NC coast after Labor Day means driving on beach is allowed and pet rules are relaxed

RALEIGH, N.C. (WNCN) — As the summer starts to draw to a close, many in North Carolina still long for the beaches and coast while the weather is still nice.

Although the traditional end of summer has arrived, there’s still good news for folks at many beaches.

Generally starting after Labor Day, many North Carolina coastal communities allow driving on beaches – and pets are now allowed on many beaches or for longer hours.

The sand driving and pet rules are linked to fewer crowds on the beaches as summer fades.

NC beaches give pets more freedom

First, the pet rules: Many North Carolina beaches either don’t allow pets on the strand or ban them during prime daytime hours in the summer.

Starting after Labor Day as fewer folks relax on beaches, some communities – such as Sunset Beach in Brunswick County – allow pets on the beach at any time (as long as they are on a leash).

Other beaches with relaxed off-season pet rules include Ocean Isle Beach, Southern Shores, and Kill Devil Hills.

In some towns, such as Wrightsville Beach, pets are banned during the summer — and only allowed on the shoreline from October 1 to March 31.

Beach driving season in North Carolina

Also after Labor Day or mid-September, driving on beaches in some North Carolina communities is allowed, usually with a permit.

Driving on beaches can be tricky – and motorists must follow designated routes, avoiding dunes, vegetation, and marked nesting areas.

In Carteret County, Emerald Isle and Indian Beach start allowing driving on the beaches in mid-September.

At Fort Fisher State Recreation Area, in a week, there will be expanded hours for driving on the beach.

At the Outer Banks, Nags Head and Kill Devil Hills begin beach driving on October 1.  In Corolla, driving south of N.C. 12 along the beach is only allowed after the start of October.

Year-round driving is allowed at the Cape Hatteras National Seashore and starts in the spring at Cape Lookout National Seashore.

North Topsail Beach allows beach driving on the north end while Topsail Beach only allows beach driving after October 1.

“If you’re planning to drive on our beautiful beaches, make sure you’re familiar with the rules and regulations to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience,” Emerald Isle police said.

Officials said four-wheel-drive vehicles are recommended however, two-wheel-drive vehicles are allowed if, “in your judgment, the vehicle is capable of off-road use in deep, soft sand.”

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