South Carolina Golf Cart Laws

Although golf cart laws vary in each state, knowing your legal rights can help you drive as safely as possible and avoid costly tickets. Slow speeds may provide the illusion of safety, but golf cart injuries are on the rise as they are increasingly driven on roads and in neighborhoods. Victims of collisions often suffer head trauma from falling out of the cart or becoming trapped beneath it. Safely operating a cart within the state laws are crucial for keeping your family safe. 

Age Restrictions: 

To drive a golf cart in South Carolina, you must be 16 years of age or older and possess a valid driver’s license. Small Children are not to be held on your lap while operating the Golf Cart. Although seat belts are not required in South Carolina, If you will be operating the golf cart with children, it may be a good idea to consider getting seat belts installed. 

Hours of Operation: 

Golf carts can only be driven legally during daylight hours. Keep in mind that even while driving in the daytime, you do not have the right of way on roads despite driving a slow-moving vehicle. You must stay on secondary highways with a posted speed limit of 35 miles per hour or less. In addition, you can only drive your golf cart within four miles of the address on your registration certificate. 

Registration: 

If you plan to drive your golf cart off of private property and on public roads, including those in your neighborhood, then you must register your vehicle with the DMV. Registration papers, your driver’s license, and proof of liability insurance need to be kept with you at all times while driving. Golf carts must have a permit decal and proper registration issued from the Department of Motor Vehicles. Registration requires proof of ownership and liability insurance for the golf cart. The registration fee is $5. Permits are valid for 5 years or until the permit holder changes their address. Validation decals are issued for a period of 12 months, except for carts which do not require the payment of property taxes. 

Insurance: 

Without liability insurance, you cannot register your golf cart or legally operate it outside of your private property. In case of an accident, insurance can help cover medical fees and damages to property. Insurance also may be required by your homeowner’s association. Insurance is a significant part of the monthly costs of having a golf cart, so you may want to reconsider buying a cart if the insurance is an expense you don’t want to pay. 

Helpful Quick Links:

SC Golf Cart Permit Registration