News Summary
A new law in South Carolina allows municipalities to regulate golf cart use on public roads, enhancing child safety by mandating seatbelt use for children under 12. It also expands hours for golf cart operation and provides local governments with authority to set guidelines. Localities can customize distance limitations for golf cart usage, preventing a patchwork of regulations across communities. The legislation aims to address safety concerns while empowering local authorities to adapt rules to community standards.
Columbia, South Carolina – A new state law has been enacted in South Carolina that allows municipalities to regulate the use of golf carts on public roads. Effective immediately, this legislation is designed to enhance child safety and provide local governments with the authority to establish specific guidelines regarding golf cart operation.
The key component of the new law mandates that children under the age of 12 must wear seat belts while riding in golf carts. This requirement comes amid rising concerns over safety, particularly in light of unfortunate incidents involving children being injured or killed in golf cart accidents. Additionally, the law expands previous regulations that allowed nighttime operation of golf carts only on certain barrier islands, now permitting this use across all municipalities under specific conditions.
Municipalities now have the capability to determine the hours, methods, and locations for golf cart driving during daylight. As per the law, golf carts must be operated on roads with speed limits of 35 mph or less, and drivers must be at least 16 years old with a valid driver’s license. The law also offers flexibility by allowing local governments to adjust the distance limitations for golf cart usage. Previously, the regulations restricted golf cart use to a four-mile radius from the registered address or the entrance of a gated community, but municipalities can now completely tailor these distances, providing they establish a local ordinance.
If a local government does not enact an ordinance, the initial four-mile limit continues to apply. This change aims to prevent a “patchwork quilt” of disparate laws across different communities, a point emphasized by lawmakers supporting the measure.
The law, which transitioned with minimal opposition through both the House and Senate, indicates a significant policy shift regarding golf cart regulation in South Carolina. The new legislation is expected to lead to more cohesive and well-defined rules across localities, empowering local authorities to tailor their regulations based on community needs.
As an additional stipulation of the new law, golf carts can only operate between the hours of 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. during the month of February. Furthermore, it is prohibited for operators of golf carts to consume open alcohol or use cell phones while driving. Owners must also ensure their golf carts are registered with the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles and display a permit decal to be compliant with the law.
In popular tourist areas, such as Hilton Head, rental companies often require clients to be at least 18 years old to rent golf carts. Companies may also stipulate that renters provide proof of auto insurance and may require a security deposit. Golf carts rented in these areas remain within the four-mile radius rule and are prohibited from operating on public bike and pedestrian pathways or Hilton Head beaches.
Local authorities retain the option to implement stricter regulations or ban golf carts altogether within their jurisdictions if they deem it necessary. This autonomy highlights the flexibility that local governments have in ensuring that golf cart use aligns with community standards and public safety.
Overall, the new law represents an important step in refining the approach to golf cart regulations in South Carolina, addressing longstanding safety concerns while granting local governments the authority to adapt rules to fit their unique communities.
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Additional Resources
- South Carolina Daily Gazette
- Wikipedia: Golf Cart
- Island Packet
- Google Search: golf cart laws south carolina
- Berkeley Observer
- Encyclopedia Britannica: golf cart regulations
- WBTW News
- Google News: south carolina golf cart laws
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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.
