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 off-roading area on the 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.
Driving an off-road vehicle (ORV)
Driving an off-road vehicle (ORV) on the beach can be fun where beach driving is permitted. Please observe the following rules:
- The speed limit is 15 mph unless otherwise posted
- 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 — pedestrians always have the right-of-way
- All vehicles must have a valid vehicle registration, insurance, and license plate
- The operator of the vehicle must have a current driver’s license
Corolla
Beach driving in Corolla takes place year-round at the northern end of NC12 where the pavement ends. Permits are required for beach driving in Corolla (Currituck County) from the last Saturday in April to the first Saturday in October. A permit can be purchased at the Corolla Visitors’ Center (500 Hunt Club Drive, Corolla), or by mail beforehand. Permits are limited to 300 per week. For more information, contact the town’s administrative office at 252-453-9612 or visit ParkingOnTheBeach.com.
Please be extra careful when driving north of where the pavement ends, because this is where wild Spanish mustangs roam free. It is illegal to feed or come within 50 feet of these wild animals. This video from the Corolla Wild Horse Fund provides more information.
Duck and Kitty Hawk
ORV’s are permitted on the Outer Banks beaches between October 1st and April 30th. No permit is required. For more information on beach driving, contact the respective town’s administrative office.
Duck: 252-255-1234
Kitty Hawk: 252-261-3552.
Kill Devil Hills and Nags Head
Beach driving on the off-roading area of the Outer Banks is only allowed between October 1st and April 30th. 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.
Kill Devil Hills: 252-449-5300
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 are allowed on the beach.
Information provided by the Outer Banks Visitors Bureau.