The Southern Shores Town Council has approved revised speed limits along sections of N.C. 12 following additional review and consideration of community feedback received after the December Town Council meeting.
In December, the Council approved increasing the speed limit to 40 mph along the full stretch of N.C. 12 within Southern Shores. Following feedback from residents, businesses, and local stakeholders regarding traffic flow, safety, and low-speed vehicle access, the Council revisited the issue to further evaluate community concerns and determine the best overall balance for the Town.
Effective Friday May 15, 2026, speed limits along N.C. 12 within Southern Shores will be:
- 35 mph from the southern town limit near Town Hall to Porpoise Run
- 40 mph from Porpoise Run to Sea Oats Trail/13th Avenue
- 35 mph from Sea Oats Trail/13th Avenue to the northern town limit
The Council's goal is to improve safety for everyone traveling along N.C. 12 while helping reduce conflicts between low-speed vehicles and faster-moving traffic. The revised speed limits also continue to allow properly licensed low-speed vehicles access to interior roads throughout town.
Thank you to everyone who shared feedback and participated in the conversation. Town officials said the revised approach reflects Southern Shores’ commitment to listening to the community and making decisions that best serve the Town as a whole.
At the request of the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT), the Town also agreed the 40 mph section could return to 35 mph in the future if roadway conditions change, crashes increase, or new information related to low-speed vehicle regulations becomes available.