Night driving restrictions on ocean-side beaches in the Cape Hatteras National Seashore begin at 9 p.m. Sunday, May 1.
From May 1 through July 31, priority off-road vehicle (ORV) ramps close at 9 p.m. and reopen the next morning at 6 a.m.
Priority ORV ramps are ramps 2, 4, 25, 27, 43, 44, 48, 49, 70 (airport ramp on Ocracoke) and 72 (South Point ramp on Ocracoke).
All other designated ocean-side ORV ramps close at 9 p.m. and reopen at 7 a.m.
Night beach driving restrictions help protect nesting sea turtles, according to a press release from the Seashore.
While night driving restrictions are in place, visitors may still park their vehicles in parking areas and walk on the beach at night.
Sound-side ramps, Inside Road and Pole Road (on Hatteras Island) do not have night driving restrictions.
For current beach access information, go to http://go.nps.gov/beachaccess.
To sign up for beach-related weather and ocean condition alerts, text OBXBeachConditions to 77295. Learn about beach and ocean safety at www.lovethebeachrespecttheocean.com.
