Speed Limit Change Coming to Oak Island Drive

Published on October 15, 2026

Speed Limit Change Notice Graphic

NOTICE: On Wednesday, October 14, 2026, the Oak Island Police Department was notified by the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) that final approval had been given for a Speed Limit Change Request along a small portion of E Oak Island Drive, from 38th Street to 19th Street.

WITH THIS CHANGE:

  • The Speed Limit in this area will be REDUCED to 35 mph
  • Low Speed Vehicles will be PROHIBITED from driving in this area**
  • No other areas of E Oak Island Drive will be affected

**NOTE: State law allows Low Speed Vehicles (LSVs) to travel in 35 mph zones; however, a Town Ordinance was passed to prohibit LSVs from this specific area.

Although an exact installation date was not provided, NCDOT is expected to install the new 35 mph signage within two weeks of this notice, at which time the new speed limit will become effective immediately. The Police Department has deployed roadside message boards and multiple other notification tools, to ensure the public is fully informed before this change takes effect.

BACKGROUND: This change was initiated at the Town Council meeting on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, as a measure to help ensure safer driving in the large curves of E Oak Island Drive, near the Oak Island Recreation Center. At the meeting, Council voted unanimously to request the speed limit change from NCDOT, following discussions with the Blue Ribbon Summit on Pedestrian Safety.

The full history of this notice is provided below and can be shared at OakIslandNC.gov/NEWS or by clicking the link below.

CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE

ORIGINAL NOTICE

APRIL 15, 2026: During the Regular Meeting on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, the Oak Island Town Council voted to submit a request to the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) for a speed limit change on a portion of E Oak Island Drive, which would LOWER the speed limit from 45 mph to 35 mph in the area from SE 19th St to SE 38th St.

Additionally, this request would also include a RESTRICTION on the use of Low Speed Vehicles (LSVs) in this area, keeping the portion of E Oak Island Drive where LSVs are allowed to all parts EAST of 38th St.

IMPORTANT: As of this notice, the speed limit has not been changed. If this request is approved by NCDOT, adequate public notice and traffic signage alerting to the new change will be provided well in advance.

Currently a definitive timeline on when NCDOT will be able to evaluate and decide on this request is not available, however, full details and NCDOT decision updates will be provided on this notice.

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