Assateague Island
National Seashore
Over-Sand Vehicle Use
(OSV)
The following is a basic summery
of the rules and regulations as of summer 2006 for taking your vehicle
on the shores of Assateague Island. We will try and keep this page
updated to any change in rules, however if you plan to take your vehicle
off-road on Assateague Island it is best to check with the National Park
Service, as some of these rules may change and we may not be aware of
it.
The top of the form states, "The
following regulations apply to Over-Sand Vehicle (OSV) use regulations.
are established to provide enjoyment of the park while protecting the
fragile resources of this barrier island. Upon signing the application
for the OSV permit, operators accept responsibility for knowing and
following all OSV regulations. Failure to comply with these terms may
result in revocation of OSV permit and/or Federal prosecution. Motor
vehicles are permitted only on established roads, parking areas, and
designated over-sand vehicle (OSV) areas. They are prohibited elsewhere
on Assateague Island."
Permits
- Permits are issued for a 12 month period beginning with the month of
purchase. Cost $70.00 (as of 2006). All vehicles using the OSV zone must
display a valid OSV Permit. Permits are issued for individual vehicles
in the name of the registered owner. If the vehicle is sold or
transferred to another owner the permit is voided. If the new owner can
produce the original permit, with the serial number and month sticker, a
replacement permit may be issued. Permits destroyed in vehicle accidents
may be replaced only if you bring an official accident report to the
rangers station. They will not replace your destroyed permit if you can
only produce the receipt of purchase. Permits must be permanently
affixed to the driver's side front bumper. Expired permits must be
removed or completely covered by the new permit. Permits are not
refundable.
Maryland Permits - can be
obtained at the Sinepuxent District Ranger Station. Or by mail, for more
info call 410-641-3030
Virginia Permits
- must be obtained at the Toms Cove Visitor Center, the OSV Closure
Booth is open only in the summer, and at the Herbert H. Bateman
Education Center.
Vehicle Requirements
|
Maximum number
of wheels per axle |
2 |
|
Maximum number
of axles |
2 |
|
Maximum
vehicle length |
26 feet |
|
Maximum
vehicle width |
8 feet |
|
Minimum
vehicle ground clearance |
7 inches |
|
Gross vehicle
weight rating may not exceed |
10,000 pounds |
Two-wheel-drive vehicles
must have a minimum of 8" width of the tire tread in contact with the
ground
Equipment Required - OSV
operators in designated zone must carry and be able to display upon
request:
A shovel with a blade at least 6" square and a handle at least 18" long.
A vehicle jack sufficient to lift one wheel clear of the sand.
A jack support at least 12" x 12" of non-bending steel, 5/8" plywood, or
1 ½" hardwood.
A tire gauge with a minimum reading of 15 pounds or less.
A tow rope or tow strap, chain, or cable with a minimum pulling strength
of 6,000 pounds and at least 10 feet long.
½" minimum diameter for nylon or Dacron ropes
¾" minimum diameter for all other ropes
¼" minimum diameter for carbon steel cable
5/16" minimum diameter for chain links
Licenses Required - All
off-road drivers must have a valid drivers license along with a license
plate and be properly insured and registered to drive on public
highways.
Inspection of Vehicle -
Your vehicle may be inspected at any time by a park authorized
personnel.
Speed Limit
- Vehicle speed in OSV zones may not exceed 25 miles per hour and must
be reduced to 15 miles per hour whenever coming within 100 feet of
vehicles, wildlife, pedestrians or people on horseback. You may not
drive on sand dunes, vegetated areas and cutting circles.
Needlessly defacing the beach is prohibited at all times
Approaching Vehicles - When
two vehicles approach one another on the same track, both operators must
slow and the operator with the ocean on his right shall yield the
right-of-way.
Passengers
- Passengers are not to ride on the outside of the vehicle, i.e. on
fenders, hood, roof, sides, tailgate. No vehicle shall be used to tow a
person or any recreational device or land, over water or in the air.
Seat belts must be worn.
OSV Zones - Drivers must
stay on the designated zones as shown on the map you can obtain at the
rangers station. You must stay off all vegetation and sand dunes at all
times even if they are within the allowed zones. All vehicles must stay
to the east of the black and white pots. Designated bay access points in
MD are marked with orange and white striped numbered posts.
OSV Zone Use Limits
- Purchase of an OSV permit does not guarantee access to OSV zones at
any particular time. Access may be closed or reduced at any time for one
reason or another.
Fires on the Beach - In
Maryland campfires are allowed below the high-tide line or on the beach.
Fires must be attended to at all times and must be extinguished with
water, not sand. Wood must be burned to ashes before the fire is put
out. Campfires are prohibited in Virginia's OSV zones.
Sanitation - Litter or
waste must be burned or discarded in the OSV zones. It must be disposed
of in designated disposal areas or removed from the island.
Pets
- Maryland, Pets are permitted, but must be restrained by a lead, which
is no more than 6 feet in length, or otherwise physically confined at
all times. Virginia, Pets are strictly prohibited in all parts of the
refuge.
Other Regulations - All
State and Federal laws are enforced. You are responsible for knowing and
following the laws.
Sand road leading into the beaches
of Assateague Island. The sand is deep so be sure you have all the
equipment required in case you get yourself stuck.
A lot of people enjoy fishing along the beaches of
Assateague
