The Outer Banks Voice

Park Service sets beach driving permit prices

A plan designates areas for beach driving. (NPS)

Driving on the beach at the Cape Hatteras National Seashore will cost $50 for a seven-day permit and a $120 for a year.

The fees were announced Wednesday as the National Park Service prepares to put new rules for beach driving into effect Feb. 15.

Originally mandated by a presidential directive in the 1970s, management of access to the Cape Hatteras National Seashore went through a years-long process before the final rule for off-road vehicle use was published on Jan. 23.

The rule restricts driving to designated areas to protect shorebirds and vegetation.

Permits will be available beginning on Feb. 15 at three NPS
ORV permit offices — Coquina Beach just south of Nags Head, the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse Visitor Center in Buxton Ocracoke Visitor Center.

The offices will be open year-round, seven days a week, except on Christmas Day, from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with expanded hours on weekends and holidays during the
summer.

An annual permit is valid for the calendar year and the seven-day permit is valid from the date issued.

“In order to provide the public with ample time to obtain a permit, there
will be a transition period between February 15 and March 15 before the
rule is fully implemented and enforced,” the park service said in a statement.

Answers to frequently asked questions and a map showing designated off-road vehicle routes and pedestrian areas where ORVs are not allowed can be found at www.nps.gov/caha.