In short
- Salik is Dubai's automatic toll system: you drive through a gate, and the charge is linked to the car.
- Under our terms the renter is responsible for Salik, fuel, parking and traffic fines; billing details are confirmed at booking.
- Park only in marked bays, watch the speed limits, and ask how tolls and fines are settled before you drive away.
How do Salik tolls work in Dubai?
Salik is an automatic toll system. Cars pass through gates without stopping, and each crossing is charged to the car's tag.
Since 31 January 2025, Salik uses variable pricing. According to the official Salik page, a crossing costs AED 6 at peak times (6 am to 10 am and 4 pm to 8 pm on weekdays), AED 4 off-peak (10 am to 4 pm and 8 pm to 1 am), and nothing between 1 am and 6 am. On Sundays the fee is a flat AED 4, with the late-night period still free. Public holidays follow the variable schedule.
Salik also states that at the Al Safa and Al Mamzar gate pairs, passing the second gate within one hour is charged for the first trip only. Rates and times can change, so check the official Salik page for the current schedule.
Because the tag is on the car, you do not pay at the gate. The charges are collected afterwards, and the renter is responsible for them. How they are billed is confirmed at booking.
| Time (weekdays, official schedule) | Charge per crossing |
|---|---|
| 6 am to 10 am and 4 pm to 8 pm | AED 6 |
| 10 am to 4 pm and 8 pm to 1 am | AED 4 |
| 1 am to 6 am | Free |
| Sundays (not public holidays) | AED 4, late night free |
How does parking work in Dubai?
Public parking in Dubai is paid in marked zones, and charges depend on the zone. Check the signs and the payment machine or app in each place.
According to RTA notices, public parking fees apply Monday to Saturday, in the daytime and evening periods stated on the parking signs, and public holidays can be free of charge. Multi-storey car parks are separate and can run around the clock. Older and newer RTA pages do not state identical hours, so always follow the signs in the bay.
Many malls and hotels have their own car parks with their own rules. If you are staying at a hotel, ask the front desk whether parking is included. The renter pays for parking during the rental.
Never leave a car in a bay marked for another purpose, even for a short time, because cameras and inspectors issue fines automatically.
How do traffic fines reach a rental car renter?
Fines are issued against the car's registration. The rental company receives them and passes them on to the renter, because the renter is responsible for fines during the rental.
Speed cameras and other systems record offences by number plate. A fine can arrive days or weeks after the rental, which is why contact details matter after you return the car. See the Dubai traffic rules guide for the basics to stay clear of fines.
The security deposit covers fines, damage or late return, so open fines can be settled from it. The exact process and any handling charge are confirmed at booking.
Who pays for fuel, parking, Salik and fines?
The renter. Our published terms state that the renter is responsible for fuel, parking, Salik tolls and traffic fines incurred during the rental.
Insurance does not cover these items. Insurance applies to incidents, and a police report is required for it to apply.
If you are unsure how a charge is shown, ask us before the rental starts. A short message through the contact page is enough.
How can you avoid surprises?
Ask how tolls and fines are billed, plan your route before you start, and keep the car inside the kilometre allowance.
Use the checklist below. Planning matters most on the first day, when you are learning road layouts and exits.
Look at the deposit guide to understand what the deposit covers and when it is released.
- Confirm at booking how Salik and fines are billed
- Use the navigation app and plan your route in advance
- Pay for parking before leaving the car
- Follow posted speed limits, which can differ from road to road
- Keep your phone number active for notices after the rental
What should you read next?
Our FAQ and the rental terms answer the most common questions about charges.
If you are still choosing a car, see the fleet or the SUV and sports car pages.
What about tolls on the way to the airport or other emirates?
Tolls depend on the route. Salik gates are at several points on Dubai's roads, so a trip across the city can pass more than one.
If you take the car on a longer trip, check the route in your navigation app and ask us which gates you are likely to pass. All crossings are charged to the car and add up, so a day of driving can include several. Under our terms these are the renter's responsibility.
Pick-up and return at your hotel or at the airport follow the same logic: the tolls are those of the roads you use. See our page on airport car rental.
Frequently asked questions
Do I pay Salik at the gate?
No. Gates are automatic. The charge is linked to the car and is the renter's responsibility; billing is confirmed at booking.
What does a Salik crossing cost?
Per the official Salik schedule: AED 6 at weekday peak times, AED 4 off-peak and on Sundays, free from 1 am to 6 am. Check the Salik page for current rates.
Can I get a fine after returning the car?
Yes. Fines can be registered after the rental. They are the renter's responsibility and can be settled from the deposit.
Is parking free at the weekend?
Not in every case. Fees depend on the zone and the posted hours. Follow the signs and the payment app of each place.
Does insurance cover fines?
No. Fines and tolls are the renter's responsibility. Insurance applies to incidents and needs a police report.
Sources
General information for renters, written by 5 Stars Car Rental. Stand: October 2026. Rules and fees in the UAE can change; this is not legal advice. Our own rental conditions are confirmed at booking.
