Kids in SC have to wear seat belts in golf carts now? Here’s what this new state law says
A new South Carolina law standardizing golf cart regulations across the state and enhancing rider safety now requires that all passengers under 12 years old wear seat belts while riding in golf carts on public roadways.
Signed and enacted into law on May 22, these new guidelines for golf cart users introduce changes to the regulation of golf carts on public roadways across the state.
The law is intended to address safety concerns as golf carts become more common in neighborhoods, parks and public streets.
Golf carts are only allowed on public roadways where the speed limit is 35 miles per hour or less.
If you are operating a golf cart on a private roadway, such as in a gated community, make sure to check their rules and regulations for golf cart safety.
Do golf carts have seat belts?
Most golf carts do not come equipped with seat belts, but they can be purchased either online or in-store.
Most seat belts are priced between $15 and $40.
Here are a few options for purchasing. Make sure to check that the seat belt is designed for your golf cart:
You can also contact your local golf cart shop to see if they have seat belts in stock or place an order for you.
What else does this new law include?
Other than requiring seat belts for passengers under 12 years old on public roadways, this law provides local governments with greater flexibility to manage golf cart use within their jurisdictions.
These changes include:
Cities and counties can establish additional rules on where and when carts may operate.
Golf carts with headlights and taillights may be approved for nighttime use under county ordinances.
By providing local governments with the ability to determine where golf carts can be used, towns can reduce the golf cart use radius or allow nighttime operation.
Beaufort County golf cart laws
As of May 28, no changes have been set for Beaufort County’s 4-mile radius rule or nighttime operation, meaning the existing laws will stay intact across the county.
Beaufort County follows state law, which requires that golf carts must be used within a 4-mile radius of the registration location. For nighttime operations of golf carts, South Carolina only allows golf carts on roads during daylight hours.
The only existing locations where golf carts are prohibited are on Hilton Head beaches and multi-use trails.
For a breakdown of all the golf cart rules and ordinances for Beaufort County, click here.
Other SC golf cart laws
A few other laws for golf cart use in South Carolina that are still in place include:
Owners must obtain a permit decal and registration certificate from the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles. This requires proof of ownership, liability insurance and a $5 fee.
Operators must be at least 16 years old and possess a valid driver’s license.
Operators must carry the golf cart’s registration certificate and proof of insurance while driving.
The golf cart must remain within 4 miles of the address listed on the registration certificate.
Golf carts must be operated during daylight hours.
Golf carts may be operated on public highways with speed limits of 35 mph or less.
For more information about the new South Carolina golf cart law, click here to view the bill.
This story was originally published May 29, 2025 at 6:00 AM.
