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National Park Regulations You Need To Know & Observe

• Observe Posted Closures. If violations of protected species closures result in disturbance or harassment of wildlife, or the vandalization of fencing, nests or plants, the closure is mandated to be expanded 50m for the fi rst violation, 100m for the second violation and 500m for the third.Violators are subjected to a fine of up to $5,000 and/or imprisonment up to 6 months.

• Night Driving: May 1 to September 15 night driving is prohibited 10 p.m. until 6 a.m. September 16 to November 15 night driving is allowed with a permit only - contact the park or check the website for permit information. November 16 to April 30 night driving is allowed.

• Pets Must Be On A 6-Feet Leash At All Times. Pets are prohibited within any bird closure. They can disturb nesting adults, kill chicks or crush eggs.

• Beach Fires may be ignited and maintained seaward of the ocean dune below the high tide mark, but in no case less than 100 feet from a vegetated area. All fires must be no greater then 3 feet in diameter. The use of non-wood products or wood products containing non-wood items (glass, plastics, cans) for fire construction is prohibited. No beach fi res are allowed in posted bird or turtle nest protection areas. All beach fi res are prohibited from 12 a.m. (midnight) to 6 a.m.

• Remove ANY Trash Or Litter From The Beach, including bait, fi sh parts or dead fish. Trash attracts predators.

• Feeding Wildlife (Including Gulls) Is Prohibited. Human food is unhealthy for wildlife and may create a harmful dependence on humans for survival. Feeding may artifi cially inflate animal populations, create aggressive behavior and force other species out of habitat.

• Kite Flying And Frisbee Tossing Are Prohibited Within Or Above Any Bird Closure. Kites and frisbees can scare birds off their nests, leaving eggs and chicks exposed to predators and deadly heat.

• Fireworks And Metal Detectors Are Not Permitted.

• Jet Skis And Other Motorized Personal Watercraft Are Not Allowed.

• Return All Fish Not Being Kept Back To The Water Alive, including skates and sharks.

• Camp ONLY In Designated Campgrounds, not on the beaches.

• Do Not Dump Wastewater Or Graywater On The Beach. Please use park dump stations for this purpose.

Portions of the beach may be temporarily closed to ORVs due to mandated protection of wildlife and plant species, such as protected birds and sea turtles. Closure boundaries may shrink or expand given the specifi c behavior or requirements of protected wildlife. In addition, certain areas of beach may be closed due to seasonal pedestrian use or if the beach is too narrow for safe driving. Alternative routes of bypasses may be established if possible. For current information, visit one of the seashore visitor centers or www.nps.gov/caha.

OFF ROAD VEHICLE USE

Traffic Laws Apply To Beach Driving

• Drive Only On Marked ORV Routes And Comply With Posted Restrictions. Do not drive on or between the dunes unless marked as a ORV route. Driving or parking on vegetation is prohibited.
• Observe Posted Speed Limits. The speed limit on park beaches is 15 mph May 15 - September 15, unless otherwise posted and 25 mph September 16 - May 14, unless otherwise posted.

• Any Law Applicable To Vehicle Use on a paved road in the State of North Carolina also applies to ORV use.

• A current driver’s license, valid vehicle registration, insurance and license plate are required for all vehicles – including ATVs. • Reckless Driving (ie: cutting circles or defacing the beach) is prohibited.

• Avoid driving or parking on the wrack line. The wrack line is a line of stranded natural debris on the beach left by a previous high tide that can be an important food source for birds.

• Pedestrians ALWAYS have the right-of-way.

• Open containers of any type of alcoholic beverage are prohibited in vehicles. Public consumption of spirituous liquors or fortified wines is prohibited.

• The use of seatbelts is required.

• Do not hang out of moving vehicles or sit on the tailgate or roof. Those in truck beds must be seated on the floor with the tailgate closed. Children in truck beds must be accompanied by an adult. Check the weather forecast and tide tables before starting your trip.

ASK A PARK RANGER ABOUT CURRENT BEACH CONDITIONS / CLOSURES.