SC Golf Cart Laws: Complete Guide to South Carolina Rules (2025)

Posted on September 5, 2023 in Personal Injury

Last Updated: Feb 3, 2026 – 🚨 Major Update – May 2025: South Carolina’s golf cart laws changed significantly when Governor McMaster signed House Bill H3292 on May 22, 2025. Key changes include new child passenger safety requirements and expanded local government authority. This guide reflects all current regulations.

South Carolina legislators recently updated the state’s golf cart laws to clarify where people can operate the vehicles and let local governments set their own standards, within state limits.

Golf cart owners and operators should familiarize themselves with the new golf cart laws in South Carolina to better understand their rights and responsibilities.

What’s New in South Carolina’s 2025 Golf Cart Law

The updated South Carolina golf cart regulations went into effect on May 22, 2025, after Gov. Henry McMaster signed House Bill H3292. The key points of the new golf cart law in SC include:

• Permit and insurance requirements – Golf cart owners must register their vehicle with the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles and display a permit decal. Drivers must carry proof of liability insurance, the registration certificate, and a valid driver’s license while operating the golf cart.
• Age and license rules – Anyone driving a golf cart must be at least 16 years old and hold a valid driver’s license to operate the vehicle on public roads.
• Where golf carts can operate – Golf carts may travel only on roads with speed limits of 35 mph or lower. Drivers may cross faster roads only at intersections.
• Time and distance limits – Unless a local law says otherwise, drivers can operate golf carts only during daylight hours and within 4 miles of the address listed on the registration. The operating radius extends to within 4 miles of the entrance to a gated community if the cart’s registration address is within the community grounds.
• Local control expanded – Cities and counties may set their own rules for hours, routes, and nighttime operation, as long as carts have working lights during nighttime driving.
• Child passenger safety – Every passenger under age 12 must wear a fastened safety belt when riding in a golf cart on public streets.

Who Can Drive a Golf Cart in South Carolina?

Under South Carolina’s golf cart law, as updated in 2025, a golf cart may only be operated on public roads by someone who is at least 16 years old and holds a valid driver’s license.

Where You Can Legally Drive Golf Carts in SC

The new state golf cart law says drivers can operate golf carts only on roads with speed limits of 35 mph or lower. Cities and counties can set stricter requirements, but they cannot allow golf carts on roads with speed limits above 35 mph.

Safety and Insurance Requirements for Golf Carts

South Carolina golf cart owners must register their vehicles with the DMV and purchase liability insurance that meets the same requirements as for cars. Anyone driving a golf cart must be at least 16 years old and have a valid driver’s license. Passengers under age 12 must wear a seatbelt.

Child Passenger Safety Requirements (NEW 2025)

As of May 22, 2025, South Carolina law requires every passenger under age 12 to wear a fastened safety belt when riding in a golf cart on public streets. This is a new requirement that did not exist under previous regulations.

What You Must Carry While Driving

A golf cart driver operating a cart on a public road must have the cart’s registration certificate, proof of liability insurance, and a valid driver’s license.

Your Legal Options After a Golf Cart Accident

If you were following the 2025 SC golf cart laws and a negligent driver hit you, you can likely seek compensation through an insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit. However, the other driver will likely try to blame you and say you were not following the law. Make sure you seek legal support from an experienced golf cart accident attorney.

Contact The Melonakos Law Firm If You’ve Been Injured in a Golf Cart Accident

The Greenville golf cart accident lawyers at The Melonakos Law Firm have over a decade of experience providing compassionate advocacy for accident victims. We have recovered millions for our clients. You will not pay us any fees unless we recover compensation for you.

Call now or complete our contact form for a free case review.

Michael Melonakos

Michael Melonakos is a Greenville-based personal injury attorney known for his experience representing both accident victims and major insurers. After years with top Atlanta defense firms, he now uses his insider knowledge to help Upstate clients maximize their injury claims. Michael is committed to compassionate service and is actively involved in the Greenville community.