The National Park Services has announced a new permit process for Off-Road Vehicles on the Cape Hatteras National Seashore beginning March 15, 2012. All vehicles must obtain a permit and watch a 7 minute video at any of the three NPS ORV permit offices which will be located at Coquina Beach, the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse Visitor Center (Buxton) and the Ocracoke Visitor Center.All National Park Service ORV offices will be open year-round, except Christmas Day, seven days a week, from 8:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. with expanded summer and holiday hours.
Permits will be available for purchase beginning February 15, 2012. The cost for an annual permit (valid for one calendar year) is $120. Weekly 7 day permits (valid from the date issued) will cost $50. There is no limit to the number of permits available. One permit is required per vehicle. Operators are required to display the proof of permit in the manner specified by the National Park Service. ORV permits will cover night driving, however designated ORV routes only allow night driving seasonally. Routes closed to night driving will be shown on maps available in ORV permit offices and on the Cape Hatteras National Seashore website. There is no limit for the number of permits that can be issued at one time; however, NPS reserves the right to restrict the number of ORV’s on a particular route at one time.In addition, ORV routes are subject to closure at NPS discretion due to resource and safety management. Maps of designated ORV routes are available at NPS offices and online on the Cape Hatteras National Seashore website.
In order to receive an ORV permit your vehicle must:
• Be properly registered, licensed, insured and in compliance with inspection requirements for the state, country or province where the vehicle is registered.
• Have no more than two axles
• Be equipped with a low-pressure tire gauge, shovel, jack and jack support board.
For more information regarding the use of ORV vehicles on the Cape Hatteras National Seashore, please visit, http://www.nps.gov/caha