ORV Corridor Rules and Regulations

 

Important Links

• Return to the Main ORV Page
• Map of Current Corridor Status
• How to Get an ORV Permit
• Mandatory Equipment and Tire Size Requirement
• Self-Contained-Vehicle (SCV) Camping
• ORV Corridor Fishing
• ORV Annual Reports

Driving Corridor:
The Off-Road Corridor includes the beach route from Race Point Lighthouse in Provincetown to Head of the Meadow Beach in Truro. Coast Guard Beach to Longnook Beach in Truro is open for night fishing only. See designated off-road routes and definitions on the maps and diagrams. Travel may be restricted at the discretion of park rangers because of changing beach conditions and/or shorebird nesting activity.

For enjoyment of Cape Cod National Seashore's off-road route today and in future years, every operator must know, understand and abide by all seashore regulations.

All ORV traffic is limited to the backshore area of the beach, a marked corridor defined by a 10 foot offset from the spring high tide line to the berm crest at the normal high tide line. Check with rangers if in doubt. All applicable federal and state laws and regulations apply and are enforceable. Foreshore and foredune areas are off limits to ORVs EXCEPT travel in the foreshore area when passing a beach cut where no backshore portion of the beach exists. Driving through inner dune routes, posted shorebird nesting areas and lifeguard-protected beaches is prohibited.

 

Driving Season & Hours:
The ORV corridor is open from April 15 through November 15. Portions of the beach may be temporarily closed to driving because of changing beach conditions and/or shorebird nesting activity.

 

Observe All Speed Limits

15 miles-per-hour on the beach unless otherwise posted and 5 miles-per-hour through self-contained camping areas and posted shorebird nesting areas. Speed limits are strictly enforced at all times.

 

Right of Way & Safety:
When two vehicles meet on the beach, the operator of the vehicle with the water on the right has the right of way. Riding on fenders, tailgate, roof, or any exterior portion of a vehicle not designed to carry passengers is prohibited.

Alcoholic Beverages:
All applicable State and Federal roadways laws, including OUI and open containers, will be strictly enforced.

 

Pet Regulations

Pets will not be allowed out of ORVs in front of active piping plover nests. These areas will be signed. ORV users with pets, will be allowed to drive by active plover nests to access other areas of the beach where pets are permitted.

Pets are allowed on beaches except in posted shorebird nesting areas and lifeguard-protected areas. They are also permitted on fire roads. Pets must be leashed or otherwise caged. Please remove all pet fecal matter. Pets are not permitted on certain National Seashore bike trails, designated nature trails, fresh water pond areas, lifeguarded swimming areas, and posted shorebird nesting areas.

 

Parking:
Parking is permitted only on the open portion of the ORV corridor. All vehicles and boat trailers must be parked without obstructing traffic. Parking is not permitted on the inner route at the Race Point Lighthouse (north beach). Parking overnight is restricted to registered self-contained vehicles who are camping in the designated camping areas.

Boats & Personal Water Craft:
Boats may be trailered to and launched from anywhere on the ORV corridor. Personal watercraft (e.g., Jet Skis, Sea Doos, etc.) are prohibited anywhere within Cape Cod National Seashore.

Beach Fires:
Beach fires are by permit only. Fire permits for the ORV corridor are issued at the Oversand Station (508-487-2100 ext. 0927) from 8 AM to 4:30 PM seven days a week. Permits for Cape Cod National Seashore beaches in Truro and Provincetown are issued at Province Lands Visitor Center (open seasonally, 508-487-1256). Permits for Cape Cod National Seashore beaches in Eastham and Wellfleet are issued at Salt Pond Visitor Center in Eastham (508-255-3421 ext. 0) Self-contained stoves or grills, using charcoal or gas are allowed without a permit.

Clean Beach:
Please leave a clean beach and only dispose trash in dumpsters at the Race Point air lot or appropriate trash receptacles.

Route Maintenance:
If your vehicle becomes stuck in the sand, you are responsible for filling in all ruts or holes and removing debris used to extricate the vehicle. Dumping trash and other debris is prohibited. Please leave no trace by packing out what you pack in.

 

Tire Pressure - The Key to Successful Oversand Driving

You are required to decrease tire pressure before entering the beach ORV. Tire pressure is critical for successful oversand driving. 11 pounds-per-square-inch (psi) is recommended. Friction may cause pressure to increase while you drive making it necessary to stop and reduce pressure again. Your beginning tire pressure should not exceed 15 psi. An air compressor for inflating tires is located in the parking area between the north and south access areas at Race Point.