Beach DrivingLooking for an off-road adventure? The Outer Banks, with its delicate ecosystem, prohibits most ATV use, but it is permissable to drive on certain sections of the beach under specific conditions. All beaches are patrolled, and the regulations for specific towns can be found below.
Rules
Tips
Neccessary Items
Town Regulations
- The Standard speed limit is 25mph.
- Enter and leave the beach only at designated, open ramps - never between or on the dunes.
- drive only on that portion of the beach which lies between the foot of the dunes and the ocean.
- proceed with caution and consideration for other beach users.
- open containers of alcohol are prohibited in vehicles.
- your vehicle must have a state road registration and valid license plate.
- the operator must have a current driver's license.
The use of off-road vehicles (ORV) on the beaches along Hatteras National Seashore is permitted year-round, with some limitations. No permit is currently required to drive on the National Park Service (NPS) beaches, but it is advisable to check with a ranger to understand NPS guidelines and assure that you are not entering a closed zone. Please note that driving in the Pea Island Refuge is strictly prohibited. For current information on open zones and guidelines, contact the National Park Service Headquarters, Cape Hatteras Group at 252.473.2111, or visit any NPS visitor center in the park.
Drive at a slow, even pace.The maximun speed limit on all beaches is 25 MPH. Trying to take off too fast will cause loss of traction and bury you to the axle. If this happens, it's time to break out the jack and shovel.
Stay in the ruts made by other vehicles unless they are deep enough to let you bottom out. The sand in these ruts is more compact than other sand.
Avoid pea gravel beds (small stones usually orange in color.) These are the Outer Banks version of quick sand to vehicles.
Avoid areas of the beach that may be impassable at times of high tide unless you plan to stay at the spot until the next low tide.
Park above the high tide line if possible, but be cautious not to block other vehicles.
Do not spin your wheels to try to dig out in the event that you lose traction. It only takes a couple of pumps on the gas to sink you down to your axle. The best solution is to decrease your tire pressure, shift to low range and back out of the rut you came in on before trying to proceed.
Don't drive between parked vehicles and the shoreline except in the area north of Corolla where the road to Carova Beach is on the beach itself and the traffic lane is between the ocean and any parked vehicles. The speed limit for this area is 25mph.
- Tire Pressure Guage
- Tow Strap or Rope (at least 14' long with a load strength of 20,000 lbs.)
- Shovel
- Bumper Jack
- Board sufficient to support base of jack (otherwise the jack may sink in the sand)
- Flashlight
- First Aid Kit
Corolla - Driving permitted after the paved road ends heading north through Corolla. Beach driving is also permitted from Oct 1st. - April 30th at designated beach accesses. Speed limit 25 mph unless otherwise marked. 252-232-2075, website
Duck - No Driving permitted
Southern Shores - No Driving permitted
Kitty Hawk - No Driving permitted
Kill Devil Hills - Driving permitted Oct. 1 thru April 30th (some areas may be closed to driving due to beach erosion and unsafe conditions). Speed limit 25 mph unless otherwise marked. 252-449-5300, website
Nags Head - Oct. 1 thru April 30th a beach driving permit needed ($25) Available at the Nags Head Town offices and many tackle shops. Speed limit 25 mph unless otherwise marked. 252-441-5508, website
Hatteras Island to Ocracoke - Signs located at the various beach access ramps will state if driving is permitted on that particular area of the beach. Speed limit is 25 mph unless otherwise marked. 252-473-2111, website
