Driving on NC beaches
Beach driving in North Carolina is primarily controlled either by local governments (at the town level, or county level in the case of Currituck Co.), by the NC Division of Parks and Recreation (e.g., at the Fort Fisher state park beach), or the National Park Service (e.g., at Cape Hatteras National Seashore). Most towns only permit beach driving between approximately Oct. 1 and April 30. This is primarily to protect bird and sea turtle nests from vehicular traffic during their nesting season. Some beaches have year-round access, however. Many towns also require off-roaders to pay a fee and place a sticker on their vehicle. Driving on the dunes is not allowed on any NC beaches.
Many of the Outer Banks beaches are open to beach driving at least part of the year.
The Outer Banks tourism website lists beach driving rules.
Cape Hatteras National Seashore generally allows beach driving year-round.
BEACH DRIVING
Off-Road Vehicle Use in Cape Hatteras National Seashore
from U.S. Department of the Interior
National Park Service
The beaches of Cape Hatteras National Seashore are attracting more visitors every year. One form of recreation that is increasing in popularity is beach driving. Driving on the dunes, however, has disastrous effects, leaving the dunes bare to the winds and leading to eventual dune destruction. Off-road vehicle users can help ensure that this fragile ecosystem remains healthy and strong with attractive stretches of beach available for beach driving by following the regulations and guidelines listed below.
Off-Road Driving Regulations*
Avoid Damaging Vegetation:
Guidelines for Beach Driving:
In July 2007 U.S. District Judge Terrence W. Boyle issued an order which stated that because Cape Hatteras National Seashore did not have regulations to govern off-road vehicle (ORV) traffic, operating a vehicle on the seashore "without prior authority" was punishable by fines up to $5,000 and six months in prison. In response, a spokesperson for Cape Hatteras stated that with the exception of isolated closures for natural resource protection and pedestrian safety, ORV traffic would be allowed on the seashore while attorneys for the National Park Service reviewed the court order.
As required by law, the National Park Service (NPS) is currently undertaking a process to develop future rules for driving at Hatteras. However, NPS admits the process will take at least three years to complete. Some scientists believe that many species could be eliminated from the Seashore in that time. Because of this extended delay in developing a plan for management of ORV access, two environmental groups filed a lawsuit to force immediate action.
In February 2008, the Southern Environmental Law Center (SELC), representing Defenders of Wildlife and the National Audubon Society, asked a federal judge to limit beach driving on approximately 12 percent of the seashore identified by the Park Service's scientists as being most critical to nesting shorebirds. SELC asked the judge to halt driving on this portion of beach pending the outcome of a suit SELC filed in October, 2007.
That suit sought to require the Park Service to implement a plan to manage beach driving that will also protect the resources of the region. The goal is development of a management plan that will continue to allow access to Hatteras by vehicle, but will control use to protect wildlife, safety and the overall environment of the Outer Banks.
The Outer Banks Chapter of Surfrider Foundation is one of the parties working to achieve a balanced resolution of the beach driving issue at Cape Hatteras National Seashore. The chapter issued the following statement:
The Outer Banks Chapter of the Surfrider Foundation recognizes the unique ecological, recreational and economic value of the Cape Hatteras National Seashore. We further recognize that beaches are a public resource and should be held in the public trust for their preservation. We understand that for decades the Park Service has allowed access to Cape Hatteras National Seashore beaches by Off Road Vehicles (ORV) with minimal restriction or oversight and that if not regulated correctly ORV use may detrimentally affect migratory species that nest in the area. The Outer Banks Chapter supports beach preservation and protection efforts, but feels that a temporary and or permanent ban on ORV access to these beaches could have an immediate detrimental impact on the Outer Banks economy, and severely limit public access to groups that appreciate, use, and support the protection of these coastal resources. We believe that a balance between access and preservation can be achieved.
It is difficult for one that has not spent significant time on the Outer Banks to consider how limited access to beaches would become without ORV use, access that is the very reason that people from all over the world come to the Outer Banks to visit. In our small community where much of the oceanfront has been developed by homes, this small stretch of National Park is truly one of the last protected places to enjoy the unique resources on Hatteras Island. Hatteras Island offers world class surfing and fishing, much of which can be attributed to its remote location that is accessible only by ORVs. At this time the Outer Banks Chapter of Surfrider Foundation believes that allowing continued access with improved management of ORV use to the National Seashore is the optimal solution for this area.
The Outer Banks Chapter implores all parties involved in this issue to find a balance between access, protection and preservation. We recommend managing access of these areas through a combination of permitting, limiting the number of vehicles, and closures when necessary to protect the migratory species that use this area seasonally. The Outer Banks Chapter of Surfrider Foundation supports protection and preservation, and in this unique situation does support the reasonable use of Off Road Vehicles to allow public access this area.
A tentative agreement settling the lawsuit was announced on April 16, 2008. The settlement allows driving on large areas of beach, but seasonally restricts vehicle use in several spots popular with both birds and fishermen. The settlement details areas to be restricted in 2008 to protect bird and turtle nesting areas. Among its requirements: bird nesting areas can't be made smaller to accommodate vehicles if erosion cuts off vehicle access. The park service, by March 15 of each year, must mark nesting areas on Bodie Island Spit, Cape Point, South Beach, Hatteras Spit, North Ocracoke and Ocracoke South Point. The park service must also set aside specific protection buffers around nesting areas for plover, the least tern, the oystercatcher and other waterbirds. The vehicle buffer is 1,000 meters for plover chicks, the highest level of protection. Officials also have the authority to expand the protected areas if they believe there has been vandalism of fencing, nests or plants. To protect turtles, the park service must close beaches to night
A good source for current information on the beach access situation at Cape Hatteras National Seashore beaches is the Beach Access Issues page from Island Free Press.
Many of the Outer Banks beaches are open to beach driving at least part of the year.
The Outer Banks tourism website lists beach driving rules.
Cape Hatteras National Seashore generally allows beach driving year-round.
BEACH DRIVING
Off-Road Vehicle Use in Cape Hatteras National Seashore
from U.S. Department of the Interior
National Park Service
The beaches of Cape Hatteras National Seashore are attracting more visitors every year. One form of recreation that is increasing in popularity is beach driving. Driving on the dunes, however, has disastrous effects, leaving the dunes bare to the winds and leading to eventual dune destruction. Off-road vehicle users can help ensure that this fragile ecosystem remains healthy and strong with attractive stretches of beach available for beach driving by following the regulations and guidelines listed below.
Off-Road Driving Regulations*
Avoid Damaging Vegetation:
- Enter and leave the beach only at designated numbered ramps.
- Drive only on that portion of the beach which lies between the foot of the dunes and the ocean.
- Do not drive on or between the dunes, except on marked ORV routes.
- Drive only on marked ORV routes west of NC Highway 12 (soundside).
- The speed limit is 25 mph on all beaches. Proceed with due caution and have consideration for other beach users. Seat belts are required for all front seat occupants and recommended for rear seat passengers.
- Beach pedestrians ALWAYS have the right-of-way. Drive slowly and detour around people lying, standing or walking on the beach. Watch for fishing lines.
- Avoid overloading your vehicle with people. Do not allow your passengers to sit on the tailgate or rooftop, or otherwise stand or hang outside your vehicle.
- No open containers of alcoholic beverages allowed in moving vehicles.
- No public consumption, display or possession of spirituous liquor or fortified wine is allowed in the park.
- Be alert for and obey signs which indicate areas closed to ORV use.
- Do not drive or walk in posted bird nesting areas.
- Do not drive or walk in posted turtle nesting areas.
- Pets are required to be on a six-foot leash when on the beach and elsewhere in the park.
- If you carry it in, carry it OUT. Dispose of trash properly, including fish parts and dead fish. Help keep the beach clean.
- Fish caught and not used should be returned to the water alive.
- All vehicles must have a current state-of-origin registration and valid license plate.
- The operator must have a current driver's license.
- * All regulations listed above are National Park Service regulations and carry a maximum fine of $500 and/or six (6) months imprisonment for violations.
Guidelines for Beach Driving:
- Check weather forecast and tide tables before starting your trip. Ask a ranger about current, constantly changing beach conditions.
- Carry the following equipment: shovel, tire pressure gauge, first-aid kit, spare tire, tow rope (at least 14 feet long with a load strength of 20,000 pounds), litter bag, fire extinguisher, flashlight, and bumper jack (with sturdy board to support jack).
- Two-wheel-drive vehicles are not recommended for beach driving due to lack of adequate tire traction.
- Rangers are here to assist you, but they are not permitted to pull or tow other vehicles. Commercial towing services are limited and costly.
- Lower pressure in all tires to a recommended 20-25 pounds; the softer the sand, the lower the pressure needed for better flotation. Reinflate tires to normal pressure as soon as possible after leaving the beach. Low tire pressure can affect vehicle braking and maneuverability on paved roads.
- Excessive speed endangers you, your vehicle, and others using the beach. Experienced beach drivers know that a slow, steady pace and correct tire pressure are more effective than speed. If wheels start to spin, back up in your tire tracks for several car lengths. Accelerate slowly as you move forward. Sudden moves are your worst enemy.
- Slow down and allow additional space when passing or meeting other vehicles, since steering on sand can be difficult.
- Before driving through water, determine in advance its depth and the firmness of its underlying surface. Remember that salt water is highly corrosive.
In July 2007 U.S. District Judge Terrence W. Boyle issued an order which stated that because Cape Hatteras National Seashore did not have regulations to govern off-road vehicle (ORV) traffic, operating a vehicle on the seashore "without prior authority" was punishable by fines up to $5,000 and six months in prison. In response, a spokesperson for Cape Hatteras stated that with the exception of isolated closures for natural resource protection and pedestrian safety, ORV traffic would be allowed on the seashore while attorneys for the National Park Service reviewed the court order.
As required by law, the National Park Service (NPS) is currently undertaking a process to develop future rules for driving at Hatteras. However, NPS admits the process will take at least three years to complete. Some scientists believe that many species could be eliminated from the Seashore in that time. Because of this extended delay in developing a plan for management of ORV access, two environmental groups filed a lawsuit to force immediate action.
In February 2008, the Southern Environmental Law Center (SELC), representing Defenders of Wildlife and the National Audubon Society, asked a federal judge to limit beach driving on approximately 12 percent of the seashore identified by the Park Service's scientists as being most critical to nesting shorebirds. SELC asked the judge to halt driving on this portion of beach pending the outcome of a suit SELC filed in October, 2007.
That suit sought to require the Park Service to implement a plan to manage beach driving that will also protect the resources of the region. The goal is development of a management plan that will continue to allow access to Hatteras by vehicle, but will control use to protect wildlife, safety and the overall environment of the Outer Banks.
The Outer Banks Chapter of Surfrider Foundation is one of the parties working to achieve a balanced resolution of the beach driving issue at Cape Hatteras National Seashore. The chapter issued the following statement:
The Outer Banks Chapter of the Surfrider Foundation recognizes the unique ecological, recreational and economic value of the Cape Hatteras National Seashore. We further recognize that beaches are a public resource and should be held in the public trust for their preservation. We understand that for decades the Park Service has allowed access to Cape Hatteras National Seashore beaches by Off Road Vehicles (ORV) with minimal restriction or oversight and that if not regulated correctly ORV use may detrimentally affect migratory species that nest in the area. The Outer Banks Chapter supports beach preservation and protection efforts, but feels that a temporary and or permanent ban on ORV access to these beaches could have an immediate detrimental impact on the Outer Banks economy, and severely limit public access to groups that appreciate, use, and support the protection of these coastal resources. We believe that a balance between access and preservation can be achieved.
It is difficult for one that has not spent significant time on the Outer Banks to consider how limited access to beaches would become without ORV use, access that is the very reason that people from all over the world come to the Outer Banks to visit. In our small community where much of the oceanfront has been developed by homes, this small stretch of National Park is truly one of the last protected places to enjoy the unique resources on Hatteras Island. Hatteras Island offers world class surfing and fishing, much of which can be attributed to its remote location that is accessible only by ORVs. At this time the Outer Banks Chapter of Surfrider Foundation believes that allowing continued access with improved management of ORV use to the National Seashore is the optimal solution for this area.
The Outer Banks Chapter implores all parties involved in this issue to find a balance between access, protection and preservation. We recommend managing access of these areas through a combination of permitting, limiting the number of vehicles, and closures when necessary to protect the migratory species that use this area seasonally. The Outer Banks Chapter of Surfrider Foundation supports protection and preservation, and in this unique situation does support the reasonable use of Off Road Vehicles to allow public access this area.
A tentative agreement settling the lawsuit was announced on April 16, 2008. The settlement allows driving on large areas of beach, but seasonally restricts vehicle use in several spots popular with both birds and fishermen. The settlement details areas to be restricted in 2008 to protect bird and turtle nesting areas. Among its requirements: bird nesting areas can't be made smaller to accommodate vehicles if erosion cuts off vehicle access. The park service, by March 15 of each year, must mark nesting areas on Bodie Island Spit, Cape Point, South Beach, Hatteras Spit, North Ocracoke and Ocracoke South Point. The park service must also set aside specific protection buffers around nesting areas for plover, the least tern, the oystercatcher and other waterbirds. The vehicle buffer is 1,000 meters for plover chicks, the highest level of protection. Officials also have the authority to expand the protected areas if they believe there has been vandalism of fencing, nests or plants. To protect turtles, the park service must close beaches to night
A good source for current information on the beach access situation at Cape Hatteras National Seashore beaches is the Beach Access Issues page from Island Free Press.
