South Carolina updated itsgolf cart laws in 2025 to improve neighborhood safety and clarify where (and when) golf carts can be driven. Below we break down the new rules in plain English—who can drive, where you can go, equipment you need, and common mistakes that lead to tickets or injuries. If you have questions or were cited in a golf-cart-related incident, Strom Law Firm can help.
Serving: Columbia, Lexington, Richland County, Charleston, Greenville, Spartanburg, Myrtle Beach, and communities across South Carolina.
Quick takeaways
Permit & decal required (with registration + liability insurance)
Drivers must be 16+ with a valid license
Roads posted 35 mph or less only (you may cross higher-speed roads only at intersections)
Default: daylight only; night use allowed only if your local ordinance permits it and your cart has working headlights/taillights
Within 4 miles of the address on your registration (or the gate of your gated community) unless local rules are stricter
Seatbelts required for passengers under 12
Local governments may add stricter rules (hours, areas, paths)
Who can drive a golf cart in South Carolina?
Minimum age: 16
License: A valid driver’s license is required
Carry while driving: driver’s license, registration certificate, proof of liability insurance
Where you can drive
Public roads with posted limits of 35 mph or less
Within 4 miles of the address on your registration (or within 4 miles of the ingress/egress of a gated community)
Crossing higher-speed roads: permitted only at intersections
Parks & paths: follow posted signs and local rules. Some cities/counties designate separate golf cart paths or buffers—respect marked routes.
When you can drive (daylight vs. night)
Default: daylight hours only
Night operation: allowed only if your city/county passes an ordinance allowing it and your cart has working headlights and taillights. Even then, you’re still limited to roads ≤35 mph.
Required permit, decal, and insurance
To operate on public streets, you must obtain a permit decal and registration certificate from SCDMV.
What you’ll need:
Proof of ownership
Liability insurance
$5 fee (permit decal/registration)
Renewal / address changes: Replace the decal every 5 years or when you change addresses, whichever comes first.
Safety requirements & tips
Seat belts for kids: Any passenger under 12 must wear a fastened safety belt on public streets.
Lights: If your local ordinance allows night driving, you need functioning headlights and taillights.
Visibility: Add reflectors/flag, don’t overload seats, and keep hands/feet inside.
Impairment: DUI laws apply to golf carts—never drive impaired.
Weather: Avoid heavy rain or low-visibility conditions.
Local ordinances matter
South Carolina’s law sets a baseline. Counties and municipalities can pass stricter rules (shorter distances, no night use, restricted zones, etc.). Before you ride, check your local government’s website or call non-emergency law enforcement for the latest.
Need help? If you received a citation or were involved in a golf cart accident, contact Strom Law Firm for a free consultation. We help clients understand their rights, resolve tickets, and pursue or defend claims.
Common citations we see
Driving on >35 mph roads or along highways instead of crossing at an intersection
Operating beyond the 4-mile radius
No permit/registration/insurance in possession
Night driving without a local ordinance or proper lighting
Child under 12 riding without a fastened seat belt
What to do after a golf cart accident
Call 911 for emergencies and obtain a police report number
Get medical attention—even for minor symptoms
Photograph the scene, vehicle positions, and visible injuries
Exchange information and collect witness details
Preserve maintenance/insurance records for your cart
Call Strom Law Firm—we can guide investigations, insurance claims, and legal strategy
Potential claims: medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, property damage, and more (case-specific).
FAQs (South Carolina Golf Cart Laws)
Can I drive my golf cart at night?
Only if your city/county allows it by ordinance and your cart has working headlights and taillights—and only on roads ≤35 mph.
Do I need insurance?
Yes. Liability insurance is required to obtain/hold your permit and to operate on public streets.
How far from home can I drive?
Up to 4 miles from the address on your registration (or 4 miles from your gated community’s gate), unless a local ordinance is more restrictive.
Can I cross a 45 mph road?
You may cross roads with limits above 35 mphonly at intersections. You cannot drive along those roads.
Do kids need to wear seatbelts?
Yes. Passengers under 12 must wear a fastened safety belt on public streets.
What if I move?
Update your registration and replace your decal (also required every 5 years).
Can I get a decal without owning property locally?
Yes. Local governments cannot require proof of property ownership or a long-term rental to issue a decal.