Beach Driving & Parking on the Off Road

Vehicles are required to use driving lanes adjacent to the dune line between Milepost 14.5 and Milepost 17 from 9AM until 5PM beginning the Friday before Memorial Day through Labor Day.

All other times, use driving lanes adjacent to the dune line or at the shoreline.

  • Air down all tires prior to accessing the off road (4×4) ramp. Recommended tire pressure pounds per square inch (PSI):
  • 20 PSI for SUV’s & ½ ton 4X4
  • 35 PSI for ¾ ton 4X4
  • Air stations are located at the Historic Corolla Park.
  • Use 4-wheel drive (4WD) when entering the ramp and maintain a slow, steady speed. If your vehicle is not equipped with 4WD, do not attempt to drive on the beach.
  • Do not stop or park on the beach ramp area.
  • The speed limit is 35 miles per hour (mph). The speed limit is 15 mph when traveling within 300 feet of any person.
  • Gas tanks should be full – there are NO gas stations on 4X4 areas.

The Beach is a Public Vehicular Access Area:

  • There shall be no lawn chairs, coolers, fishing lines or any other items blocking the foreshore in any manner that restricts public safety and emergency response vehicular movement in a north-south direction along the water’s edge.
  • Share the road. Watch for pedestrians, horses, and other wildlife.
  • All vehicles driven on the beach and roads behind the dunes must be registered, properly licensed, and insured.
  • Driving in the surf or driving in a repeated circular motion are examples of careless and reckless driving.
  • After dark, the entire beach including parking areas become driving lanes.
    • Remove all personal items (beach chairs, nets, poles, ropes, etc.)
    • Level all sand structures (sandcastles, holes, etc.) to ensure the safety of night drivers.

BEACH PARKING PERMITS 

Beach Parking Permits for 2024 will be available starting at 8 am on April 1, 2024.

CLICK HERE for Permits.

Vehicles MUST have a county-issued Beach Parking Permit properly displayed to park on the beach from the last Saturday of April through the first Saturday in October.

  • ALL County Residents and Nonresident Property Owners: Use Currituck Access Permit as a beach parking permit.
  • County Residents and Nonresident Property Owners located in the 4×4 Area with a dwelling may obtain 2 additional beach parking permits from the Corolla Visitors Center.

Rental Homes in the 4-Wheel Drive Area:

  • If the house is in a rental program, the rental management company will distribute the guest permits to renters. Permits are provided to the rental companies by the county.
  • If the property owner rents the house, the property owner must obtain permits from the Corolla Visitors Center. (2 per house)
  • Visitors renting in the 4-Wheel Drive Area: Contact rental company or property owner with any questions. 2 parking permits should be provided.
  • Visitors NOT renting in the 4-Wheel Drive Area:
    • May purchase a weekly Beach Parking Permit through the county
    • Limited to 300 per week. Permits are $50 each.

These Beach Parking Permits are for the Currituck County Off Road ONLY

The permit system does not apply to:

  • County vehicles
  • Emergency vehicles
  • Any government agency conducting beach restoration
  • Scientific research
  • Animal protection
  • Commercial fishermen
  • Actively engaged outdoor tour operators
  • Hunters using State or Federal land located within the The Northern Outer Banks.

Parking on the Beach

  • All vehicles shall be parked in the middle of the beach strand and not obstruct the traffic lane.
  • Parking is prohibited for the first 1.5 miles North of the 4X4 ramp.
  • No beach chairs, coolers, fishing lines, or other items should be placed in a location that blocks the traffic lanes. This may involve moving vehicles and belongings with the tide change.
  • Visitors should not leave any unattended property on the beach. Any property remaining between sunset and sunrise shall be considered litter and is subject to removal and disposal.
  • Walking on or traversing the dunes outside of the defined dune walkover beach access points is illegal.
  • Help keep the The Northern Outer Banks beautiful for everyone by removing all trash when you leave.