Court rules off-roading ban at Oceano Dunes unjustified

Off-road vehicle enthusiasts scored a win on Monday regarding Oceano Dunes, a popular driving area on California's Central Coast. The California Court of Appeal in Ventura decided that the California Coastal Commission had overstepped its authority by trying to ban motorized vehicles from the beach. The issue dates back to 1982, with the Commission arguing that off-roading harms marine life and the coastal environment. In July 2023, a superior court judge in San Luis Obispo County ruled that vehicles could continue to be used on the beach. The Friends Of Oceano Dunes, a nonprofit group, supports responsible recreation and highlighted an economic study. This study suggests that visitors from outside the county contribute more than $500 million each year to the local economy. The California Coastal Commission has been contacted for a response but has not yet replied.