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what are the laws on driving a golf cart on sc highways

by Candido Fahey Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago

South Carolina Code of Laws Unannotated

  • (1) A permitted golf cart may be operated within four miles of the address on the registration certificate and only on a secondary highway or street for which the posted ...
  • (2) A permitted golf cart may be operated within four miles of a point of ingress and egress to a gated community and only on a secondary highway or street ...
  • (3) Within four miles of the registration holder's address, and while traveling along a secondary highway or street for which the posted speed limit is thirty-five miles an hour or ...
  • (4) A permitted golf cart may be operated along a secondary highway or street for which the posted speed limit is thirty-five miles an hour or less on an island ...

The golf cart must remain within 4 miles of your home, where it is legal to drive. The golf cart may be operated on roads with posted speeds of 35 mph or less. The golf cart may be operated during daylight hours only. The driver must be at least 16 years old with a valid driver's license.

Full Answer

What is the legal age for driving a golf cart in SC?

Only licensed drivers 16 years of age or older. That means that it is illegal for young children or unlicensed drivers to drive a golf cart on a public road (which includes your neighborhood). It doesn't matter if you're seated next to your child; they still can't drive.

How do you register a golf cart in SC?

  • full legal name, social security number, or, if the primary user does not have a social security number but has a passport, his passport number
  • driver’s license number, whether the license was issued by this State or another jurisdiction
  • date of birth
  • bona fide principal residence address

More items...

What are the rules for driving a golf cart?

only allowing drivers who are at least 14 to 16 years of age to operate a golf cart on a public roadway. To operate on public streets, most states also require that golf carts be equipped with a horn, adequate brakes, headlights, taillights, reflectors, rear-view mirror, a slow-moving vehicle sign, and a bicycle safety flag.

What are the golf cart laws?

To register your LSV, you will need to bring the following:

  • Your driver’s license
  • A completed registration form available on the Pennsylvania Department of Motor Vehicle’s website.
  • The manufacturer’s certificate which includes the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
  • Certification from the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards
  • Proof of insurance

Can you drive a golf cart on the road in South Carolina?

In South Carolina, golf carts can be driven on secondary roads, but only if the speed limit is not greater than 35 miles per hour. You are permitted to cross highways and streets that intersect the secondary roads, but it is important to be especially cautious when doing so.

Is a golf cart considered a motor vehicle in SC?

A golf cart now has to be permitted by the State of South Carolina, with a permit decal and proper registration issued from the Department of Motor Vehicles. Registration will be granted upon the owner presenting proof of ownership and liability insurance for the golf cart and paying a $5 fee.

Can you drive a golf cart without a license in South Carolina?

You must be 16 years of age and have a VALID driver's license. You must have your license in your possession when operating a cart on the streets or highways. You can only drive a golf cart during DAYLIGHT hours.

Can you drink and drive a golf cart in SC?

Yes; it is illegal to drink alcohol on a golf cart. You can still be charged with DUI while operating a golf cart. And, if you are under the influence of drugs or alcohol while driving your golf cart and injure someone in a wreck, you can be arrested for felony DUI resulting in great bodily injury or death.

What is a street legal golf cart in South Carolina?

The golf cart may be operated on roads with posted speeds of 35 mph or less. The golf cart may be operated during daylight hours only. The driver must be at least 16 years old with a valid driver's license.

Can you drive golf carts on the road in Myrtle Beach?

Golf carts may be driven on secondary streets where the speed limit is 35 miles per hour or less, but not on primary streets (Kings Highway or US 501, for example). Golf carts may be driven only within four miles of the registered address, only during daylight hours and only by a licensed driver.

Does SC require golf cart insurance?

To legally drive a golf cart on a public road, the golf cart must be insured, permitted, and registered with the DMV. The cost for registration and a permit is five dollars. A golf cart permit must be renewed every five years or at the time the permit holder changes his address. S.C.

Do you need a license to drive a golf cart around?

Generally speaking, you don't need a driver's license to rent and drive a golf cart on a golf course.

Is it legal to drive a golf cart around town?

States where golf carts are legal on public roads You cannot drive golf carts legally on public roads in Delaware, Hawaii, Maryland, Missouri, or Rhode Island. New York takes it a step further by explaining that you could be arrested for operating a golf cart on public roads or sidewalks or in parking lots.

Can you drive a UTV on the road in South Carolina?

Registered UTVs are subject to road-use fees for vehicles powered by electric, hydrogen, and fuels other than motor fuel pursuant to Section 56-3-645. (C) A registered UTV may be operated on a road for which the posted speed limit is fifty-five miles an hour or less.

Can you have alcohol on a golf cart?

Intent in California Unfortunately the answer is “no”. DUI laws in California do not require that someone specifically intend to commit a criminal act. Instead, you need only to volitionally drive a motor vehicle while impaired.

Do golf carts have titles?

The bottom line is that standard golf carts do not have titles. But, if they are modified to become an LSV then you must obtain a certificate of title.

What happens if you violate golf cart laws in South Carolina?

As of November 19, 2018, violation of South Carolina’s golf cart laws is a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of up to $100 or 30 days in jail.

How much does it cost to register a golf cart?

Registration requires proof of ownership and liability insurance for the golf cart. The registration fee is $5. Permits are valid for 5 years or until the permit holder changes their address. Validation decals are issued for a period ...

How many injuries were caused by golf cart accidents in the 1990s?

Between 1990 and 2006, there were an estimated 147,696 injuries reported from golf cart accidents. 38.3% of the injuries were due to falling off the golf cart, making it the highest cause of injury. One-third of the victims were children.

How far can you travel from your house to your gated neighborhood?

A local ordinance (such as a county or city ordinance) can reduce the distances above down from four miles, but can’t reduce it less than two miles, so if you are traveling more than two miles from your house or entrance to the gated neighborhood, make sure there are no local laws prohibiting this.

Do golf carts protect you?

However, golf carts offer little protection to occupants. A study conducted at Ohio State University looked at the frequency of injury from golf carts at a nationwide level using emergency room medical treatment recorded through the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System database. The study found:

Can you drive a golf cart in South Carolina?

In South Carolina, you can only drive a golf cart during DAYLIGHT hours. During these hours, you can drive on secondary highways or streets with a speed limit of 35 mph or less. You can cross a highway or street at an intersection even if the highway or street being crossed has a speed limit of greater than 35 mph. However, you can’t go too far.

Can a 16 year old drive a golf cart?

Only licensed drivers 16 years of age or older. That means that it is illegal for young children or unlicensed drivers to drive a golf cart on a public road (which includes your neighborhood). It doesn’t matter if you’re seated next to your child; they still can’t drive.

How old do you have to be to drive a golf cart in South Carolina?

In South Carolina, there are certain laws regarding driving a golf cart. Age: To legally drive a golf cart, you need to be 16-years-old and have your driver’s license. Even if you have an adult sitting next to you, it is still illegal to drive unless you are a licensed driver. When And Where Can you Drive?

How far can you drive a golf cart?

During these hours, you can drive on secondary highways and streets. There is also a limit on the distance that you can drive your golf cart, which is four miles from the address listed on the golf cart’s registration.

Why are golf carts not DMV approved?

This is because low-speed vehicles have safety features that golf carts don’t including: Headlights. Brak e lights.

What is a low speed vehicle?

Low-Speed Vehicles (LSV) An LSV can reach a maximum speed of up to 25 miles per hour. They have headlights, brake lights, turn signals, and seatbelts. They also have better brake performance than a golf cart. Low-speed vehicles have these additional features so that they can be driven on public streets. Golf carts are not DMV, or DOT approved, ...

How fast can a golf cart go?

A golf cart can reach a maximum speed of 15 miles per hour. They can be modified to go faster; however, they aren’t built to do so. They often don’t have headlights, brake ...

What happens if an underage driver gets into an accident while driving your LSV?

If an underage driver gets into an accident while driving your LSV, you would be held criminally responsible for child endangerment. If the child causes any damage during the accident, you would be held financially responsible. Learn more at South Carolina Department of Transportation.

What is the difference between a golf cart and a low speed vehicle?

In reality, the two are very different. They are built differently; they have different features, and the laws between the two are different.

What is the speed limit for golf carts in South Carolina?

What are the golf cart laws in South Carolina? In South Carolina, golf carts can be driven on secondary roads, but only if the speed limit is not greater than 35 miles per hour.

How much does it cost to get a golf cart license?

In order to legally drive on public roads, golf cart drivers are required to get a permit by providing proof of title and paying a fee of five dollars.

Can a minor drive a golf cart in South Carolina?

If a police officer pulls over a child on a golf cart, their parents will receive a $217.50 fine. Although South Carolina does not require golf cart drivers to carry insurance, it is recommended that you get your cart insured in case of an accident.

What is the speed limit for a low speed vehicle?

(A) A low speed vehicle may be operated only on a highway for which the posted speed limit is thirty-five miles an hour or less. (B) A low speed vehicle may cross a highway at an intersection where the highway has a posted speed limit of more than thirty-five miles an hour.

What is the law for mopeds?

A person operating a moped on a public highway at all times must have in his possession a valid moped operator's license or valid driver's license and moped registration. HISTORY: 2017 Act No. 89 (H.3247), Section 10, eff November 19, 2018. SECTION 56-2-3010.

What is the 2005 Act No. 170?

SECTION 56-2-130. Dealer licensing. A person engaged in the wholesale or retail sale of low speed vehicles must comply with the motor vehicle dealer licensing laws of this State as specified in this title.

Can you use a golf cart at night on a barrier island?

If a municipality or county enacts an ordinance allowing golf carts to operate at night on a barrier island, the requirements of subsection (C), other than operation in daylight hours only, shall still apply to all permitted golf carts.

Can a moped be registered but not titled?

If an owner cannot provide a manufacturer's statement of origin or prior title, the moped may be registered, but not titled. HISTORY: 2017 Act No. 89 (H.3247), Section 10, eff November 19, 2018. SECTION 56-2-3060. Penalties.

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The Process Of Making Your Golf Cart Street Legal In South Carolina

Complete an application for registration and title. You’ll turn this in to your local DMV office, along with paying registration, title fees, and applicable taxes.

Frequently Asked Questions About How To Make Golf Carts Street Legal In South Carolina

The bottom line here is that if you want to take your golf cart on public roads in South Carolina, you must make your golf cart street legal.

Conclusion

We hope you’ve learned more about how to make your South Carolina golf cart street legal and have simplified the process with this guide.

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