After 2 months, how many have violated new golf cart rules in Myrtle Beach?
It’s rare to go outside on Grand Strand and not see people whizzing by in a golf cart, a popular mode of transportation for Myrtle Beach locals and tourists.
But after two months of new regulations in place for users, no citations have been issued because of them. However, some have received citations from the older rules, which remain in place.
On May 22, Gov. Henry McMaster signed into law updated regulations on golf cart operation and safety. While some are in effect for all localities, some allow the option for local governments to make their own changes.
As many as 10 citations have been given in the past two months, but had nothing to do with the new regulations.
Four citations were issued for violations of operational requirements, such as operating a golf cart on a road with a speed limit of more than 35 mph. Operational requirements also include having a driver that is 16 or older with a valid driver’s license on hand, and having proper registration and liability paperwork on hand.
Four more citations were issued for golf carts being operated outside of daylight hours. Another was given for a golf cart being taken more than four miles away from its registered address. Another was for a driver operating a gold cart without carrying their license.
City still deciding on changes
There are two key changes under the new South Carolina law. The first states that children under 12 years old must wear a seat belt when riding a golf cart on public roads. The other is municipalities now have increased authority over their golf cart regulations.
The law allows municipalities to determine the methods and locations of golf cart operation, as well as hours of operation, according to an email from Myrtle Beach Police Lt. Allen Amick.
Myrtle Beach is still reviewing its local golf cart ordinance in light of these changes, Amick wrote.
Golf carts must also be insured, permitted and registered with the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicle, and proof of registration and insurance must be on hand when operating a golf cart on public highways. Golf cart drivers must also be 16 or older, with a valid driver’s license on hand while driving on a public highway.
When driving around town, golf carts must remain within four miles of their registration address, or the entrance to the gated community where that address is situated. Golf carts may still only be operated during daylight hours, Amick wrote.
In North Myrtle Beach, golf carts may now be operated from sunrise to sunset, The Sun News previously reported. Surfside Beach, like Myrtle Beach, continues to consider potential changes.
This story was originally published July 20, 2025 at 1:07 PM.
