New South Carolina Law Enhances Golf Cart Safety Regulations

News Summary

A new law in South Carolina allows municipalities to regulate golf cart usage on public roads, mandating seatbelt use for children under 12. This legislation aims to improve safety for young passengers following previous incidents. Local governments can set rules on hours and areas for golf cart operation, supporting community-specific needs while enhancing safety measures.

Chapin, South Carolina – A new state law in South Carolina allows municipalities to establish regulations on the usage of golf carts on public roadways, including a mandate that children under 12 years old must wear seatbelts while riding. The legislation, which has taken effect immediately after being signed into law by Governor Henry McMaster, seeks to enhance safety measures for young passengers utilizing golf carts in residential areas.

The law is a response to prior concerns about child safety, especially in light of incidents where children have been injured while riding in golf carts. Senator Brad Hutto emphasized the need for protective measures in light of these tragedies, advocating for the seatbelt requirement as essential for safeguarding children. This emphasis on safety extends to new regulations that allow golf carts to be driven on public roads with speed limits of 35 mph or less, ensuring that operators adhere to safety standards.

Among the updates, the new law allows local governments to set their own rules regarding the hours and locations where golf carts may operate. Previously, golf cart usage was restricted to designated areas within certain barrier islands and just in daylight hours. The updated legislation empowers cities, such as the Timberlake golf community near Chapin, to establish guidelines that fit their specific needs while ensuring a level of safety in public spaces.

In addition to ensuring all children under the age of 12 wear seatbelts, the law mandates that anyone operating a golf cart must be at least 16 years old and possess a valid driver’s license. This provides an additional layer of accountability for drivers and hopefully reduces the potential for accidents.

The legislation also includes provisions for the initial proposal allowing golf carts to be driven at night if equipped with headlights and rear lights. Local governments now have the authority to determine the extent of golf cart operation distances, with a maximum of four miles maintained in areas without specific local policies. Before this change, the law limited golf cart usage to a two-mile radius from the registered address or community entrance unless locally overridden.

While the new law permits local authorities to enact stricter regulations aimed at enhancing community safety, it also provides a framework for a more uniform standard across municipalities. Senator Greg Hembree expressed the importance of these refinements while allowing for necessary adjustments in response to unique community circumstances.

The push for these new safety measures and regulations comes at a time when golf carts have become popular for transportation within neighborhoods and golf communities throughout South Carolina. Golf carts offer an alternative mode of transportation that fosters a sense of community and accessibility, yet the growth of their usage increases the need for comprehensive safety features and guidelines.

Overall, the new law has garnered minimal opposition during its progression through the legislative process, culminating in a broad acceptance demonstrated by both the House and Senate. Residents and local authorities are now poised to implement and adapt these regulations to best suit their needs while prioritizing public safety, particularly for the youngest members of the community. As cities begin to adapt to the new laws, the broader implications of such changes on community mobility and safety will become increasingly evident.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

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Updated Golf Cart Regulations in Columbia, SC

Additional Resources

Author: STAFF HERE Chapin

CHAPIN STAFF WRITER The CHAPIN STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREchapin.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Chapin, Lexington County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Chapin Christmas Parade, Fourth of July Celebration, and the Chapin Fall Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Chapin Chamber of Commerce and the Lexington School District One, plus leading businesses in retail and recreation that power the local economy such as Lake Murray Tourism and the Chapin Visitor Information. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREaiken.com, HEREbeaufort.com, HEREchapin.com, HEREcharleston.com, HEREclinton.com, HEREcolumbia.com, HEREgeorgetown.com, HEREgreenwood.com, HEREgreenville.com, HEREhiltonhead.com, HEREirmo.com, HEREmyrtlebeach.com, HEREnewberry.com, HERErockhill.com, HEREspartanburg.com, HEREaustin.com, HEREcollegestation.com, HEREdallas.com, HEREhouston.com, and HEREsanantonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.

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