Night beach driving permits, required for off-road vehicle use on Cape Hatteras National Seashore ocean beaches between the hours of 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. from Sept. 16 until Nov. 15, are now available.

The implementation of ORV night driving permits is required under the terms of the court-approved consent decree to help increase the nesting success of sea turtles, which are protected under the Endangered Species Act.  Beginning Sept. 16 to Nov. 15, a night driving permit that has been read, signed, and dated by the driver of the vehicle, must be visibly displayed on the dashboard of the vehicle between the hours of 10 p.m. and 6 a.m.

The night beach driving permit is available online and may be downloaded from the national seashore’s website at: http://www.nps.gov/caha/planyourvisit/off-road-vehicle-use.htm. 

The downloaded version of the permit should be printed in color if possible.  By Sept. 12, hard copies of the permit will be available at any Cape Hatteras National Seashore Visitor Center, Whalebone Information Center, Hatteras Weather Station, as well as local tackle shops. 

The following beaches that are seasonally closed to ORV use will reopen to vehicles on Friday, Sept. 16:

Tri-villages (Rodanthe-Waves-Salvo) beachfront from Rodanthe Pier south to Ramp 23, approximately 4.5 miles in length
Avon village beachfront , approximately 4.0 miles in length
Ocracoke campground and day use area beaches, approximately 2.5 miles in length

Visitors will encounter sea turtle nest protection areas.  Posted areas are closed to all ORV, pedestrians, and pets.

Ocracoke Island reopened to visitors last week, but Hatteras is still closed to visitors. Re-entry is allowed only for residents and non-resident property owners.

For further information, please call (252) 473-2111 ext. 148 or check http://www.nps.gov/caha/planyourvisit/googleearthmap.htm