Where you can — and can’t — drive a golf cart in the Myrtle Beach area. A guide to local laws
Golf carts are a convenient way to get around Myrtle Beach, especially in the summer when the beach is buzzing with visitors.
While golf carts are allowed on certain roads in South Carolina, and are common near the beach, driving them on regular roads comes with its own set of laws and guidelines to follow. To help you keep track, The Sun News has compiled a list of laws and suggestions from local leaders.
How do golf cart laws work in South Carolina?
Golf carts can only be driven during daylight hours. If you’re driving your cart in the evening, be sure by sundown to leave enough time to get back home or have somewhere you can leave the cart.
The golf cart needs to be registered and permitted through the SC Department of Motor Vehicles.
You may drive a golf car on secondary highways and streets where the speed limit is 35 mph or less. Avoid primary roads such as Kings Highway or U.S. 501.
Don’t drive on roads where the speed limit is greater than 35 mph
Golf carts are allowed to drive up to 4 miles from the address of the cart’s registration holder, or within 4 miles of the entrance of the gated community where the cart is registered. This does not include Pawleys Island, where you are only allowed to drive up to 2 miles from the address of the cart’s registration.
Anyone driving the cart must be at least 16 years old and have a valid driver’s license.
When driving a golf cart, keep your driver’s license, proof of liability insurance and the golf cart’s registration on board.
The City of Myrtle Beach advises not to drive on sidewalks, multipurpose lands or in bike lanes.
You are not allowed to drive a golf cart with more people than seats.
To read more about golf cart laws in South Carolina, go to the South Carolina Legislature’s website. For rules specific to Myrtle Beach, go to the City of Myrtle Beach’s website.
Can you drive a golf car on Ocean Boulevard?
South Carolina state law indicates that golf carts can be driven on secondary streets where the speed limit doesn’t exceed 35 mph but Ocean Boulevard in North Myrtle Beach has some exceptions:
In North Myrtle Beach, golf carts are prohibited on Ocean Boulevard from 27th Avenue South to Sea Mountain Highway, because that section is owned by the state. However, they may cross these roads.
Golf carts can be driven on Ocean Boulevard in North Myrtle Beach between 48th Avenue South and 33rd Avenue South, and from Sea Mountain Highway to 63rd Avenue North in Cherry Grove.
When and where are golf carts prohibited?
When large events take place that could disrupt traffic, local governments consider whether to allow golf carts during that time. It’s considered on a case-by-case basis,, according to a spokesperson with the City of Myrtle Beach.
Golf carts also aren’t allowed on roads with a speed limit greater than 35 mph or on sidewalks, walking trails and other kinds of paths in the area.
Horry County prohibits golf carts from being parked in the beach access or on the beach. However, from Nov. 1 through Feb. 28, golf carts are permitted on the unincorporated beaches of the county, except for Surfside Beach.
How to avoid accidents when driving a golf car?
Keep an eye on any children who are riding the golf carts, especially if their feet can’t touch the floor. Kids are more likely to fall and be injured if they aren’t strong enough to use the handles and railings that help adults.
Pets are allowed on golf carts, but make sure they are secure and calm, because the carts aren’t enclosed in the way cars and other vehicles are.
Remember that golf carts don’t have lights, horns, blinkers and other safety features that cars do. Of course, follow all traffic laws.
This story was originally published November 29, 2022 at 9:30 AM with the headline "Where you can — and can’t — drive a golf cart in the Myrtle Beach area. A guide to local laws."
