(a) Notwithstanding §§ 10-32 and 10-34, disabled persons who have been issued a driver’s license and permanent registration plates may operate a motorized wheelchair or other similar vehicle, not exceeding 1,000 pounds, gross weight, as specified in G.S. § 20-27.1, with a permit from the Police Department to operate the vehicle on the beach. Operation is permitted only while the disabled individual is in the vehicle. Operation shall at all times be in a safe and prudent manner, giving way to pedestrians at all times, and giving warning before stopping, starting, turning or backing the vehicle. Such vehicles, with permit, may operate on the beach strand year-round.
(b) Factory lift vehicles of a four-wheel-drive nature are permitted if used for disabled individuals inside Onslow County Beach Access #3.
(c) Full-sized, factory four-wheel drive vehicles for disabled persons can only be operated within Onslow County Beach Access #3. Nonvehicle access to the public beach by disabled persons is available at Onslow County Beach Access #2 and #4. In addition, beach access by vehicle for disabled persons holding a beach driving permit from the town is allowed at the Jeffrey’s property on SR 1568, whereby full-sized, factory four-wheel drive vehicles may be driven onto the beach at the vehicle access and thence northerly as far as Onslow County Beach Access #4 and south as far as Ocean Sound Village/Hampton Colony property line. Movement of the vehicle shall be solely for the purpose of locating suitable sites for enjoyment of the public beach by disabled persons and the operation of the vehicle shall be governed by all provisions of this division. Onslow County Beach Access #3 shall be open year-round. The Jeffrey’s area shall be closed to vehicles between April 1 and September 31.
(d) There shall be no charge for vehicle permits for disabled persons.
(Ord. passed 10-3-1990; Ord. passed 9-18-1991; Ord. passed 10-1-1992; Ord. passed 1-10-2000; Ord. 2017-6, passed 7-5-2017)