Abu Dhabi will activate two new road toll gates next week, expanding the Darb system for the first time since it was introduced more than five years ago.
The Integrated Transport Centre (ITC) said the gates, located on Sheikh Maktoum bin Rashid Street in Ghantoot and on Wahat Al Karama Street at the entry and exit points of Sheikh Zayed Street, will begin operating on Monday, May 4. Both will run around the clock, bringing the total number of toll gates in the emirate to six.
The Ghantoot gate, positioned along the E11 motorway, will affect many motorists travelling between Dubai and Abu Dhabi, with some commuters facing charges on that route for the first time. Electronic signboards at the site are advising drivers to register with the Darb system before activation.
The existing toll gates are located at Sheikh Khalifa Bridge, Sheikh Zayed Bridge, Al Maqta Bridge and Musaffah Bridge.
Under the updated system, drivers will be charged Dh4 each time they pass through the new gates. This differs from the current structure, where the same fee applies only during peak hours, from 7am to 9am and from 3pm to 7pm, Monday to Saturday, while travel outside those periods is free.
The ITC said exemptions remain in place for senior citizens, people with disabilities, low-income individuals and retirees.
Motorists are required to register for the Darb system to avoid penalties. Registration can be completed the Darb app or website by entering an email address, followed by traffic number, Emirates ID and mobile number. Users must then register their vehicles and pay Dh100 to set up an e-wallet used to deduct toll fees. Accounts can be topped up as needed.
Drivers who pass through toll gates without registering will be given a 10-day grace period. After that, fines of Dh100, Dh200 and Dh400 will apply for first, second and third offenses, respectively.
Those who do not maintain sufficient balance in their accounts will have five days to top up before a Dh50 fine is issued.
Authorities also warned of a Dh10,000 fine for tampering with vehicle licence plates to avoid charges, as well as the same penalty for damaging toll infrastructure.