Myrtle Beach’s streets will be filled with more golf carts this year as demand rises

Myrtle Beach will open its streets to almost 700 golf cart rentals this season, a boost from the number allowed last year but still far below a city-mandated cap.

City Council on March 8 approved a dozen franchise agreements allowing 675 golf cart and 212 moped rentals from area businesses — up from the 606 golf cart decals issued in 2021.

Officials have limited the number of golf cart and moped rentals for the past several years to 871 as concerns grew over safety and irresponsible operators.

Police Chief Amy Prock told council members her department plans to launch an education campaign and compliance checks in the spring.

But as more and more growth pours into the coastal city, it’s possible officials could lower the number of golf cart and moped rentals.

“With our roads getting increasingly busier, is there a point where you would like to see the number reduced,” Mayor Brenda Bethune asked Prock.

“We probably will, but I don’t have a recommendation at this time,” she replied.

Operators of golf carts must abide by state law, which requires a driver be at least 16 years old with a valid driver’s license.

Thecarts can only be used on roads with speed limits of 35 mph or less and must be parked after sunset.

This story was originally published March 11, 2022 at 12:00 AM.