New South Carolina Golf Cart Law: Under 12? Buckle Up!

Many South Carolina families own a golf cart. These small electric vehicles are a fun way to travel around local neighborhoods, parks, and golf courses. In some areas, golf carts are so popular that neighborhoods hold parades and other events to share the fun of golf cart driving and rides. 

The state recently passed amendments to the existing law, balancing South Carolinians’ love of golf cart outings with the need for safety. The law contains new parameters on permit decal requirements, children under 12 must now wear a seatbelt, and local municipalities can develop hours of operation for golf carts.

What’s In The Amended South Carolina Golf Cart Law?

The new law specifies that “to operate a vehicle commonly known as a golf cart on a public highway, the owner must obtain a permit decal and registration certificate from the Department of Motor Vehicles.” 

To receive these documents, an owner must provide three things to the DMV: 

1. Proof of ownership of the golf cart,
2. Proof that the owner has purchased liability insurance, and
3. A five-dollar registration fee. 

The permit decal must be renewed every five years. If the golf cart owner changes addresses, the decal must be renewed. 

New Safety Rule: Kids Under 12 Must Wear Seat Belts on South Carolina Golf Carts

When using a golf cart, whether for a leisurely family outing or personal transportation, parents and adults must remember the updated South Carolina law: passengers under age 12 must wear a seat belt when a golf cart is on a public road. This includes public streets and highways throughout the state. This new rule isn’t just a formality—it addresses real safety concerns. 

Golf carts, while convenient, can easily tip over if they collide with another object, vehicle, or pedestrian. Even without an accident, an unsecured child risks falling out of the cart while in motion. These scenarios highlight the potential for injury, making it necessary for adults to prioritize seat belt use for young passengers. 

Ensuring that children are properly buckled up keeps them safe, reinforcing the importance of vigilance and care while operating golf carts. If a child is injured from riding a golf cart, contact Steinberg Law Firm today to understand the next steps you should take. 

Local Municipalities Gain New Authority Over Golf Cart Use in South Carolina

Local governments can create additional rules and infrastructure for golf cart drivers. 

The new law allows “a municipality or county within its unincorporated portion” to:

• Set the “hours, methods, and locations” for driving golf carts on public roads.
• Allow golf carts to use public roads at night if the golf cart has working headlights and taillights.
• Choose to allow licensed drivers to drive registered golf carts within their limits, even if their owners don’t live there.
• Build golf cart paths along “primary highways, secondary highways, streets, and roads,” subject to specific design requirements. These include separating golf cart paths from motor vehicle traffic lanes. 

Municipalities may not allow golf carts on roads with a speed limit faster than 35 miles per hour. These rules vary from place to place. It’s important to check local regulations before taking your golf cart on public roads. Since rules may change, it’s wise to check frequently for updates.

Navigating the New Law: How to Equip A Golf Cart with Seatbelts

With the introduction of South Carolina’s new golf cart law, it’s important for golf cart owners to ensure their vehicles comply with the updated regulations. This legislation now requires that all golf carts be equipped with seatbelts for passengers under the age of 12. While the law doesn’t specify whether lap or shoulder belts are necessary, local golf cart shops, such as Joe’s Carts, offer solutions tailored to your needs, ensuring that golf cart owners get the best setup.

You can easily initiate this process by visiting their website and filling out a service request form. 

Most golf carts can easily be retrofitted with seat belts. Joe’s Carts just needs a few pictures of your golf cart so they can order the correct parts.

What To Do If You’re Involved In a South Carolina Golf Cart Accident

As with any roadway accident, keeping people safe at a golf cart accident scene is essential. Warn oncoming traffic, and move out of the traffic lane if possible. Do not move anyone who is seriously injured. Instead, call 911 for assistance. 

If possible, get license, insurance, and other contact information from the drivers involved in the crash. Get medical attention as soon as possible after the accident, even if you don’t feel injured. Some crash injuries take several hours or days to present themselves fully. A doctor can examine you and provide a proper treatment plan. 

Save your doctor’s notes, repair bills, and other paperwork from the crash. Your records can help you establish your need for compensation. Speak to an attorney for help seeking compensation or dealing with insurance companies. 

A golf cart accident can turn summer fun into tragedy. If you’re injured on a golf cart or during other activities this summer, speak to an experienced South Carolina injury lawyer today. The team at the Steinberg Law Firm is here to help.