Basic Rules for 4x4 driving on the Outer Banks

  • 4x4 access and beaches often refer to the acronym "ORV", which stands for "Off Road Vehicle".

  • Unless otherwise marked, speed limits are 25mph and 15mph or slower near others/pets/wild animals. Speed limit on Hatteras & Ocracoke Islands (Cape Hatteras National Seashore) is 15mph.

  • Watch for fishing lines and children playing.

  • Stay at least 50 feet away from wild horses.

  • Never drive on dunes or vegetation.

  • Obey all posted signs.

  • Park perpendicular to the water in the middle of the beach.

  • Traffic flows near the shoreline and dunes, with parked cars sitting between.

  • Tow straps, shovel, spare tire, jack and jack board are recommended, and sometimes required to be in the vehicle.

  • Open containers of alcohol are prohibited in vehicles

  • Drivers need to have a current, valid driver's license

  • Avoid driving or parking on the wrack line. The wrack line is a line of accumulated natural debris left by a previous high tide. Wrack lines are an important food source for birds.

  • Pedestrians always have right-of-way on the beach.

Beach regulations for 4x4's

Corolla

  • Access the 4x4 beach at the northern end of NC-12 where the paved road ends.

  • 4x4 beach driving is allowed year-round; however, 4x4 beach parking is by permit only from the last Saturday in April through the first Saturday in October. Permits can be purchased on a weekly basis, and ticket availability is limited. Learn more and order permits here.

  • Beach speed limit is 35 mph. When traveling within 300 feet of any person, speed limit is 15 mph.

Duck

  • No public 4x4 access. Private access allows vehicles vehicles on the beach between October 1 - April 30.

Southern Shores

  • Driving on the beach is prohibited.

Kitty Hawk

  • Driving on the beach is prohibited.

Kill Devil Hills and Nags Head

  • In years past, Kill Devil Hills and Nags Head offered reciprocity for off-season beach driving permits issued between the two towns, a policy which changed in 2022.

  • Permits are no longer reciprocated between the two towns. In Nags Head, permit pricing is $50 for the season (October 1 - April 30) for residents and property owners, and $100 for all others.

  • The Town of Kill Devil Hills has not released their beach driving fees or schedule for 2023-2024 as of this writing.

  • Obtain a beach driving permit either from the Town of Kill Devil Hills or the Town of Nags Head.

Hatteras Island

  • On Hatteras Island, the National Park Service ORV routes are generally marked with posts seaward of the toe of the dune or vegetation line to the high tide line. ORV routes through vegetated areas are posted on both sides of the route. Four-wheel-drive vehicles are recommended due to the soft and sandy conditions; however, two-wheel drive vehicles are allowed. If a vehicle gets stuck, commercial towing companies are available. National Park Service staff are not allowed to pull or tow stuck vehicles.

  • Two types of ORV permits are available: a 10-day permit and an annual permit valid for one year from date of purchase.  Permits can be purchased online (you must have the ability to print) here.

Ocracoke

  • Permits are required, and can be purchased online and sent via mail, or in person at one of the Ocracoke Visitor Center. Each vehicle must have its own permit. Vehicles must be registered, licensed, insured, and have a current safety inspection if required in home state/country. Vehicles must have low-pressure tire gauge, shovel, jack and jack support board. A spare tire, first-aid kit, fire extinguisher, trash bags, flashlight and tow straps are recommended. ATV's are not permitted. Night driving is generally allowed from November 16 through April 30. Obey all posted signs.