Where can you legally drive a golf cart in Hilton Head? Here’s your guide on SC laws, regulations
With spring in the air, vacation season right around the corner and more sunshine, golf carts will no doubt become an increasingly common sight on Lowcountry roads.
Many locals already navigate the area on golf carts, but the chance to explore Hilton Head on an open-air joyride (usually at a cheaper rate than a rental car) is an opportunity most visitors don’t pass up.
Traveling by golf cart is incredibly popular among locals, regular visitors, and first-time summer tourists. But if you’re planning to navigate the Lowcountry area in a golf cart, here are the regulations, laws and local tips you should know before renting a ride and hitting the road.
Renting a golf cart
The South Carolina Lowcountry offers a handful of locations that provide golf cart rental options. You can either make a rental online, by phone or by visiting the location.
Click here to view a map of some rental locations in Bluffton and Hilton Head.
If you’re hoping to rent a cart during the peak travel season (usually during the summer), it’s recommended that you reserve online to avoid longer waits on the phone or in-store.
When renting a golf cart, make sure to select a location that’s in the area you plan to stay in during your trip. This will make the pick-up and return process a bit easier and help you figure out how to navigate the location you are staying in.
South Carolina law limits golf carts to a four-mile area around the address where they’re registered, so consider where you want to drive when picking a rental company.
If you’re hoping to take a golf cart back to your hotel or rental accommodation (particularly if you are staying in a POA/HOA location), you should check for restrictions from your rental location and hotel. Some properties may have special parking rules and regulations for golf cart use.
Who can rent
Under South Carolina state law, you must be at least 16 years old and have a valid driver’s license to operate a golf cart on public roads. However, rental companies on Hilton Head typically require customers to be at least 18 years old to rent a golf cart.
However, if you’re between the ages of 18 and 21, it’s a good idea to check the company’s policy before putting down money for a rental.
Here are some general rules from Rent Wheelz of Hilton Head to keep in mind when renting a golf cart in the Lowcountry:
Golf carts must be picked up from the facility and cannot be delivered.
Customers who are 18 years or older with a valid driver’s license may rent a golf cart.
A security deposit may be required by your rental location; prices vary.
Customers may be asked to provide a copy of their auto insurance policy upon rental.
Renters are responsible for checking with their accommodations before rental to ensure that golf carts are allowed overnight or otherwise.
Driving a golf cart
The South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles states that all golf carts on South Carolina roads must be registered with the SCDMV and display a permit decal.
For those renting a cart, you shouldn’t have to worry about the registration process.
However, if you own or are looking to purchase a golf cart, here is a link to the SCDMV registration page.
For owners and renters, make sure before hitting the road in a golf cart that you have the following with you:
A valid driver’s license
The cart’s registration certificate
Proof of liability insurance for the cart
When driving a golf cart, here are some rules from the SC Department of Public Safety and Hilton Head rental companies to ensure you have a safe ride:
A golf cart may be operated on roads with posted speeds of 35 mph or less.
Golf carts may cross roads with a higher speed limit at intersections only.
Golf carts must remain within four miles of the rental facility or address on the DMV permit.
Golf carts may be operated during daylight hours only.
Drivers must keep the lights on while operating golf carts.
Drivers must obey all traffic laws while operating a golf cart.
Drivers must have a valid driver’s license.
When you can drive
Once you’ve rented your golf cart and are ready to explore, it’s important to understand which areas and hours are off-limits.
In South Carolina, golf carts are only allowed on roads during daylight hours between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. normally, and 6 a.m. and 8 p.m. during daylight saving time.
Where you can drive
In the Lowcountry, golf cart use is limited within 4 miles of the registered address, per South Carolina law. If you’re renting, this means your cart must be used within four miles of your rental location.
This restriction area rule exists to protect the safety of drivers and passengers.
For renters on Hilton Head, here is a map of some of the most popular paths in the Coligny Beach area for golf cart users, but depending on where you rent, this map may differ.
All roads in green are permitted for golf cart travel:
For a map of permitted golf cart travel on the north end of Hilton Head Island, click here.
South Carolina law also limits golf carts to secondary highways and roads with speed limits at or below 35 mph, meaning that golf carts are strictly prohibited on 278 through Hilton Head.
However, golf carts can cross roadways with speed limits over 35 mph, but only at intersections and must obey all traffic laws.
Other than special exceptions for things like emergency and maintenance services, golf carts are not allowed on Hilton Head beaches or public bike and pedestrian pathways.
For a map of the public bike and pedestrian pathways, click here.
Parking a golf cart on Hilton Head
Make sure that whenever you are parking a golf cart, you follow all posted signage or leave it in the appropriate parking area.
Always make sure to check with your accommodation site about their policy for golf cart use and parking.
For golf cart owners on Hilton Head Island, a valid SCDMV golf cart registration must be provided to obtain a beach parking pass for a golf cart.
Safety tips for golf cart drivers and passengers
Golf carts are considered motor vehicles, meaning that safety is a top priority.
To avoid hefty fines or a nasty trip to the emergency room, make sure to keep these safety tips in mind:
Passengers cannot exceed the golf cart’s seat capacity.
Everyone is sitting in a permanent seat.
No one has body parts outside the golf cart.
You’re the only golf cart operating in your lane.
Open alcohol on golf carts while in operation is strictly prohibited.
Cell phone use on golf carts while in operation is strictly prohibited.
For more information about South Carolina golf cart laws, you can visit the rules and regulation webpage.
Municipal-specific restrictions are detailed in the Code of Ordinances on motor vehicles for Hilton Head Island.
