Salik Exemption Guide: How to Apply in Dubai? (2026)

The Salik exemption in Dubai allows People of Determination (PoD) to nominate one vehicle for automatic exemption from all Salik toll fees. This benefit applies to a vehicle registered in the PoD’s name or that of a first or second-degree relative, supporting their mobility needs.

Your Immediate Action Plan

1. Check Your Card: Ensure you have a valid People of Determination ID card (from the Ministry of Community Development) or a Sanad Card (from the Community Development Authority).
2. Gather Documents: Prepare your Emirates ID, PoD/Sanad card, and the vehicle’s registration card (Mulkiya).
3. Apply Online: Visit the official Salik website to submit your application under the “People of Determination Exemption” service.

What is the Salik Exemption for People of Determination?

Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) provides several services to support People of Determination, and the Salik exemption is one of the most significant. It is designed to enhance mobility and reduce the financial burden of transportation.

Understanding the benefit

This exemption links directly to the PoD’s traffic file. It grants one specific vehicle free passage through all Salik toll gates in Dubai. It is not a blanket exemption for the person, but rather for the single vehicle they most frequently use for their transport.

Once approved, the system automatically recognizes the exempted vehicle’s license plate and does not deduct any fees from a Salik account.

Who issues the eligibility cards?

To qualify, you must hold a valid card identifying you as a Person of Determination.

In the UAE, this is typically one of two cards:

1. A PoD Card issued by the Ministry of Community Development (MOCD).
2. A Sanad Card issued by Dubai’s Community Development Authority (CDA).

Key limitations to know

The most important rule is that the exemption is limited to one vehicle per Person of Determination. If you own multiple cars or are transported by different family members, you must choose only one vehicle to receive the benefit.

Who is Eligible for a Salik Exemption?

Eligibility is straightforward but has specific rules regarding vehicle ownership and the applicant’s relationship to the owner.

The primary cardholder

The core requirement is that the application must be for a Person of Determination holding one of the valid cards mentioned above.

Vehicle ownership rules

The vehicle nominated for exemption can be registered in the name of the Person of Determination. If the PoD does not own a vehicle, the exemption can be applied to a vehicle owned by a close relative.

Qualifying family members (1st & 2nd degree)

If the vehicle is not registered to the PoD, the owner must be a first or second-degree relative. This ensures the vehicle is genuinely used for the PoD’s transport.

Relationship Degree	Eligible Relatives	Required Proof Example
1st Degree	Parents, Children, Spouse	Birth Certificate, Marriage Contract
2nd Degree	Grandparents, Grandchildren, Siblings (Brothers/Sisters)	Family book, multiple linked birth certificates

You must provide official documents to prove this relationship when you apply.

How to Apply for Your Salik Exemption (Step-by-Step)

The process is managed online through the Salik website and is free of charge.

Before you begin: Document checklist

Gather clear digital copies (scans or photos) of the following documents before starting the application.

Document	Who Needs It
Valid Emirates ID (Front & Back)	The Person of Determination
Valid PoD Card / Sanad Card	The Person of Determination (issued by MOCD or CDA)
Vehicle Registration Card (Mulkiya)	For the vehicle you want to exempt
Proof of Relationship Document	Only if the vehicle owner is a 1st or 2nd-degree relative

Step 1: Visit the Salik website

Navigate to the official Salik portal. Look for the “Services” or “Exemptions” section.

Step 2: Locate the PoD service

Find and select the service for “People of Determination Exemption” or “Apply for Salik Exemption.”

Step 3: Fill in the application form

You will be asked to provide details for the Person of Determination, including their Emirates ID number and traffic file number (T.C. No.). You must also enter the details of the vehicle, such as the plate number, source, and category.

Step 4: Upload your documents

This is the most crucial step. Attach the clear digital copies of your EID, PoD/Sanad card, and the vehicle’s Mulkiya. If applying for a relative’s car, this is where you will also upload the proof of relationship (e.g., marriage contract, birth certificate).

Step 5: Submit and await confirmation

After submitting the application, you will receive a reference number. Salik will review the documents and application. Approval is typically granted within a few working days, and you will be notified via SMS.

What About Salik Fine Discounts?

This is a common point of confusion. The Salik exemption and a Salik fine discount are two different things.

Are exemptions and discounts the same?

No. The Salik exemption is a proactive benefit that prevents you from being charged tolls on one vehicle.

A Salik fine discount is a reactive scheme to reduce the penalty on existing fines. These are not permanent and are usually announced by the RTA or Dubai government as partof wider initiatives (e.g., during National Day celebrations).

How the exemption prevents fines

The most common Salik fine is for “insufficient funds” or “unregistered vehicle.” By having an active exemption, your nominated vehicle will never incur these violations, as it is not required to have a balance or a tag for toll passage.

Checking for general fine discounts

If you have Salik fines on a different vehicle, the PoD exemption will not cover them. You must wait for an official RTA announcement regarding a general traffic fine discount scheme, which may or may not include Salik violations.

Managing and Renewing Your Exemption

Your exemption is not permanent. It is tied to the validity of your documents.

How long is the exemption valid?

The Salik exemption is valid until the expiry date of your PoD card, your Sanad card, or your vehicle’s registration (Mulkiya), whichever comes first.

The renewal process

The exemption does not always renew automatically. It is your responsibility to re-apply for the exemption when you renew your qualifying documents.

For example, if you renew your PoD card, you must submit a new exemption application online using the new card’s details to ensure your benefit continues uninterrupted.

Pro Tip: Set a calendar reminder on your phone for one month before your PoD card or vehicle registration (Mulkiya) expires. This gives you ample time to renew your documents and re-apply for the Salik exemption online, ensuring you have no gap in coverage.

Changing the exempted vehicle

If you sell your car or need to change the exemption to a different vehicle, you must log in to your Salik account (or call customer service) to update the vehicle details. You cannot simply start using a new car and assume the exemption transfers.

Final Thoughts

The Salik exemption for People of Determination is a vital service that makes navigating Dubai easier and more affordable. By understanding the eligibility criteria and having your documents ready, you can complete the simple online application in minutes.

Always remember to manage your exemption and renew it alongside your PoD card or Mulkiya to avoid unexpected tolls and fines.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Disclaimer: All information is provided for guidance. Fees, processes, and eligibility rules are subject to change by Salik (RTA). Always refer to the official Salik website for the most current information.

Last updated: October 2026

Reviewed by: A.R. Al-Tamimi, UAE Transport Specialist