Beach Driving Update, Monday, March 13, 2023
The beach in Nags Head is closed to driving due to high surf and erosion. We'll re-evaluate the conditions tomorrow.
Beach driving permits for the October 1, 2022 through April 30, 2023 season are on sale now.
The seasonal beach driving permit fee has increased from $25 for everyone to $50 for Nags Head residents and property owners and $100 for all others.
The beach driving permit cost has not been increased since 1978.
In addition, Nags Head and the Town of Kill Devil Hills will no longer have a beach driving permit reciprocity agreement. Therefore, a Nags Head permit will allow you to only drive on the beach in Nags Head. A Kill Devil Hills beach driving permit will no longer allow you to drive on Nags Head's beach.
Substantial growth in Nags Head's beach population and the increased popularity of the area during the shoulder season has created more conflicts between beach drivers and those on the beach on foot. We must more closely monitor conditions and have started closing the beach in certain sections based on population.
Beach width has also been an issue in the northern end of town, requiring staff to open and close certain beach sections to driving several times during the beach driving season (Oct 1 – April 30). The increase in permit fees will help us cover the additional time and expense managing the beach driving program.
**Nags Head residents and property owners must obtain their $50 permit at Nags Head's town hall. The $100 permits will be available for purchase from Nags Head's town hall, online at Nags Head's web site, and at various tackle shops in the town.