Beach Driving

Beach Driving Season

Four-wheel drive, state inspected vehicles with a proper Town permit ($25), are allowed on the beach in both Nags Head and Kill Devil Hills from October 1st through April 30th each year. (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.) Driving times are thirty minutes prior to sunrise through thirty minutes after sunset daily.

For more information on beach driving in Nags Head, please call Nags Head’s Town Hall at 252-441-5508. For more information on beach driving in Kill Devil Hills, please call Kill Devil Hills's Town Hall at 252-449-5338.

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

Locations

Permits are available at the following locations:

  • Nags Head Town Hall
    5401 S Croatan Highway
    Nags Head NC 27959
    • From 8:30 a.m. to 5 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. Phone receipts are not acceptable.
  • Kill Devil Hills Town Hall
    102 Town Hall Drive
    Kill Devil Hills NC 27948
    • From 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. (by appt only)
  • 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. 

Maps, Rules & Regulations

  1. Nags Head Beach Driving Map and Regulations (PDF)
  2. Kill Devil Hills Beach Driving Map and Regulations (PDF)

Closures and Changes

See map for current closures and changes and visit our Facebook page for closures due to weather conditions.  Last map update November 2021. 

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.