National Park Service LogoU.S. Department of the InteriorNational Park ServiceNational Park Service
National Park Service: U.S. Department of the InteriorNational Park Service Arrowhead
 
 
Find a National Park Near You
Cape Hatteras National Seashore Ocracoke Island Beach
view map
text size: largest larger normal
printer friendly
Cape Hatteras National Seashore
Night Beach Driving Permit
  • September 16 to November 15
    A signed Night Beach Driving Permit is required to be visible on the dashboard of your vehicle for night driving between the hours of 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. Download a PDF version of the permit here. Hard copies will be available at any Cape Hatteras National Seashore Visitor Center, the Whalebone Information Center, or the Hatteras Weather Bureau Station, as well as local tackle shops by September 16, 2010.
  • November 16 to April 30
    Night driving is allowed at all hours. No permit is needed.
  • May 1 to September 15
    Night driving is prohibited from 10 p.m. until 6 a.m. 

Night driving permits from September 16 to November 15 are required under the terms of the April 30, 2008 court-approved Consent Decree to help increase the nesting success of sea turtles, which are protected under the Endangered Species Act.

You are exiting the National Park Service website

Thank you for visiting our site.

You will now be redirected to:

We hope your visit was informative and enjoyable.
A navigational chart showing Cape Hatteras and Diamond Shoals

Did You Know?
When the Home sank on Diamond Shoals off of Cape Hatteras in 1837, there were only two life jackets for all 130 people on board. Ninety people died. Congress passed the Steamboat Act the next year, requiring all vessels to carry one life jacket per passenger.
Disclaimer Accessibility Privacy Policy FOIA Notices USA.gov

Last Updated: November 07, 2011 at 09:03 MST