Planning on driving golf cart on vacation? Know these laws in the Myrtle Beach area

Spring is here, and Grand Strand locals and tourists alike are out in their golf carts in the warm weather.

Before hitting the open road in an open vehicle, it’s important to know local laws to avoid dangerous situations and hefty fines. Here’s what golf cart drivers and passengers need to know in Myrtle Beach and surrounding areas.

South Carolina golf cart regulations

South Carolina law requires all golf carts to be insured, permitted and registered with the Department of Motor Vehicles. Renters shouldn’t have to worry about the registration process, but all drivers must carry the registration certificate, proof of liability insurance and a valid driver’s license while on public roads.

Drivers must be at least 16 years old in order to obtain a driver’s license, and kids under the age of 12 riding in the cart must wear seatbelts.

Where can golf carts drive in the Grand Strand?

In compliance with state law, golf carts are limited to within 4 miles of the registered address, or within four miles of an entrance if the address is in a gated community.

South Carolina law also requires golf carts to stick to secondary roads with speed limits at or below 35 mph. Carts are permitted to cross primary roadways with speed limits over 35 mph, but only at intersections.

Other than special exceptions for things like emergency and maintenance services, golf carts are also banned on beaches in North Myrtle Beach, Myrtle Beach and Surfside Beach. Drivers can take golf carts on unincorporated Horry County beaches, but only from Nov. 1 through Feb. 28.

When can golf carts be driven in the Grand Strand?

South Carolina generally limits golf carts on public roads to operation during daylight hours, which it defines as 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. normally and 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. in daylight savings time.

However, last year the state relaxed its golf cart law to give South Carolina municipalities and counties the flexibility to allow golf carts equipped with working headlights and taillights to be driven at night.

In North Myrtle Beach, drivers can publicly operate golf carts from sunrise and sunset.

Inland, golf cart operators in Conway can drive on certain primary highways from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m.

Surfside Beach has the most relaxed rules, allowing golf carts that use their lights 30 minutes before sunrise and 30 minutes after sunset 24 hours a day.

This story was originally published April 7, 2026 at 5:00 AM.