Key Takeaways
Understanding South Carolina’s golf cart laws is essential for anyone operating these vehicles on public roads. Here are the most important points to remember:
- Golf cart operators must be at least 16 years old and hold a valid driver’s license
- All golf carts require a permit, registration, and liability insurance to operate on public highways
- Golf carts may only be driven on roads with posted speed limits of 35 mph or less
- Without local ordinances, golf carts can only be operated during daylight hours
- Operators can drive within four miles of their registered address
- Children under 12 years old must wear safety belts when riding in golf carts on public roads
- Municipalities and counties have authority to enact their own ordinances regarding golf cart use
- Violating golf cart laws can result in accidents, injuries, and potential legal liability
South Carolina’s new golf cart law (Section 56-2-90 of the SC Code), signed by the Governor on May 22, 2025, establishes clear statewide standards while giving local governments flexibility to regulate operations within their jurisdictions. The law, originally introduced as Bill H.3292, replaced previous regulations and created uniform requirements across the state. Whether you’re a resident of a coastal community, a gated neighborhood, or simply someone who enjoys the convenience of golf cart transportation, understanding these regulations will help keep you and others safe. For additional guidance, you can also consult the SC Department of Public Safety’s golf cart law resources.
Who Can Legally Operate a Golf Cart in South Carolina?
South Carolina law sets specific requirements for anyone wishing to operate a golf cart on public roads. The state recognizes that while golf carts are convenient and increasingly popular for short-distance travel, they still require responsible operation to ensure public safety.
To legally drive a golf cart on South Carolina’s public highways and streets, an operator must be at least 16 years of age and possess a valid driver’s license. This requirement ensures that golf cart operators have demonstrated basic knowledge of traffic laws and safe driving practices. The driver must carry their license at all times while operating the golf cart on public roads.
Additionally, the operator must have the golf cart’s registration certificate and proof of liability insurance readily available. Law enforcement officers can request to see these documents during traffic stops, and failure to produce them can result in citations or fines. The insurance requirement protects both the golf cart owner and other road users in the event of an accident.
It’s important to note that these requirements apply specifically to operating golf carts on public highways and streets. Golf carts used exclusively on private property, such as within private communities or on golf courses, may not be subject to the same restrictions, though property owners can establish their own rules.
Registration and Insurance Requirements
Before taking your golf cart onto any public road in South Carolina, you must complete several important administrative steps. The state requires proper documentation to ensure that golf carts operating on public highways meet basic safety and financial responsibility standards.
Golf cart owners must obtain a permit decal and registration certificate from the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles. The application process requires proof of ownership of the vehicle, which could include a bill of sale, manufacturer’s certificate of origin, or title. You’ll also need to provide proof of liability insurance that meets South Carolina’s minimum requirements for motor vehicles operated on public highways.
The permit fee is modest at just five dollars, making registration accessible for most golf cart owners. Once issued, the permit decal must be displayed on the golf cart, and the registration certificate must be carried by the operator whenever the cart is driven on public roads.
Permits must be renewed every five years or whenever the owner changes their address, whichever comes first. This renewal requirement helps ensure that DMV records remain current and that operators maintain continuous insurance coverage. Failure to maintain proper registration and insurance can result in fines and may complicate matters significantly if an accident occurs.
The liability insurance requirement is particularly important. In the event of an accident, this coverage protects other parties who may be injured or whose property may be damaged. It also provides crucial protection for the golf cart owner against potentially devastating financial liability.
Where Can You Drive a Golf Cart in South Carolina?
The locations where golf carts can legally operate on public roads are carefully defined under South Carolina law. These restrictions exist because golf carts are not designed for high-speed travel and lack many safety features found in traditional motor vehicles.
Under state law, golf carts may only be operated on highways where the posted speed limit is 35 miles per hour or less. This typically includes residential streets, secondary roads, and certain portions of primary highways in low-speed zones. Golf carts are prohibited from roads with higher speed limits due to the significant disparity between the cart’s maximum speed and the flow of traffic on faster roads.
Without a local ordinance modifying the rules, golf cart operators can travel only on secondary highways meeting the speed requirement. Additionally, operators must stay within four miles of the address listed on their registration certificate. For residents of gated communities, the four-mile radius extends from any point of ingress or egress to the community rather than from a specific street address.
Golf carts are permitted to cross highways at intersections even when the highway has a posted speed limit exceeding 35 mph, provided the crossing street has a speed limit of 35 mph or less. This allows operators to navigate through their communities without being completely cut off by major thoroughfares.
There is one notable exception: golf carts may be operated on any secondary highway or street with a speed limit of 35 mph or less on islands not accessible by automobile bridges. This exception recognizes the unique transportation needs of certain barrier island communities where golf carts serve as a primary mode of transportation.
When Can Golf Carts Be Driven?
Timing restrictions for golf cart operation balance accessibility with safety considerations. The state has established default operating hours while allowing local governments to modify these rules based on community needs.
In the absence of a local ordinance, permitted golf carts may only be operated during daylight hours. South Carolina law defines daylight hours as after 6:00 a.m. and no later than 6:00 p.m. However, during daylight saving time (from spring through fall), daylight hours extend from 6:00 a.m. until the time daylight saving time ends for the day. This limitation exists because standard golf carts often lack adequate lighting for nighttime operation, creating visibility and safety concerns.
Municipalities and counties have the authority to permit nighttime golf cart operation through local ordinances. When nighttime operation is allowed, golf carts must be equipped with working headlights and taillights. This equipment requirement ensures that golf carts are visible to other motorists and that operators can see the road ahead. Even with proper lighting, nighttime operation is still restricted to roads with speed limits of 35 mph or less.
Local governments can also establish other time restrictions through ordinances. Some communities may prohibit golf cart operation during certain hours to reduce noise in residential areas or to address specific safety concerns during peak traffic times.
Safety Requirements and Passenger Protections
Safety requirements for golf carts operating on public roads have become more stringent, particularly regarding child passengers. These regulations acknowledge that while golf carts may seem casual or recreational, they pose real risks when operated in traffic.
South Carolina law now requires that all golf cart passengers under the age of 12 must wear fastened safety belts when the vehicle is being operated on public streets and highways. This requirement addresses the particular vulnerability of young passengers, who could easily be ejected from a golf cart during sudden stops, turns, or collisions. Golf carts can tip over relatively easily compared to standard vehicles, and an unsecured child faces serious injury risk even at low speeds.
While current law does not mandate safety belts for passengers 12 years and older or for operators, this doesn’t diminish the importance of using available safety equipment. Many golf cart accidents result in serious injuries that could be prevented or minimized with proper restraints. Golf cart owners should ensure their vehicles are equipped with adequate seating and safety features for all occupants.
Operators should remember that golf carts lack the structural protections found in automobiles. There are typically no doors, limited rollover protection, and minimal crash absorption features. This makes defensive driving and cautious operation essential for everyone’s safety.
Local Ordinances and Municipal Regulations
One of the most important aspects of South Carolina’s golf cart law is the substantial authority granted to local governments. Municipalities and counties have the power to tailor golf cart regulations to meet their specific community needs, which means rules can vary significantly from one jurisdiction to another.
Local governments can enact ordinances that regulate the hours, methods, and locations of golf cart operations within their boundaries. However, they must still operate within the state framework that limits golf cart use to roads with speed limits of 35 mph or less. Within this constraint, cities and counties have considerable flexibility.
For example, a municipality might designate specific streets where golf carts are permitted while prohibiting them on others, even if both meet the speed limit requirement. A county could establish different operating hours for different areas within its unincorporated portions. Coastal communities might have more permissive rules reflecting the golf cart culture in beach towns, while other areas might impose stricter limitations.
Local governments are also empowered to create dedicated golf cart paths along the shoulders of primary highways, secondary highways, streets, and roads. These paths must meet specific safety requirements, including separation from vehicle traffic lanes through concrete curbs, parking spaces, or a minimum distance of four feet. This authority allows communities to develop golf cart-friendly infrastructure that enhances safety and convenience.
Political subdivisions can reduce the operating radius from the standard four miles to no less than two miles in certain areas. They cannot, however, require proof of property ownership or long-term rental agreements as a condition for obtaining a permit to operate within their limits. This ensures that visitors and short-term residents can legally use golf carts without facing discriminatory barriers.
Because local regulations can differ substantially, golf cart operators should research and understand the specific rules that apply in their municipality or county. What’s permitted in one community may be prohibited in a neighboring jurisdiction.
Crossing Intersections and Navigating Roads
Navigating intersections and managing interactions with other vehicles requires particular attention when operating a golf cart. Understanding the rules for these situations is essential for safe operation.
Golf carts traveling on streets with speed limits of 35 mph or less are permitted to cross highways at intersections, even when the highway being crossed has a posted speed limit exceeding 35 mph. This provision recognizes that golf cart operators may need to cross busier roads to reach their destinations within the permitted four-mile radius.
When crossing such intersections, operators must exercise extreme caution. The speed differential between the golf cart and vehicles on the higher-speed highway creates significant hazards. Operators should wait for clear gaps in traffic, make eye contact with approaching drivers when possible, and cross as quickly and directly as safety permits. Remember that golf carts accelerate slowly compared to automobiles, so what appears to be adequate time to cross may be insufficient.
Golf cart operators must follow all standard traffic laws while on public roads. This includes obeying traffic signals and stop signs, yielding right-of-way when required, and using appropriate turn signals if the golf cart is equipped with them. While golf carts may travel slower than other vehicles, their operators have the same legal responsibilities as any other driver on the road.
The law also addresses golf carts on islands not accessible by automobile bridges, allowing operation on any qualifying street regardless of the usual four-mile limitation. These island communities often rely heavily on golf carts for transportation, and the law recognizes their unique circumstances.
Exceptions for Public Safety Agencies
South Carolina law creates a specific exception for golf carts used by public safety agencies. Law enforcement, fire departments, emergency medical services, and other public safety organizations are not bound by the restrictions on hours of operation, distance traveled, or specific streets when using golf carts in connection with their official duties.
This exception recognizes that public safety agencies may need to use golf carts for various legitimate purposes that don’t fit within the standard framework. For example, police departments might use golf carts for park patrols, beach monitoring, or crowd control at public events. Fire departments might deploy golf carts for quick response in congested areas or at large outdoor gatherings. Emergency medical personnel might use golf carts to navigate through areas where larger vehicles cannot easily access.
The exception applies only when the golf cart is being used “in connection with the performance of its duties,” meaning the agency must be engaged in official public safety activities. Personal use of agency golf carts or use for non-emergency administrative purposes would not qualify for this exemption.
This provision balances public safety needs with the general regulatory framework, allowing first responders the flexibility they need to serve their communities effectively while maintaining appropriate restrictions for general public use.
Consequences of Violating Golf Cart Laws
Operating a golf cart in violation of South Carolina law can result in various consequences, ranging from traffic citations to serious legal liability in the event of an accident. Understanding these potential consequences underscores the importance of compliance with all applicable regulations.
Traffic violations involving golf carts are treated similarly to violations involving other motor vehicles. Operators can be cited for driving without proper registration, failing to maintain required insurance, operating without a valid license, or violating any of the operational restrictions such as hours of operation or permitted areas. These citations typically result in fines and may affect driving records.
More serious consequences can arise when violations lead to accidents. If a golf cart operator causes an accident while operating illegally—for example, driving on a prohibited road, operating without insurance, or allowing an unlicensed person to drive—they may face enhanced liability. Insurance companies might deny coverage for accidents occurring during illegal operation, leaving the owner personally responsible for all damages and injuries.
When accidents result in injuries, violations of golf cart laws can become evidence of negligence in personal injury claims. If someone is injured because an operator violated age requirements, failed to ensure children were properly restrained, or drove in prohibited areas, these violations can strengthen an injury claim and potentially increase the damages awarded. Understanding how fault is determined in vehicle accidents is crucial for anyone involved in a golf cart collision.
Parents and adults allowing minors to operate golf carts illegally face particular risks. If an underage, unlicensed driver causes an accident, the adult who permitted the illegal operation may be held liable for resulting injuries and property damage. This liability can extend beyond insurance policy limits, potentially affecting personal assets.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do I need a driver’s license to operate a golf cart in South Carolina?
Yes, South Carolina law requires all golf cart operators on public highways to be at least 16 years old and hold a valid driver’s license. The license must be in your possession while operating the golf cart on any public road or street. This requirement ensures that operators understand basic traffic laws and have demonstrated the ability to safely operate a vehicle. The license requirement applies regardless of whether you’re driving in your own neighborhood or elsewhere within the permitted operating area.
Q: Can I drive my golf cart at night in South Carolina?
Night operation depends on whether your local municipality or county has enacted an ordinance permitting it. Under state law without a local ordinance, golf carts may only be operated during daylight hours. However, if your local government has passed an ordinance allowing nighttime operation, you can drive after dark provided your golf cart is equipped with working headlights and taillights. Even with permission, nighttime operation is still restricted to roads with speed limits of 35 mph or less. Contact your city or county government to learn whether nighttime operation is permitted in your area.
Q: What insurance do I need for my golf cart?
South Carolina requires golf cart owners to maintain liability insurance coverage that conforms with state requirements for motor vehicles operated on public highways. This insurance must be proven when registering your golf cart with the DMV, and proof of coverage must be carried whenever you operate the cart on public roads. The liability insurance protects other parties in the event you cause an accident that results in injuries or property damage. Without proper insurance, you cannot legally operate your golf cart on public streets, and you could face personal financial liability if an accident occurs.
Q: Can my child ride in my golf cart on public roads?
Yes, children can ride as passengers in golf carts on public roads, but South Carolina law requires that all passengers under the age of 12 must wear fastened safety belts. This requirement applies whenever the golf cart is being operated on public streets and highways throughout the state. The law recognizes that children are particularly vulnerable to injury in golf cart accidents, which can include rollovers, collisions, or sudden stops. Golf cart owners should ensure their vehicles are equipped with appropriate safety belts for young passengers before taking them on public roads. Failure to comply with this requirement could result in citations and significant liability if a child is injured.
Q: How far can I drive my golf cart from my home?
Unless a local ordinance modifies the distance, you can operate your golf cart within four miles of the address on your registration certificate. This four-mile radius allows you to travel to nearby destinations while acknowledging that golf carts are designed for short-distance transportation. For residents of gated communities, the four-mile distance is measured from any point of ingress or egress to the community rather than from your specific home address. Some municipalities and counties have reduced this distance to no less than two miles in certain areas, so check your local ordinances for any specific limitations that might apply in your jurisdiction.
Q: What should I do if I’m injured in a golf cart accident?
If you’re injured in a golf cart accident, your first priority should be seeking appropriate medical attention, even if injuries seem minor initially. Some injuries may not manifest symptoms immediately. Once you’ve received medical care, document the accident scene if possible by taking photographs, gathering contact information from witnesses, and obtaining a police report if law enforcement responded. Avoid making statements about fault or accepting blame at the scene. Contact an experienced Charleston personal injury attorney as soon as possible to discuss your legal options. Golf cart accidents can involve complex liability issues, particularly when violations of golf cart laws are involved, and an attorney can help protect your rights and pursue fair compensation for your injuries. Just as with car accident cases, understanding liability and your legal rights is essential to recovering the compensation you deserve.
Q: When should I hire a lawyer for a golf cart accident?
You should consider consulting with a personal injury lawyer whenever a golf cart accident results in significant injuries, substantial medical expenses, or disputes about who was at fault. An attorney becomes particularly important when the accident involves complex factors such as multiple parties, questions about insurance coverage, violations of golf cart regulations, or injuries to children. Lawyers experienced in vehicle accident cases understand how South Carolina’s golf cart laws affect liability and can investigate whether violations contributed to the accident. Similar to rear-end collision cases, establishing liability in golf cart accidents often requires careful analysis of the circumstances and applicable laws. Early consultation with an attorney ensures that important evidence is preserved, that you don’t make statements that could harm your case, and that insurance companies treat your claim fairly. Most personal injury attorneys offer free initial consultations and work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t pay attorney fees unless you recover compensation.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Golf cart laws and local ordinances may change. For specific legal guidance regarding a golf cart accident or questions about your rights, contact the experienced personal injury attorneys at Roden Law in Charleston, South Carolina.