong password for future logins
• Verification of the information about your car
• Acceptance of the terms and conditions

The platform gets most of its information from government databases on its own. You still need to check everything carefully, though, because mistakes here can mess up your whole account setup.

Password requirements typically include:

• 8 characters long 
• Mix of capital and lowercase letters
• At least one number
• Special characters are suggested but not always necessary.

Pick a password that you can remember, and it’s also a good idea to write it down somewhere safe.

Step 10: Pay for and Register Your Vehicle

You’ll see your dashboard with any vehicles linked to your traffic code as soon as you make your account. Next to each unregistered vehicle in the system is a “Register Vehicle” button.

The payment for registration includes:

• AED 50 is the real registration fee.
• AED 50 added to your toll wallet
• The total cost is AED 100 for each car.

To register your car, click “Register Vehicle” next to it, choose how you want to pay (credit card, debit card, or online banking), and then finish the transaction. Now, your car will be active in the system in a matter of minutes.

You can pay in a number of ways:

• Credit and debit cards from Visa or MasterCard
• Online banking for UAE banks
• Some mobile payment apps are linked to your bank.

Once you have all your paperwork ready, the whole thing usually takes less than 15 minutes. But you should still keep your registration confirmation email safe, just in case you need it for customer service later.

What Happens Next?

It’s now time to cross toll roads with your fully activated DARB account. The tracking system starts following your car immediately, so make sure your wallet has enough money in it before you drive through any toll gates.

You can always get back into your account by entering your email address or traffic code along with the password you made. 

Also, you can download the mobile app to make checking your amount and managing your account easier while you’re on the go.

Already Have an Old Account?

Reactivating is much faster than starting fresh.

Go to the DARB website and try logging in with your old credentials. Use your Emirates ID, email, or traffic code.

If you can’t remember your password, click “Forgot Password” and follow the reset process.

Once you’re in, check if your vehicle information is still correct. Cars show up automatically thanks to system integration.

What Happens if I Don’t Register for the Darb?

Nobody likes talking about fines, but let’s be honest about the real costs.

You get exactly 10 working days after your first crossing to register. During this period, no penalties apply. Still, the system tracks everything automatically, so don’t test your luck.

Once the grace period ends, fines escalate quickly:

• First violation: AED 100 (regardless of daily crossings)
• Second violation: AED 200 per day
• Third violation onwards: AED 400 per day

Let’s say you cross on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday without registering. You’d pay AED 100 + AED 200 + AED 400 = AED 700 total. Meanwhile, proper registration costs only AED 100.

These fines can reach AED 10,000 monthly. Therefore, registration suddenly looks like a bargain!

Am I Exempt From Paying Toll Gate Fees?

Some people don’t pay toll fees, though everyone must still register their account.

Automatic exemptions (no paperwork needed):

• Emergency vehicles like ambulances, police, fire department
• Public buses with 26+ passengers
• Licensed Abu Dhabi taxis and school buses
• Armed forces and Ministry vehicles

Application-required exemptions (submit documents):

• Senior Emiratis (60+ years) with one vehicle per person
• Retired Emiratis need pension fund documentation
• People of Determination require a ministry card
• Low-income Emirati families need official proof

How to apply for exemptions: Log into your DARB account, find the exemption section, select your category, then upload required documents. Approval typically takes 5-10 working days.

Remember that the exemption covers toll fees only. You absolutely must register your account and vehicle first; otherwise, you’ll face those registration fines we mentioned.

How Much Does It Cost to Register on Abu Dhabi Toll Gate?

Registration costs exactly AED 100 per vehicle. But hold on, since it’s actually smarter than it looks!

The breakdown works like this. AED 50 covers your actual registration fee. Meanwhile, the other AED 50 goes straight into your wallet as credit. So you’re essentially prepaying for your first few crossings.

For example, you register three vehicles. You’ll pay AED 300 total but get AED 150 back in wallet credits. As a result, your real cost is only AED 150 for registering three cars. 

Daily Abu Dhabi Toll Gate Charges

Each crossing during peak hours costs AED 4. 

Peak hours are:

• Morning: 7:00 AM to 9:00 AM
• Evening: 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM
• Monday through Saturday only

You drive completely free during off-peak hours and all day Sunday. However, the system changed big time in September 2025, and those old daily and monthly caps are gone now.

So if you cross twice daily (morning and evening) for 20 working days, that’s 2 × AED 4 × 20 = AED 160 monthly. Still reasonable for most people’s budgets.

Ramadan timing changes: During the holy month, charges apply from 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM instead. 

Managing Your Wallet After Darb Registration

How to top up your balance:

• Credit/debit cards through the website or app
• Online banking via the DARB portal
• Mobile payment apps linked to your account
• Customer service centers for in-person help

Auto-recharge is your best friend. Set it once and forget about it. When your balance drops to AED 20, the system automatically adds AED 100. Therefore, you’ll never get caught with empty pockets during rush hour.

Keep these numbers in mind. Minimum top-up is usually AED 50 online. Nevertheless, customer service centers might accept smaller amounts. 

Pro tip: Maintain at least AED 50-100 in your wallet at all times since it covers several crossings and prevents those annoying AED 50 penalties for insufficient funds.

DARB Customer Service After Registration 

The official support team usually fixes things pretty quickly when you’re stuck.

Phone support at 800-3009 works best for urgent issues. The line is open during business hours, and they can help you in both Arabic and English. But be ready to wait during busy times, like the end of the month, when everyone is putting money into their accounts.

Email support takes longer, but it is better at solving hard problems. Suppose you can, send detailed messages to customer.care@itc.gov.ae with your account information and screenshots. So, you’ll get more complete answers, yet it might take 2–3 business days.

Physical office locations exist if you prefer face-to-face help:

• Main office: Al Khor Street, Rabdan, Abu Dhabi
• Working hours: 7:30 AM to 3:30 PM (Sunday to Thursday)
• Friday hours: 7:30 AM to 12:00 PM

Bring your Emirates ID, vehicle registration, and any relevant documents. 

How to Manage Your DARB Account?

Once you’re registered, managing your account becomes a breeze. 

Both the website and mobile app offer the same features, so pick whichever feels more comfortable.

Dashboard overview shows everything at a glance. Your current balance appears at the top, while recent transactions scroll down below. Additionally, any pending violations or account alerts pop up as notifications right on the main screen.

Checking your balance takes just seconds. Log in, and your current wallet amount displays immediately on the dashboard. The system updates balances in real-time, so you’ll see changes within minutes of any crossing or top-up.

Transaction history lets you track every movement:

• Date and time of each crossing
• Amount charged per transaction
• Balance remaining after each charge
• Top-up records with the payment methods used

The history goes back 12 months, which helps a lot during tax season or expense reporting. Also, you can download statements as PDF files for your records.

Adding Multiple Vehicles to Abu Dhabi Toll Gate Account

Having multiple vehicles under one account makes things easier, not harder.

1. The same step-by-step process works for each new vehicle. To add a new vehicle, log in to your account, click “Add Vehicle,” and then fill out the new plate information. The system automatically gets information about vehicles from the federal database in a few hours.
2. It’s easier to take care of different cars when you have separate wallets. You can give each vehicle its own wallet, or you can link several vehicles together to share one wallet. That means you have complete control over how payments work for your fleet.
3. The dashboard lets you switch between wallets quickly. Choose a vehicle and then pick which wallet will pay its tolls. But keep in mind that vehicles registered in Abu Dhabi can pause auto-payment, while vehicles registered in other emirates must always have enough money in their accounts.

You’re All Set for Abu Dhabi Toll Gate Registration!

A quick review of the most important things is here. You can sign up online for AED 100, keep your wallet full, and remember that the busiest times are Monday through Saturday from 7 to 9 AM and 5 to 7 PM. There are also exceptions for seniors, people with disabilities, and emergency vehicles.

Last things to do before your first trip:

• Account set up and working
• Added a car to your profile
• Wallet balance above AED 50
• Mobile app downloaded for monitoring
• Contact details updated in your profile

Check the official website once a month to stay up to date on changes to the system. Rules change from time to time, like when Ramadan is going on or when the system is being updated. So, a quick look at the announcements will keep you from getting surprise charges.

FAQs