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.

• Personal watercraft is prohibited on the town's ocean beaches.
  
• You must go straight in and straight out within 900 feet from the sound shoreline and at a speed no faster than necessary to maintain control, but not causing a wake or exceeding 5 miles per hour, whichever is less.
  
• No personal watercraft may be operated within 900 feet of the sound or ocean shoreline.
  
• No person under the age of 16 years shall operate a personal watercraft.
  
• Personal watercraft may be operated only during the hours of 9 a.m. - 6 p.m.
  
  

• Town personal watercraft permit and proof personal watercraft insurance required; minimum age of 16 to operate watercraft.
  
• Operation of personal watercraft is prohibited on all waters extending 200 yards into the ocean and 400 yards soundside.
  
• No operation allowed sunset to sunrise.
  
• Boater safety course required.
  
  

• Launching engine-powered watercraft from Kitty Hawk beaches is prohibited.
  
• Personal watercraft cannot be operated within 600 feet of the Atlantic Ocean beach within town of Kitty Hawk limits.
  
  

• Personal watercraft are allowed within the town of Kill Devil Hills, however, they cannot be operated within 300 feet of the shoreline (sound or ocean) or a fishing pier.
  
  

• Personal watercraft are allowed within the town of Nags Head, however, they cannot be operated within 600 feet of the shoreline (sound or ocean) or a fishing pier.
  
• You must go straight in and straight out at a speed which will not generate or cause a wake or exceed 5 miles per hour.
  
• Personal watercraft may be launched only at permitted sites within the town. No motorized watercrafts are allowed at the Danube Street Sound Access.
  
  

• Personal watercraft are prohibited from launching and landing from all accesses, land or water areas controlled by the National Park Service.
  
• Operation of personal watercraft is prohibited on all waters extending 150 feet into the soundside waters.
  
  

Animal Hospital of Nags Head

MP 14, Nags Head. (252) 441-8611.
Hospital equipped for the finest health care for your pet. Please contact us for all your health care needs.

Coastal Animal Hospital

Kitty Hawk. (252) 261-3960.
Outer Banks' only AAHA accredited full service veterinary hospital. 15 years caring for pets. Climate controlled boarding.

Martins Point Veterinary Hospital

Kitty Hawk. (252) 261-2250.
Complete care facility with small animal medicine, surgery & climate controlled indoor boarding.

Roanoke Island Animal Clinic

Manteo. (252) 473-3117.
Full service veterinary hospital. Complete boarding & grooming centers. High quality medicine in a friendly environment.

Salty Dog Grooming & Boarding

Kill Devil Hills. (252) 441-6501.
Large indoor-outdoor runs. Climate controlled. Special cattery. Professional grooming. Homestyle care with owner living on premises. ABKA Member.