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Making America's Best Idea Even Better
Cape Hatteras National SeashoreRippling sand on dune
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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. A pdf version of the permit may be downloaded here (please print in color if possible). 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 Thursday, September 10, 2009.
  • 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.
The Principal Lightkeeper's Quarters and the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse move toward their new homes, a safer distance from the ocean.  

Did You Know?
The Cape Hatteras Lighthouse is the tallest brick structure ever moved. When it was built in 1870, it stood 1,500 feet from the shore. By 1999, the lighthouse was within 100 feet of the ocean. To protect it from the encroaching sea, it was moved inland a total of 2,900 feet over a 23-day period.

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Last Updated: September 08, 2009 at 14:10 EST