When are vehicles allowed on the beach?

Permits available August 1st (online) and September 1st (in-person)

All beach driving permit applicants must now watch a short educational video and complete a 10 question quiz prior to applying for their permit. Quiz results will be required along with permit application.

A beach driving permit may be purchased online by visiting the Beach Driving page or at the Emerald Isle Police Department, at 7500 Emerald Drive, from 9 am until 8 pm. Sunday through Thursday, and from 9 am until 10 pm. Friday through Saturday, starting in September.

August 1 through 31, 2023: Beach Driving Permits are on sale online only, starting August 1, 2023.

September 1, 2023: Beach Driving Permits will be available for online and/or in-person purchase at the EIPD office. For everyone's safety, no more than 2 customers at a time are permitted inside the EIPD waiting area.

Authorized beach access ramps are located at the Ocean Drive "dog-leg" (near mile marker 15 on NC 58), at the end of Black Skimmer Drive (across from Police Department), and at The Point (at the terminus of Inlet Drive at Bogue Inlet). Driving on primary dunes, as well as other vegetated areas, remains strictly prohibited.

Beach Driving Period: The period for Beach Driving is scheduled to occur from September 15 to April 30, with the exception of March 29 - April 7 (Easter).

Highly Important Disclaimer: By purchasing a 2023-2024 beach driving permit, permit holders understand that there will be no refunds or discounts provided due to beach closures of any kind. Closures may be caused by nourishment activities, beach conditions, and/or other unavoidable events.

For more information, contact the Emerald Isle Police Department at 252-354-2021.

Find the full list of application fees.

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1. What medical providers are located in and around Emerald Isle?
2. What is the phone number for the Emerald Isle Post Office?
3. What is the phone number for the Emerald Isle Welcome Center?
4. Who are the local utility companies, and how can they be contacted?
5. Where can I find garbage and recycling information?
6. Where are the Parks and Beach Access Locations in Emerald Isle?
7. Where can I register to vote?
8. Who should I call about military operations at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune that involve bombing, vibration, noise?
9. What are the regulations regarding pets?
10. What can I do about free-roaming or feral cats on my property?
11. What can I do about the wild animals that are a nuisance in my neighborhood?
12. What can I do about nutria removal?
13. Where do I get Town Vehicle License Tags?
14. Are individuals or businesses without a physical business location allowed to sell their merchandise anywhere in Town?
15. What about Hurricanes, Evacuation and Re-Entry?
16. What are the regulations about riding horses on the beach?
17. When are vehicles allowed on the beach?
18. Are alcoholic beverages permitted on the beach?
19. How should I build a sand fence?
20. What about the use of the Town's public parks and accesses?
21. What if I want a wedding on the beach?
22. What type of transportation is available?