HATTERAS, N.C. (AP) -- A North Carolina congressman has filed a bill to overturn new rules on beach driving along the Cape Hatteras National Seashore.

Republican Rep. Walter Jones filed the bill Tuesday, saying the federal government should remember that Cape Hatteras was established as a recreational area for people who need access to the beach.

Under rules established last month by the National Park Service, off-road vehicles are allowed year-round on 28 miles of the seashore and on 13 additional miles between mid-September and mid-March. The remaining 26 miles are off limits to vehicles.

Permit fees are $50 a week or $120 a year for beach drivers.

Cape Hatteras group has sued to rescind the rules, which were adopted to protect sea turtles and birds.

Copyright 2013 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.