Conway is changing golf cart rules on city roads after SC law updates. Here’s how

Perfect for enjoying the summer weather and less expensive than cars, it’s no wonder golf carts are popular transportation around the Myrtle Beach area. But local golf cart owners and tourist renters visiting Conway should know the city has updated its golf cart laws on area roads.

In a Monday meeting, Conway City Council voted to approve a new ordinance amending its code to give golf cart drivers more freedom on public roads.

South Carolina golf cart law changes

The move comes after Gov. Henry McMaster signed a new bill into law in May requiring seatbelts for kids under 12 on public roads and giving municipalities and counties more flexibility to enact their own golf cart ordinances.

State law generally limits golf cart operation on public roads within a 4-mile radius of their registered address on secondary highways and roads during daylight hours — which it defines as 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. normally and 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. during daylight saving time.

Local golf cart ordinances

But with the new state law’s flexibility, Conway will now allow golf carts between 6 a.m. and 11 p.m. and on certain primary highways where the speed limit is 35 mph or slower, including portions of 3rd Avenue, 4th Avenue, 16th Avenue and Main Street.

Regardless of speed limit, golf carts are still banned on Cultra Road, El Bethel Road and Mill Pond Road.

So far, Conway is the second area city to adjust its golf cart rules in light of the new law. North Myrtle Beach enacted an ordinance to allow golf carts on roads from sunrise to sunset, rather than the default daylight hours.

Although Myrtle Beach and Surfside Beach haven’t updated their rules, both municipalities told The Sun News in June they were considering potential changes to their golf cart ordinances.