The Outer Banks, with its
spectacular natural beauty, offers visitors opportunities to
enjoy pleasures that are far from commonplace. Here, you can
drive your four-wheel-drive vehicle along the many miles of
accessible beach as you search for that perfect fishing
spot, or sit around a bonfire with the backdrop of the ocean
waves. All of this can be enjoyed, but there are a few
regulations that must be followed.
Off-Road Vehicles (ORV)
Driving an off-road vehicle (ORV) on the beach can be fun
where beach driving is permitted, please observe the
following rules:
• The suggested speed limit is 15 mph
• Enter and leave the beach only at designated, open ramps
(never between or on the dunes)
• Drive only on the portion of the beach that lies between
the foot of the dunes and the ocean
• Proceed with caution and consideration for other beach
visitors
• All vehicles must have a state road registration and valid
license plate
• The operator of the vehicle must have a current driver's
license
Duck and Kitty Hawk - ORV's are permitted on these
Outer Banks beachs
between October 1 and April 30. No permit required. For more
information on beach driving, contact the respective town's
administrative office at: Duck: 252-255-1234 and Kitty Hawk:
252-261-3552.
Kill Devil Hills and Nags Head - Beach driving on
these outer Banks beachs is only
allowed between October 1 and April 30. In order to operate
an ORV on the beach in Nags Head, visitors must apply for
and receive a permit from the Nags Head Town Hall. Permits
will be granted only with accompanying proof of state
registration. Kill Devil Hills does not require a permit.
For more information contact the respective town's
administrative office at: Kill Devil Hills: 252-449-5300 and
Nags Head: 252-441-5508.
Cape Hatteras National Seashore - Use of ORV's on the
Outer Banks beaches of Cape Hatteras National Seashore is permitted
year-round with limitations. Oceanfront beaches located in
the Outer Banks towns of
Rodanthe, Waves, Salvo, Avon, Buxton, Frisco and Hatteras
are closed to vehicles from May to September every year.
Driving on beaches at Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge is
strictly prohibited. ORV accesses to beaches are open to
vehicles by designated ramps only. For current information
on ORV areas, contact National Park Service Headquarters at
252-473-2111 or visit any visitor center located throughout
the park.
Southern Shores - No motorized vehicles allowed on the
beach.Information
provided by the Outer Banks Visitors Bureau. |
