Beach Driving

Beach Driving Season

Four-wheel drive, state inspected vehicles with a proper Town of Nags Head permit, are allowed on the beach in the Town of Nags Head only from October 1st through April 30th each year.  Driving times are thirty minutes prior to sunrise through thirty minutes after sunset daily.

  • This permit is not valid in the Kill Devil Hills beach jurisdiction or National Park Beach areas.

The fee is currently $100 per season and the permit can be purchased online, at Nags Head local tackle shops or at Nags Head Town Hall.  There is also a $50 per season permit for Nags Head property owners or residents which is only available for purchase at Nags Head Town Hall. 

Modified utility vehicles ("MUTV") as described in N.C.G.S. 20-4.01(27) shall not be considered an "eligible" vehicle regardless of whether the MUTV is registered or licensed in any state.

For more information on beach driving in Nags Head, please review the Map, Rules & Regulations or call Nags Head Town Hall at 252-441-5508. 

Please drive extra cautiously and expect more people to be on the beach now than have been in years past. Drivers must stay to the east or ocean side of any sand fence or dune vegetation.

PLEASE CONTINUE TO MONITOR OUR WEBSITE FOR BEACH ACCESS CHANGES ON OUR MAPS.

Driving on the Beach in Nags Head is Permitted From October 1 Through April 30

Beach area with tire tracks in sand

Maps, Rules & Regulations

  1. Nags Head Beach Driving Map and Regulations (PDF)

Locations

The $100 permits are available at all the following locations, whereas the $50 Nags Head owner/resident permit is only available for purchase at Town Hall:

  • Nags Head Town Hall
    5401 S Croatan Highway
    Nags Head NC 27959
    • From 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
  • If you have access to a printer, you can purchase online using quick link above.
    • Must place printed receipt on driver's side dash until sticker is received in the mail. (Stickers will not be mailed 4/10/23-4/30/23.) Phone receipts are not acceptable.
  • Nags Head tackle shops

NOTE
You will need your current registration and driver's license, so be sure to bring that with you when you purchase your permit. Proof of property ownership or residency: driver's license with Nags Head address, tax bill or utility bill of property with name of owner or resident showing Nags Head address.

Closures and Changes

See map for current closures and changes and visit our Facebook page for closures due to weather conditions. Sign up to receive email and/or text notifications from the Town when changes are made. Notify Me 

Last map update June 2022. 

Cape Hatteras National Seashore Off-Road Vehicle Permit

The Town of Nags Head shares a border with Cape Hatteras National Seashore on our south end. 

The Town does not provide permits for driving on the beach anywhere on Cape Hatteras National Seashore. Please visit the Seashore's ORV Permit web site for more information on driving on their beaches. 

Assistance

Unable to fish from the beach because you are disabled? Find information on this ATV Use page.