The Outer Banks, with its spectacular natural beauty, offers visitors opportunities to enjoy pleasures that are far from commonplace. You can drive your off-road 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.

Duck - ORV's are permitted on the beach between October 1 and April 30. No permit required. However, there are no public accesses available.

Southern Shores and Kitty Hawk - No motorized vehicles allowed on the beach.

Kill Devil Hills and Nags Head - Beach driving is only allowed between October 1 and April 30. The Town of Nags Head requires a permit; permits are available at Town Hall, the gas station across from Jockey's Ridge State Park, and local tackle shops for $25.00 each. Upon purchasing a permit, be sure to pick up a map denoting areas open to beach driving and a beach driving rules and regulations booklet.

Kill Devil Hills does not require a permit. For more information contact the respective town’s administrative office at (252) 449-5300 (Kill Devil Hills) and (252) 441-5508 (Nags Head).

Cape Hatteras National Seashore - Portions of the beach may be temporarily closed to off-road vehicles due to mandated protection of wildlife and plant species, such as protected birds and sea turtles. Closure boundaries may shrink or expand given the specific 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 on ORV areas, contact National Park Service Headquarters at (252) 473-2111 or visit any visitor center located throughout the park.

Where beach driving is permitted, please observe the following rules:

• Remember, any law applicable to vehicle use on a paved road in the state of North Carolina also applies to ORV use.
• Use only designated beach access ramps and sound-side access roads to enter designated ORV. Reckless driving (i.e. cutting circles or defacing the beach) is prohibited.
• Drive only on marked ORV routes and comply with posted restrictions. Do not drive on, or between the dunes unless marked as an ORV route. Driving or parking on the dunes is prohibited. Do not stop on or block beach ramps or other vehicle access points.
• Avoid driving or parking on the wrack line. The wrack line is a line of stranded natural debris on the beach left by the previous high tide.
• Between May 1 and September 15, driving on the beach between the hours of 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. is prohibited.
• A current driver’s license and valid vehicle registration are required.
• The use of seatbelts is required.
• Observe posted speed limits. The speed limit on the beach, while generally 25mph, may be reduced in certain areas.
• Pedestrians always have the right-of-way. Proceed with due caution and consideration for other beach users. Please be especially cautious of children and pets, as they may dart into traffic. Watch for fishing lines. Drive slowly and be alert for people lying, standing or walking on the beach.
• Open containers of any type of alcoholic beverage are prohibited in vehicles. Public consumption of spirituous liquors or fortified wines is prohibited.
• Do not hang outside 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 the truck bed must be accompanied by an adult.

Helpful tips for beach driving:

• Drive only four-wheel drive vehicles on the beach. Two-wheel drive or all-wheel drive vehicles do not have adequate traction and are likely to get stuck.
• Lower the pressure on all tires. The softer the sand the lower the pressure needed. Generally drive with 20-25 lbs. pressure in the tires. When you return to paved roads, inflate the tires to normal as soon as possible.
• Drive at a slow and steady speed. If the tires start to spin, back up in your tire tracks for several car lengths. Accelerate slowly as you move forward. Additional tire deflation may be necessary.
• If you do get stuck, Park Rangers may assist you, but they are not permitted to pull or tow other vehicles. Commercial towing services are available. Refill holes and remove any boards or other aids after being stuck, leaving the beach passable for others.
• Avoid overcrowding any one area and displacing others from their previously chosen spots.
• Leave room for other vehicles to pass safely when parked.
• Observe common courtesy on the beach and the rules of the road when meeting or passing other vehicles at constricted areas.
• Do not litter. Please deposit all trash in trash containers wherever available or by bagging and removing it from the beach. Please avoid littering the beach with dead bait, carcasses or other dead fish of any kind.

Some portions of the beach may be temporarily closed to ORV use. For current beach access information, visit http://www.nps.gov/caha/planyourvisit/off-road-vehicle-use.htm or one of the National Park Service Visitor Centers.