Subject to the restrictions set forth in subsequent sections of this chapter, and except at the point of intersection of any access road and the beach, the use of motor vehicles on and along the ocean beaches shall be permitted only on that area between the extreme upper or landward limit of the hard sand area and the clam beds, defined as the "driveable beach" in WAC 352-37-020. The operation of any vehicle is prohibited above and on the landward side of the driveable beach. The provisions of this section shall not apply to official vehicles engaged in authorized law enforcement, maintenance, or sanitary patrol activities or emergency vehicles while engaged in the performance of any necessary service.

The Long Beach Peninsula, South Beach, and North Beach Recreation Management Plans, as referenced in RCW 79A.05.600 through 79A.05.695, as adopted by local governments located on the same beach and approved by the commission, identify those areas where the operation or parking of any vehicle is prohibited. Exceptions that allow for the use of any vehicles in these areas identified as exclusive pedestrian/nonmotorized use areas are found in WAC 352-37-070. Except as provided in WAC 352-37-330, any violation of this section is an infraction under chapter 7.84 RCW.