Outer Banks, NC, September 12, 2025
News Summary
As summer ends, NCDOT raises the speed limit on Highway 12 from 35 mph to 45 mph for the Outer Banks, effective Monday, pending favorable weather. This change targets areas in Currituck and Dare counties along Cape Hatteras National Seashore, promoting cautious driving as fall approaches. The limit will revert to 35 mph in May next year, adapting traffic regulations to seasonal population changes. Additionally, Manteo Board of Commissioners approved legal service contracts to enhance local governance. Recent public safety efforts revealed active engagement by the Manteo Police Department with multiple speeding violations.
Outer Banks—As the summer season comes to a close, the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) is implementing updated speed limits on Highway 12 in the Outer Banks. Effective Monday, the speed limit will be increased from 35 mph to 45 mph, contingent upon favorable weather conditions. This adjustment affects areas in Currituck and Dare counties as well as the Cape Hatteras National Seashore.
NCDOT has issued a reminder for motorists to drive cautiously during the fall season, a time when many bicyclists, pedestrians, and other drivers remain active in the area. This increased vigilance will help ensure safety as the region transitions from the bustling summer months to the quieter fall.
The updated speed limits are temporary and will revert to 35 mph on May 15 of the following year, aligning with the onset of summer. This seasonal change is part of an ongoing effort by NCDOT to adjust traffic regulations based on population and traffic flow changes throughout the year.
In a related development, the Town of Manteo has also made moves to address legal services and local governance. The Manteo Board of Commissioners approved contracts for legal representation on July 6, 2022. The current Town Attorney, Ben Gallop, will continue in his role while simultaneously establishing his law firm, Gallop Law Firm PLCC. The board has also enlisted the services of Hornthal, Riley, Ellis & Maland, L.L.P. for advisory services on personnel, real estate, and other specialized matters. Both law firms charge an hourly rate of $200 for attorneys and $140 for paralegals or law clerks.
In regards to traffic regulations, the current speed limit in Manteo is set at 20 mph, except along U.S. 64, where a higher limit of 35 mph applies. Any decrease in speed limits requires agreement with NCDOT, and Manteo’s Police Chief has highlighted the necessity for these approvals. There have been discussions within the town about establishing a speed limit of 25 mph, with the proposal suggesting that no warning tickets be issued for speed limit violations.
The Town Manager has been directed to collaborate with NCDOT on formulating plans concerning traffic speed limits. Recent reports from department managers presented to the Manteo Board of Commissioners included financial updates and the ongoing efforts of public works. It was reported that Blue Cross-Blue Shield premiums will rise by 2% starting in July, which is lower than the initially projected 5% increase.
Public works has been active in the community, participating in events like KidsFest and enhancing local playgrounds. The Manteo Police Department reported five accidents and two arrests recently, emphasizing the focus on speeding violations with a total of 63 citations issued.
Additionally, the downtown market has seen a surge in popularity, resulting in a waiting list for vendor applications. Planning board activities are also in motion, with the formation of a Mainstreet Advisory Board aimed at fostering local development initiatives.
FAQ Section
What is the new speed limit on Highway 12 in the Outer Banks?
The speed limit will change from 35 mph to 45 mph starting Monday, weather permitting.
When will the speed limit revert to 35 mph?
The seasonal speed limits will revert to 35 mph on May 15th of the following year.
What legal contracts were approved by the Town of Manteo?
The Manteo Board of Commissioners approved two contracts for legal services, one for the current Town Attorney and another for advisory services with a law firm.
What are the current speed limits in Manteo?
The speed limit is currently 20 mph, except for U.S. 64, which has a speed limit of 35 mph.
What recent activities has the Manteo Police Department engaged in?
The Police Department reported five accidents, two arrests, and issued 63 citations focused on speeding violations.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Carova Beach Named 14th Best Secret Beach in America
Braden Burress Secures Scholarship at ECU Baseball
Local Man Injured in Traffic Accident in Currituck County
Hit-and-Run Incident Leaves Wild Horse Injured in Carova
Tragic Swimming Incident Claims Life in Frisco, North Carolina
Tragic Multi-Vehicle Crash Claims Life of Young Girl
Tragic Death of Wild Horse Alexander in Corolla
Tragic Drowning Incidents in North Carolina’s Outer Banks
Tragic Death of Wild Stallion in Nags Head
Tragic Loss of Wild Stallion Alexander in Nags Head
Additional Resources
- WITN: Highway 12 Off-Season Speed Limit Resumes Monday
- Wikipedia
- WAVY: NC Department of Transportation Reinstates Off-Season Speed Limits Along NC 12
- Google Search: Highway 12 speed limits
- WNCT: N.C. DOT Lowers Speed Limits on Highway 12 for Safety Improvements
- Google Scholar: Highway 12 Outer Banks
- The Coastland Times: Manteo Commissioners Hire Attorneys, Discuss Speed Limits
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Traffic Regulations
- WAVY: N.C. 12 to Lower Speed Limits During Peak Travel Season
- Google News: Safety Improvements North Carolina
Author: STAFF HERE OUTER BANKS WRITER
The OBX STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREOBX.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in the Outer Banks, Dare County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Outer Banks Seafood Festival, NC VIP Fishing Tournament, and NCBBA Red Drum Tournament. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Outer Banks Chamber of Commerce and Outer Banks Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in tourism, retail, and hospitality that power the local economy such as Kitty Hawk Kites, Outer Banks Mall, and Avon Fishing Pier. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAsheville.com, HERECharlotte.com, HEREGreensboro.com, and HERERaleigh.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.
