The regulations, which were published in the Government Gazette on 21 December 2001, came into effect 30 days after publication and therefore on 20 January 2002. This means that it is now illegal to drive a vehicle for recreational purposes in the coastal zone without a permit or exemption.

The regulations were subsequently amended, and the amended regulations were promulgated on 7 December 2004 coming into effect immediately. The general prohibition on vehicular access to the coastal zone still applies.