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Takeing a vehicle and driving down the shoreline is probably one of the most entertaining activities you can do. There are many rules you must follow as well as permits that you also must obtain from the county. There are certain designated areas where off-roading is permited and fobidden. Unfortunatly, like everything else in this 'Land of the Free', you have to pay.

Rules,Regulations, and Tips for Off-Roading in a Vehicle.

 

Rules and Regulations

Driving an off-road vehicle (ORV) on the beach can be fun and adventurous, but where beach driving is permitted, there are general rules to follow: The Standard speed limit is 25mph; enter and leave the beach only at designated, open ramps - never between or on the dunes; drive only on that portion of the beach which lies between the foot of the dunes and the ocean; proceed with caution and consideration for other beach users; open containers of alcohol are prohibited in vehicles; your vehicle must have a state road registration and valid license plate; the operator must have a current driver's license.

Tips for Beach Driving

  • When pulling into the access ramp you should decrease the air pressure in your tires to 20-25 pounds. In softer sand you may need to go lower. When you lower the air pressure it gives the tire a wider, softer foot print which causes the vehicle to ride higher on top of the sand instead of digging down into it. This also helps to reduce the amount of strain on the engine since you're rolling on top of the sand and not plowing through it.
    Drive at a slow, even pace. The maximun speed limit on all beaches is 25 MPH. Trying to take off too fast will cause loss of traction and bury you to the axle. If this happens, it's time to break out the jack and shovel.
  • Try to stay in the ruts made by other vehicles unless they are deep enought to let you bottom out. The sand in these ruts is more compact than other sand.
  • Avoid areas of the beach that may be impassable at times of high tide unless you plan to stay at the spot until the next low tide.
  • Park above the high tide line if possible.
  • In the event that you do lose traction, DO NOT spin your wheels to try to dig out of it. It only takes a couple of pumps on the gas to sink you down to your axle. The best solution is to decrease your tire pressure, shift to low range and back out of the rut you came in on before trying to proceed.
  • Don't drive between parked vehicles and the shoreline.

Items You Must Carry with You

  1. Tire Pressure Guage
  2. Tow Strap or Rope (at least 14' long with a load strength of 20,000 lbs.)
  3. Shovel
  4. Bumper Jack
  5. Board sufficient to support base of jack
  6. Flashlight
  7. First Aid Kit

     


    Fire Island National Seashore
    Smith Point Station / Patchogue Office
    (631) 281-3010 / (631) 289-4810

    Town Of Babylon 4 Wheel Drive Permit
    Town Clerks Office
    (631)957-3005

    4 Wheel Drive Permit can be purchased at Smith Point Ranger Station Apr.1- June 15, and again from Sept.15- Dec 31. 9:00 am to 12:00 pm

    $20.00 (Permit Fee)

    4 Wheel Drive Permit can be purchased at the Town Clerks Office,
    200 Sunrise Hwy. N. Lindenhurst

    $40.00 (Permit Fee)
    Town Of Southampton 4 Wheel Drive Beach Permit
    Town Hall Trustees Office
    (631) 287-5717
    Town Of East Hampton 4 Wheel Drive Permit
    Recreation Dept.
    (631) 324-2417
    Permit purchased at, Town Hall Trustees Office, Hampton Rd., South Hampton
    $10.00 (Resident)
    $5.00 (Senior Citizen)
    $200.00 (Non-Resident)

    Permit can be purchased at
    Recreation Dept.
    Toilsome La., East Hampton

    Free (Residents)
    $200.00 (Non-Resident)

    Suffolk County Parks
    Administration Office:
    (631) 854-4949
    NYS Parks Office
    Robert Moses State Park:
    (631) 669-0470
    Outer Beach Recreational
    Vehicle Use: Theodore Roosevelt, Cupsogue, Cedar Point, Smith Point and Shinnecock East Outer Beaches.
    $75.00(Tourist Fall Permit) (9/9 - 12/3)
    $75.00 (Resident) - Annual Fee
    $37.50(Res. Sr. Cit./Handicapped) - Annual Fee

    $377.50(Resident Fall Permit) (9/9 - 12/31)

    $200.00 (Tourist Permit) - Annual Fee
    $15.00 (Vehicle Use Permit) Replacement Fee
    Day Use Permits:
    For Vehicles Who Do Not Purchase Yearly Permit
    (All Outer Beaches)
    $35.00 (Tourist)
    $25.00 (Resident, Sr. Citizen & Handicapped)

    Overnight Use
    (Per Night)
    Shinnecock East, Cupsogue, Smith Point, & Theodore Roosevelt (Fee 4/4 - 10/27)

    $12.00 (Resident)
    $6.00 (Res.Sr. Citizen/ Handicapped) 
    $20.00 (Tourist) - with Day Use Permit
    New York State 4 Wheel Drive Fishing Permit -Permits can be purchased at: Robert Moses State Park, Belmont Lake State Park, & Montauk Downs (golf course). The NYS permit allows access to the following outer beaches: Gilgo, Cedar (Sore Thumb area), Robert Moses (Democrat Point), Napeague, Hither Hills, and Montauk Point. Dates Of Sale: January 2, 2002 to April 30th, 2002. Tues. after Labor Day to Dec. 31, 2002
    $39.00 (Annual Fee)

    For additional information contact:
    Belmont Lake State Park Office:
    (631) 667-5055
    NYS Parks Office -Headquarters:
    (631) 669-1000

     

     

     

     


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