Beach driving is legal in Emerald Isle during the off-season, which runs from September 15 through April 30, with a couple of exceptions around the Easter holiday. From the Town of Emerald Isle website:

Beach driving is allowed during the period from September 15 through April 30. Beach driving is not allowed, however, between the Thursday before Easter weekend and the Monday that occurs 8 days after Easter Sunday.

Permitted daily times for vehicular travel upon the beach are as follows:

a) From 5 am until 9 pm daily from and including September 15 until and including October 31.
From 5 am until 7 pm daily from and including November 1 until and including March 31.
c) From 5 am until 9 pm daily from and including April 1 until and including April 30.

Permits and window decals may be obtained from Town Hall during normal business hours (8 am - 5 pm Monday through Friday) Call 252.354.3424 if you have any questions.

Annual beach driving permit fees are $40 for all Emerald Isle residents and taxpayers under 65 years of age, and $80 for all NON-Emerald Isle residents and taxpayers under 65 years of age. Any citizens age 65 years of age or older, and handicapped persons of any age are eligible for a free permit and will be issued a unique decal.