You need a permit which get from the State of Rhode Island. Not sure that you can drive on the beach itself, but rather the access road and parking off-road available from that road. All of the info you need is available on-line on the State website.
I have been getting a permit for my truck here in RI about 5 years. Prior, for 10+ years I would get the Race Point, MA stickers. #EastBeach - Memorial Day to Labor Day the main beach is closed to vehicles and only the Back Trail is open. Labor Day to Memorial Day you can drive on the main beach as a rule. Each town has right to close sections and manage their beaches as they see fit. HOWEVER...I just went 6.29.18 and discovered they are limiting the Back Trail to 30 trucks. Last year was 50, and I heard an Ugly Rumor that 2019 will be 0, the whole 3 miles will be a walking trail?!? Anybody else know anything about that?
I have a permit for my Jeep. You are able to drive on the beach but only on certain months. You’ll need to go to burlingame Park to get your truck inspected. During the summer months you are limited to using the road but there are many spots to park that are pretty much right on the beach.
I have only been once. Cars are not allowed on the beach
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