South Carolina Golf Cart Laws
Not legal advice. This is a summary of state laws, not legal advice. Laws change — verify with your local DMV before driving. Last verified: March 2026.
- Minimum Age
- 16
- License Required
- Yes
- Max Speed
- 35 mph
- Allowed Roads
- Secondary highways with posted speed limit of 35 mph or less, Local streets permitted by municipal ordinance
- Permitted Hours
- Daylight hours only (unless extended by local ordinance)
South Carolina law permits golf cart operation on secondary highways and local streets under specific conditions. Drivers must be at least 16 years old with a valid driver's license. Golf carts may only be operated during daylight hours unless local ordinance extends that to sunset. Local municipalities can grant additional permissions, including operation on public streets, through separate ordinance — which is why cities like North Myrtle Beach, Isle of Palms, and Sullivan's Island each have their own golf cart rules layered on top of state law.
S.C. Code Ann. § 56-2-105 Golf Cart Operation on Secondary Highways
A golf cart may be operated on a secondary highway during daylight hours only if it is operated by a person who holds a valid motor vehicle operator's license, the posted speed limit on the secondary highway is thirty-five miles per hour or less, and the golf cart is operated in a safe and reasonable manner.
— S.C. Code Ann. § 56-2-105
Golf carts may be operated on secondary highways during daylight hours only, provided the posted speed limit does not exceed 35 mph. The driver must have a valid driver's license. Golf carts must be registered if operated on public roads. Local governments may issue permits allowing golf carts on public streets and roads under their jurisdiction.
S.C. Code Ann. § 56-2-110 Golf Cart Registration and Permit Requirements
Golf carts operated on public roads must be registered with the South Carolina DMV and display a permit. The registration fee is minimal compared to standard vehicle registration. A slow-moving vehicle emblem must be affixed to the rear of the cart. Liability insurance is required for golf carts operated on public roads.
S.C. Code Ann. § 56-2-100 Definition of Golf Cart
Under South Carolina law, a golf cart is defined as a motor vehicle designed and manufactured for operation on a golf course for sporting or recreational purposes, having not more than four wheels, and not capable of exceeding 20 mph on level ground. This definition distinguishes golf carts from Low Speed Vehicles (LSVs), which are street-legal under separate federal and state standards and may travel up to 25 mph.