A new SC law is changing golf car rules around Myrtle Beach. Here’s how
Golf carts are a popular way to get around for Grand Strand locals, long-time visitors and new tourists alike. The carts are a cheaper alternative to cars and let riders enjoy open-air transportation around Myrtle Beach and surrounding areas.
But after Gov. Henry McMaster signed a new bill into law last month, there are some key changes to golf cart rules operators should know. Here’s how state law impacts golf carts, and how rules vary in local municipalities.
New changes to South Carolina seat belt rules
The biggest change in the new state law is that children under the age of 12 are required to wear seat belts in golf carts on public roads and highways, regardless of the municipality.
Despite reporting to the contrary, there’s no grace period before enforcement goes into effect anywhere in the state.
“There really isn’t an option for a grace period,” said Surfside Beach Mayor Robert Krouse. “The state didn’t provide for that. We were a little surprised, but that’s the way it came down.”
North Myrtle Beach Police Department spokesperson officer Patrick Wilkinson echoed Krouse’s sentiment. Although rumors of a 45-day grace period specifically in North Myrtle Beach are circulating, the city has no such grace period.
However, officials told The Sun News that officers ultimately have discretion on citations and try to educate drivers in enforcement efforts.
“Our department policy, we always try to practice educate, warn and then cite, but it’s all circumstantial,” Wilkinson said.
Other South Carolina golf cart law changes
In South Carolina, drivers must be over the age of 16 to operate a golf cart, which must be registered with the state’s Department of Motor Vehicles and display a permit decal.
Drivers must have:
A valid driver’s license
The cart’s registration certificate
Proof of liability insurance for the cart
South Carolina typically limits golf carts to:
Secondary highways and roads with speeds below 35 mph, though carts can cross streets with greater speed limits at intersections
Within 4 miles of the registered address
Use on public roads from sunrise and sunset, which means between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. normally, and 6 a.m. and 8 p.m. during daylight saving time
But the recent changes to South Carolina’s golf cart law give municipalities and counties more freedom and flexibility to enact their own ordinances that:
Stipulate the hours, methods and locations of golf cart operations on highways where the speed limit is 35 mph or less
Allow the operation of golf carts equipped with working headlights and taillights at night where the speed limit is 35 mph or less
Designate separate golf cart paths that meet additional criteria
Not require proof of ownership or long-term rental agreement in order to obtain a permit decal
Legal golf cart changes implemented in the Grand Strand
North Myrtle Beach
So far, North Myrtle Beach is the only area in the Grand Strand to enact an ordinance changing its golf cart rules in light of the recent legal changes. Rather than the default state operation hours, North Myrtle Beach now allows golf carts to be driven from sunrise to sunset.
Although other areas haven’t yet implemented changes, that could soon change.
Surfside Beach
Mayor Krouse ruled out designations of golf cart paths in Surfside Beach, but said that after wrapping up Fourth of July festivities, the town would consider the other potential changes regarding things like seat belts for all passengers, child safety seats, turn signals and brake lights.
“It’s going to be a huge event here,” Krouse said. “Our police and fire departments both are very, very busy getting everything ready for that, so I’ve asked the police chief to help us craft an ordinance, and he will do that, but we’re not going to be able to get into anything, really, until after the fourth of July because of resource constraints.”
Myrtle Beach
Similarly, spokespeople for Myrtle Beach and the Myrtle Beach Police Department said the city was reviewing its local golf cart ordinance in light of the recent changes at the state level.
This story was originally published June 27, 2025 at 6:00 AM.