Using off-road vehicles is a great way for visitors to enjoy the Seashore beaches and the Sound waters. Driving on Outer Banks beaches can be a unique and fun experience, but it's important to understand the rules before you hit the sand. Before driving, you must follow the following rules and recommendations. We've got the 6 Suggestions for Safe Driving on the Outer Banks Beaches right here! So, lets read on!

1. 4-Wheel drive is a Must

You can't just drive any ordinary vehicle to the beach. You need a four-wheel drive. These vehicles have large 17 inch alloy rims. SUVs with all-wheel drive are not made for driving on soft sand. You can't handle other vehicles on the sand and crash into other vehicles. Getting your car out can be very expensive if stuck in the sand. This way, you can damage your vehicle.

2. Keep Your Tire Pressure Low

Did you know that beach law requires you to inflate your tires before you go there? If you don#39;t fill your tires properly, you can seriously damage your car. Car manufacturers recommend 20 PSI for SUVs and 35 PSI for 1/2-ton 4x4, and 3/4 for 4x4. If you're going to Kirova, you can deflate your tires at the Corolla Village Road public access facility on the east side of HWY 12. For backup air, you can head to historic Corolla Park.

3. Driving Along the Outer Banks Beaches

• The beach is one of our state roads. Its speed limit is 35 mph. You follow the tire tracks along the high tide line. This sand will fill the bottom and make driving easier. Do not drive through unless necessary, as the sand will be soft and easily trapped.
• You must have a shovel, tow strap, and tire pressure gauge. You can also carry a traction mat, jack, air compressor, first aid kit, and fire extinguisher!
• Please fill your tank before leaving the beach. The last thing you should do is run out of gas on the beach! 4x4 There are no gas stations on the beaches of Carova. Use 4- wheel drive on ramps and maintain a slow, steady speed.
• Its important to stay in designated driving areas and avoid dunes and vegetation, which are fragile ecosystems that can be easily damaged. Be aware of pedestrians and wildlife when driving on the beach. Its important to drive slowly and watch for any hazards.
• Being aware of the tides when driving on the beach is important. Some areas may be inaccessible during high tide, so check the tide schedules before you start driving.

4. Obtain a Permit

It would be best if you had a permit to drive on the beaches of the Outer Banks. You can purchase a permit from the National Park Service, which oversees most of the beach driving areas

What to Do If You Get Stuck?

If your tires start to spin or get stuck, don't accelerate because spinning too fast will sink you into the sand. Get out of the vehicle and dig behind or ahead of the deepest tires in the sand. Pull over and try to restart the vehicle. If this recipe doesn't work, you can use a traction mat.

If you cannot get out, call bystanders for help. Take the help of a strap or rope for this! Please ensure the vehicle you're towing is of equal or greater size or weight, as this could damage their vehicle or get them stuck too. If that doesn't work, towing companies are there to help, but their services can cost you dearly!

5. Parking on Outer Banks Beaches

On the Friday before Memorial Day to 11:59 PM on Labor Day, parking permits are always required in Carova. Avoid stopping near the ramp. Parking on the beach in Carova is prohibited until milepost 14.5 is reached. Please don't block the traffic lane by parking in the center of the beach strand. Vehicles must be parked close to the water's edge, east of the dune line and west of the hard-packed sand strip.

6. Driving at Night Time

Driving on the beach at night can be dangerous for you. There are no street lights on the beach. Many stumps are not visible in the dark at night, and wildlife walks the beaches and roads during the day and at night.

Keep in Mind

By following these suggestions, you can have a safe and enjoyable time driving on the Outer Banks beaches. It is important to exercise caution when driving on the beaches of the Outer Banks. The beaches can be unpredictable and constantly changing due to tides, weather conditions, and erosion. Following all regulations, safety guidelines, and precautions is essential to ensure a safe and enjoyable driving experience on the Outer Banks beach