Golf Cart Traffic Laws in South Carolina: Distance Limits and Nighttime Driving Rules

Golf carts are incredibly popular modes of transportation in coastal towns like Myrtle Beach, Hilton Head, and Charleston, as well as in sprawling suburban communities. However, they are not treated as toys under state law. Governed strictly by S.C. Code Ann. § 56-2-90, operating a golf cart on public roads comes with rigid restrictions designed to prevent severe accidents involving larger motor vehicles. Ignoring these rules can result in heavy fines, vehicle impoundment, and severe liability in the event of a crash.

If you or your child has been ticketed for a golf cart violation, or if you are dealing with a personal injury claim involving a cart, legal representation is essential. We strongly suggest browsing our directory to find a skilled local traffic and injury lawyer in South Carolina who understands the nuances of Low Speed Vehicle (LSV) laws.

South Carolina Golf Cart Distance Limits and Rules

Before hitting the pavement, owners must jump through several administrative hoops. A golf cart driven on public roads is treated much like a standard vehicle, requiring proper paperwork and strict adherence to geographical limits.

Step 1: The 4-Mile Limit and Road Types

Under South Carolina law, an appropriately permitted golf cart may only be operated within four miles of the address listed on its registration certificate. Furthermore, you cannot drive on primary highways. Carts are only allowed on secondary highways or public streets where the posted speed limit is 35 miles per hour or less. However, you are permitted to legally cross a highway with a higher speed limit at an intersection, provided you continue on a secondary road on the other side.

Step 2: Nighttime Driving Penalties

One of the most frequently violated rules is the daylight restriction. Under the general state baseline, golf carts may only be operated during daylight hours. However, under S.C. Code Ann. § 56-2-90(C)(2), South Carolina permits municipalities and counties to enact local ordinances allowing nighttime golf cart operation, provided the cart is equipped with working headlights and taillights and driven on roads with a speed limit of 35 mph or less. Outside of areas with such local ordinances, driving after dark remains illegal. Nighttime driving violations are strictly enforced by local police, such as the Myrtle Beach Police Department, Myrtle Beach, and can result in significant fines.

Step 3: Rules for Underage Drivers

It is a common misconception that kids can drive golf carts around the neighborhood. South Carolina law mandates that any person driving a golf cart on a public street must be at least 16 years old and hold a valid driver's license. Permitting an unlicensed minor to drive a cart exposes the parents to criminal traffic citations, such as contributing to the delinquency of a minor, and massive civil liability if the child causes an accident.

Step 4: HOA Private Roads vs. Public Highways

If you live in a gated community in Mount Pleasant or Bluffton where the roads are privately owned and maintained by the Homeowners Association (HOA), the state's 4-mile and speed limit rules might not apply in the exact same way. However, most HOAs voluntarily adopt state traffic laws in their covenants. If the roads in your neighborhood are public and maintained by the county or state, all standard golf cart laws, including the license requirement and daylight-only rules, apply unconditionally.

Insurance Requirements for Golf Carts

Before you can legally drive off your property, you must obtain a state permit. To get the permit, you must fill out Form GC-2, South Carolina, SCDMV, Golf Cart Permit Registration and submit it to the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles, Charleston (or your local branch). Crucially, you must show proof of liability insurance specifically covering the golf cart. Standard homeowner's insurance does not cover accidents that occur on public roads; you need a separate golf cart or auto liability policy. Under S.C. Code Ann. § 56-2-90(B)(2), drivers must maintain and carry proof of liability insurance that complies with the state's financial responsibility standards under S.C. Code Ann. § 38-77-140. Operating without coverage carries the same legal penalties as driving an uninsured motor vehicle.

How Much Does it Cost in South Carolina?

Operating a golf cart comes with several ongoing and potential costs:

• Registration Fees: The SCDMV charges a $5 fee for a golf cart permit, and you will receive a decal that must be placed on the cart. This permit must be renewed every five years or whenever you change your address.
• Traffic Fines: Getting caught driving at night, driving without a license, or driving outside the 4-mile radius generally results in a misdemeanor traffic ticket carrying a fine of $200 to $230.
• Lawyer Fees: If you are involved in a golf cart accident or need to fight an underage driving citation, hiring a local defense attorney will usually cost between $500 and $1,500.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)