Where to Put Salik Tag on Your Car in Dubai, UAE

Salik is Dubai’s cashless toll system that allows drivers to pay their tolls without stopping. The Salik tag is a small sticker with an RFID chip that is automatically scanned when your vehicle passes through a toll gate.

This system was introduced to reduce traffic congestion and eliminate the need for manual toll booths, making rides in the city smoother and faster.

The Salik sticker must be attached to the windshield and is directly linked to your vehicle’s license plate. While the process may seem simple, proper placement of this tag on your car is critical. If it isn’t properly positioned, the sensors may not detect it, which can lead to incorrect toll registration and unexpected fines.

Recommend Position and Place the Salik Tag Install: Official Guidelines UAE

Place tag approximately one centimeter below the rearview mirror, in the center of the windscreen. Clean and dry the inside surface of your windshield where the tag will be placed. Carefully remove the clear liner from the tag and stick it on the windscreen. Press firmly from one edge to the other, smoothing out any air bubbles for a secure fit.

Proper placement ensures reliable detection by the RFID sensors, allowing seamless toll collection without manual intervention.

For smooth operation of Dubai toll gates and full compliance with RTA regulations, follow the official installation instructions.

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Correct Place in Windshield to Install Salik Sticker for Different Vehicles

While the general rule is to place the Salik tag in the upper center of the windshield, some vehicles require special attention due to their design or windshield type.

• Standard cars (sedan, hatchbacks, SUV): Place the tag approximately 1 cm below the rearview mirror, in the upper center of the windshield. Make sure the area is clean and dry before attaching the tag.
• Vehicles with tinted windshields: If the upper part of the windshield that has a darker tinted area, place the tag slightly below the tint, in a lighter, transparent area of the glass. This ensures proper RFID signal detection.
• Vehicles with metallic or metallised windshields: For windscreens with metallic coating or heated elements, place the tag in a dotted area or lighter area near the rearview mirror. Avoid heavily metalized areas as they can block the signal.
• Luxury and sports cars: Some luxury models have special coatings on the windshield. In such cases, follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for sticker placement or check with the RTA for the best location. If unsure, place the sticker on the passenger side of the rearview mirror, in the clear glass area.
• Trucks and vans: Place the sticker in the top center of the windshield, as in standard vehicles. For larger vans with wide windshields, it’s still recommended to place it behind the rearview mirror for reliable detection.
• Vehicles with sensors under the windshield: Don’t cover the camera or sensor area. If necessary, move the Salik sticker slightly to the side to avoid obstacles.

According to Salik, proper installation is essential for optimal signal detection and to avoid mistakes.

Where to Put Salik Tag to Avoid Common Mistakes

• Mounting too low: Tags mounted on the bottom of the dashboard or windshield are often not detected. Mounting too low can also expose the tag to heat damage from direct sunlight.
• Attaching the tag to colored or metallic surfaces: Heavily colored or metallic surfaces can block the radio signal. Always choose a lighter, uncolored, or dotted area of the windshield, or the designate spot suggested for proper readability.
• Covering the tag with objects: Don’t cover the tag with phone cases, gadgets, sunroof accessories, glove box items, or parking permits. Even a partial obstruction can prevent the scanner from reading it correctly and may affect your traffic file or balance.
• Using more than one tag per vehicle: Each vehicle should only have one active Salik tag. Having multiple tags can result in the system double-charging or incorrectly linking payments.
• Not cleaning the surface before applying: Dust, moisture, or grease on the glass weakens the adhesion and can cause the label to peel off.

How to Properly Stick the Salik Tag

1. Clean the windshield with an alcohol wipe to remove any dust, grease, or moisture.
2. Select a clean, flat, and dry surface within the recommended installation area.
3. Carefully remove the protective film and apply the sticker, pressing it firmly to avoid air bubbles.
4. Make sure the sticker is straight, aligned properly, and not covered by any objects or stickers.

Can You Move or Reuse a Salik Tag?

A Salik tag is intended for single use only. Once attached to a windshield, it cannot be removed and reused on another surface or vehicle. Attempting to remove it will usually damage the RFID chip or weaken the adhesive. This makes it unreadable and causes mistakes in toll detection.

If you replace your windshield, get a tinted one, or get a new car, you need to purchase and register a new Salik tag. The tag is in the top part of the windshield, and it is mandatory to have it properly installed.

All Salik tolls can be managed through your Salik account or via the Smart Salik App on Apple and Android phones. Any remaining balance can be easily added to your account.

Attempting to transfer a tag or reuse it is one of the most common causes of detection errors and unpaid tolls, which can result in fines. Always use a new, properly installed tag to ensure smooth driving and comply with RTA regulations.

If Your Salik Tag Doesn’t Work or Shows a Mistake

Sometimes drivers may find that their tag isn’t being detected at toll booths. In this case, first check the placement to ensure the tag is in the correct position, at the top center of the windshield, just below the rearview mirror. Then, make sure it isn’t covered by tint, metal plating, stickers, or devices. Check the tag for any damage, scratches, or peeling that may have affected the RFID technology, and remember that if the tag has been removed or repositioned, it may no longer work.

Log in to your account at salik.ae to check that the tag is properly activated and linked to your license plate, and make sure you have enough balance to cover the tolls in advance. Note that if the tag isn’t detected, the system may still use Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) to charge you. However, duplicate detection issues may result in warnings or fines.

If problems persist, contact Salik Customer Service or visit an RTA Service Center to request a replacement tag. Also note that some drivers make three mistakes: not activating their tag, not checking their balance, or placing it incorrectly.

If your tag is consistently failing, don’t ignore it. A failed or incorrectly installed tag can lead to incorrect charges and fines, so it’s important to resolve the issue quickly.

 Salik Tag Placement for Rental Cars in Dubai

If you’re renting a car in Dubai, you don’t need to worry about Salik tags. All rental cars come pre-installed with a Salik tag on the windshield, usually behind or just below the rear-view mirror. Drivers don’t need to activate or install anything themselves. Tolls are automatically recorded by the tag and charged to you by the rental company, either deducted from your pre-payment or added to your final bill. Keep in mind that rental agencies often charge a small administration fee for each toll, usually 1-3 AED, so the total cost may be slightly higher than the base fee of AED 4.

To avoid any surprises, ask your rental provider in advance about the Salik policy, including how the fees are calculated, administration fees, and whether daily packages are available. Track your transfers through your navigation history or manually so you can verify the charges when you return the car. If you believe you were charged the wrong amount, contact the rental company immediately. They will review and resolve any discrepancies.

Don’t Underestimate Salik Tag Placement

Many drivers see the Salik tag as just another sticker on their windshield, but proper installation makes a big difference. An incorrectly placed sticker can lead to missed scans, manual deductions, or fines. In contrast, correct installation ensures smooth detection, accurate toll payments, and peace of mind when passing through Dubai’s toll gates. Taking a few minutes to install the sticker properly and keep your windshield clean helps avoid unnecessary hassles and keeps your journeys fully compliant with RTA guidelines.