One of the reasons so many vacationers flock to the Crystal Coast in Carteret County is the thrill of driving on the beach, a rare privilege that few East Coast beach vacation destinations can offer. Beach driving enthusiasts will find miles of shoreline to explore, from the uninhabited shoreline on Core Banks along the eastern end of Carteret County to the solely 4WD accessible beaches of Emerald Isle on the far western end of Carteret County. Beach driving is the perfect weekend activity to do while at the Crystal Coast . Of the many attractions that Emerald Isle brings, beach driving is always a favorite! So, can you drive on Emerald Isle Beach? Short answer: YES! Long answer: You will need to apply for a permit before you can drive on the beach strand. Let’s get into the details!
What time of year can I drive on the beach in Emerald Isle? According to the town of Emerald Isle, beach driving opens in mid-September and runs to late April of the next year. For 2022-2023, Emerald Isle beach driving runs from September 15th to April 30th. However, beach driving is closed in Emerald Isle from April from April 1-10, 2023for the Easter Holiday. Due to the time change, the beach will have differing operating hours throughout the year. From September 15th to November 5th – 5:00 am to 9:00 pm. From November 7th to March 11th – 5:00 am to 7:00 pm due to switching to Standard Time. When Daylight Saving Time returns on March 12th the hours of beach driving return to 5:00 am to 9:00 pm until the season closes on April 30th. Violation of these hours will result in a police citation.
Do I need a permit to drive on Emerald Isle Beach? Yes. All vehicles require an annual beach driving permit issued by the Town of Emerald Isle. For non-residents, a beach driving permit is $175, for Carteret County residents, a beach driving permit is $100, and for Emerald Isle residents under 65, a beach driving permit is $50. If you are a person with a disability, a Veteran with a disability, a Town employee, or an Emerald Isle resident over age 65, your beach driving permit will be free of charge. The application process is very simple. Permits for the 2022 - 2023 season became available online at the Town of Emerald Isle’s website last month, in August. Beginning this month, In September, you may also apply in person at the Emerald Isle Police Department, at 7500 Emerald Drive. You will need a valid driver’s license, your vehicle registration, any supporting documentation, and payment information ready. New, This Year!! All applicants are required to watch a short educational video and complete a quiz; you must receive a minimum of 80% accuracy. You need to save and attach your results to your application in order to obtain a permit. Please note: The quiz by itself does not equal a full permit application.
What type of vehicle do I need for beach driving? At Emerald Isle beaches, all vehicles must be 4-wheel drive vehicles. All-wheel drive vehicles are prohibited. What are the beach driving rules for Emerald Isle? All vehicles must abide by North Carolina Vehicle laws while driving on the strand. The speed limit is 20 MPH and all vehicles must allow pedestrians the right of way. Please reduce speed and avoid driving near beachgoers. Also, be on the lookout for any sea turtle nests or other wildlife that may have come ashore. Driving on the dunes is not allowed at any time. This is vital to the preservation of the environment and vehicles should stay a minimum of 10 feet away from any primary dunes. Occasionally, beach driving locations may be closed to all guests, in which case a sign will be posted at the entrance to the beach. Where can I enter to drive on Emerald Isle beach? Authorized beach access ramps for entry and exit are located at three sites. In eastern Emerald Isle, there is the Ocean Drive Ramp or the “dog-leg” located near mile marker 15 on NC 58 near 3101 Ocean Drive and the Emerald Isle Dollar General. The Black Skimmer Rampis in central Emerald Isle, located across from the Police Department near 7501 Ocean Drive. In western Emerald Isle, there is the Point Ramp located at the terminus of Inlet Drive and Bogue Ct. near 100 Bogue Ct.
Other things to know about Emerald Isle Beach Driving Please be sure to adhere your Beach Driving Permit to the inside of the lower left-hand side of your front window and remove decals from all previous years. The Emerald Isle Police Department strictly enforces these rules. Please also allow 20 feet from the primary dunes to remain open for first responders and town vehicles to pass by once on the beach strand. If any of your party digs holes in the sand while visiting, please fill in the holes before leaving as these can be detrimental to other cars. Last but not least, HAVE FUN, bring your dog, your family, and enjoy our beautiful Emerald Isle beach! To learn more about beach driving along the Crystal Coast, please go to my website, www.EmeraldIsleHomesforSaleNC.com and sign up for my blog. Ready to buy or sell? Call me at 919-308-2292. Explore the video tab for my weekly uploads to my YouTube channel. Subscribe to my YouTube channel and receive free donuts at my Flip Flops Donut shop. Text your email address to 919-308-2292 and subscribe to my newsletter. My book, "Live Where You Vacation" is available on Amazon.com or at Kindle.
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