All oversize loads entering the Town of Southern Shores, located in Dare County, must conform to the requirements set by the North Carolina Department of Transportation.

In general, any vehicle over 12 feet in width, 14 feet in height, and within the super heavy weight class (over 250,000 lbs) should obtain an oversize load permit from the Dare County Transportation Department, in coordination with the Southern Shores Public Works Department.

The Town of Southern Shores has specific ordinances in place to ensure safe passage of oversize loads through its coastal roads and bridges, requiring detailed route planning to avoid sensitive environmental areas.

In Southern Shores, escort vehicles are required for loads exceeding 16 feet in width or 18 feet in height, particularly when traveling on NC-12 or other major thoroughfares.

Local police escort requirements are mandatory for super heavy loads (over 250,000 lbs) and may incur additional fees; scheduling must be done at least 72 hours in advance through the Dare County Sheriff's Department.

To apply for permits in Southern Shores, applicants must submit their requests through the North Carolina Department of Transportation's Oversize/Overweight Permit Unit website or by contacting the Dare County Transportation Department directly.

Documentation requirements include detailed load specifications, route plans, and proof of insurance; additional documentation may be required for loads that exceed specific dimensional thresholds.

Time-of-day restrictions apply in Southern Shores; oversize loads are generally not permitted between 7-9 am and 4-6 pm on weekdays to avoid peak traffic hours.

Seasonal restrictions are in place during the summer tourist season (June 1 - August 31) to protect infrastructure and ensure public safety; loads may be subject to nighttime travel only during this period.

Restricted routes include certain residential streets and environmentally sensitive areas, such as those near the Cape Hatteras National Seashore; detailed route plans must be submitted with permit applications.

The standard permit fee for oversize loads in Southern Shores is $150, with additional charges based on route complexity, load size, and weight.

Super heavy loads (over 250,000 lbs) incur an additional $200 fee, and police escorts are billed at $100 per hour, with a minimum of 2 hours.