What to know about SC's new golf cart laws
- Charles Reams 1
- Aug 17
- 2 min read
On May 22, Gov. Henry McMaster signed an amendment to Title 56, the laws surrounding the use of golf carts on roads in South Carolina. Here are five things Upstate golf-cart owners need to know:
1: Permit needed
Owners must have a certificate of registration and permit decal from the Department of Motor Vehicles. To obtain the permit, owners will need to have proof of purchase and insurance, and pay a $5 fee to the DMV. The decal must be updated every five years or upon change of address.
2: License required
Golf-cart drivers must be 16 years of age or older with a valid driver’s license. The driver must be in possession of the vehicle’s registration, a driver’s license, and proof of insurance.
3: Limits of the law
Counties and municipalities may institute further stipulations overseeing hours, methods and locations of golf-cart operations, but they must remain in compliance with the following conditions:
Only allowed on side streets, but carts can pass through on a main street.
4: Default rules
If a county or municipality does not add further stipulations, golf carts may:
Only be operated during the day
Only be operated on a secondary highway (roads or highways that are not major interstates or primary highways) with a maximum speed limit of 35 mph or less
Only operate within four miles of its registered address or within four miles of the entrance or exit of a gated community
Cross a highway with a speed limit of 35 mph or more
5: Buckle up the kids
Finally, passengers 12 years of age of younger must have a fastened seat belt at all times when the golf cart is operated on a public street or highway.
What is happening to cart prices in the wake of this newfound popularity?
So far, prices are remaining stable, but prices vary widely from dealer to dealer, depending on the manufacturer and other specifics. It always pays to shop around.
New Golf Carts: The price of a new golf cart can vary significantly based on factors such as brand, model, features, and whether it's electric or gas-powered.
Basic two-seater models typically start around $5,000.
Larger, more feature-rich, or customized models can range from $10,000 to $15,000 or more, according to CartFinder.
Luxury brands can have much higher price tags.
Used Golf Carts: Used golf carts offer a more affordable option, with prices generally ranging from $2,000 to $8,000, depending on the age, condition, and features. Well-maintained used carts from reputable brands can hold their value well.
In summary, the increasing popularity of golf carts, coupled with factors like electrification, technological advancements, and trade policies, is shaping a growing and evolving market with a wide range of prices influenced by various factors.
