As the streets of downtown Greenville become more congested by the passing day, residents are turning to other modes of transportation to navigate downtown’s busy streets.
One mode of transportation, in particular, has seen an increased boost in popularity in downtown Greenville. Residents of South Carolina previously associated golf carts as the transportation of choice for boozy Myrtle Beach vacationers freighting around Ocean Lakes and the strip. Now, the popularity of golf carts has moved to the Upstate, along with the special laws that govern them.
While the state has no laws governing what you do in your golf cart on your own private property, there are many statutes that outline what you can and can’t do on public roads.
These rules govern how and where you can drive a golf cart everywhere in South Carolina. So before you hit Main Street to hop from one bar to the next, make sure you know your South Carolina golf cart laws first.
Can You Get A DUI Driving A Golf Cart?
Yes, you can get a DUI while driving a golf cart. You can also receive a citation for having an open container while driving a golf cart, whether the drink belongs to you or not.
Even if you are walking, carrying open containers of alcohol outside of the drinking establishment is illegal in downtown Greenville. Designate a driver and keep the drinks inside the bar. Follow those rules so your day in Greenville doesn’t end with a trip to jail or a fat ticket.
What is the Legal Age to Drive a Golf Cart?
Minors who do not have a regular driver’s license are not allowed to drive on any kind of road in South Carolina. If you can show a driver’s license, they will be fine to drive a golf cart.
Parents should keep in mind that they can be held liable for any accidents or damages their child causes if they are caught driving a golf cart without a license. If you are a parent, then do you and your child a favor, keep them out of the driver’s seat until they can drive a regular car with no problems.
Is a Golf Cart considered a motor vehicle in South Carolina?
In a sense, yes. To drive your golf cart around downtown Greenville, here are the steps you need to take:
- Obtain your golf cart permit from the local South Carolina DMV. Once you present the DMV with a title, insurance, a valid driver’s license, and five dollars, you’ll have the permit you need to drive your golf cart. Remember to renew your permit every five years or every time you move.
- A permit allows you to do only the following when driving your golf cart:
- Drive on roads where the posted speed limit is less than 35 MPH
- Drive on roads without Highway numbers (Ex: Pendleton Street – State Road 124)
- Stay four miles from your destination/house
- Drive during daylight hours only
- In addition, certain local ordinances have different rules about where you can ride golf carts. Contact your local precinct to double-check the local ordinances just in case they differ slightly from state law.
3. Always keep a copy of your license, registration, and proof of insurance in your golf cart — the same as you would while driving a car.
Where Can You Drive a Golf Cart in South Carolina?
So, where exactly can you legally take your golf cart? Here’s a breakdown:
- Residential Neighborhoods – If your neighborhood allows it, you can drive your golf cart within the community and on connecting roads that meet the legal requirements.
- Beach Towns and Vacation Spots – Many coastal areas, like Myrtle Beach and Hilton Head, have local golf cart regulations. Be sure to check city ordinances before you ride.
- State Parks and Private Property – You can drive your golf cart on private property and some state parks, depending on park regulations.
Golf Cart Accidents: Who’s Liable?
Golf carts may seem harmless, but accidents happen—often with serious injuries. If you’re in a crash, liability works similarly to car accidents.
- Another Driver Hits Your Golf Cart – If a car or another golf cart crashes into you because the driver was speeding, distracted, or reckless, they could be held responsible for the accident. Their insurance may cover your damages and injuries.
- You Caused the Accident – If you were driving somewhere you weren’t supposed to be, let an unlicensed person drive, or weren’t paying attention, you could be held liable for damages.
- A Rental Company Is At Fault – If you rented a golf cart and something went wrong—bad brakes, steering issues, or another mechanical failure—the rental company might be responsible for putting you in an unsafe vehicle.
- A Golf Cart Manufacturer Is To Blame – If a defect in the cart itself (like faulty brakes or electrical issues) caused the crash, the manufacturer could be liable for damages.
How Our Personal Injury Lawyers Can Help After a Golf Cart Accident
Golf carts may seem small and harmless, but accidents involving them can lead to serious injuries, property damage, and complicated legal issues.
The first step in any personal injury case is determining who was at fault. Determining who is at fault in a golf cart accident isn’t always straightforward. Was the driver reckless? Did another vehicle hit the golf cart? Was there a defect in the cart itself?
We conduct a thorough investigation to gather evidence, interview witnesses, and reconstruct what happened. The details matter, and we make sure nothing gets overlooked.
South Carolina law holds at-fault parties responsible for injuries they cause. If someone else’s negligence led to your golf cart accident, they should be held accountable. When we represent persons injured in a golf cart, we work to prove that another driver was speeding, distracted, or driving recklessly, a golf cart rental company failed to maintain their vehicles, a defective golf cart part caused a malfunction, or the property owner created unsafe conditions that led to our client’s accident.
No matter the circumstances, our job is to show who was responsible for our client’s losses.
Insurance companies may try to downplay a person’s injuries or deny your claim altogether. Our legal team knows their tactics, and we negotiate to make sure you get a fair settlement. We handle all the paperwork, calls, and legal details.
Most personal injury claims are settled out of court, but if the insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement, we’re prepared to take your case to trial. At David R. Price, Jr, P.A., our attorneys are experienced litigators who will fight for the compensation you deserve in court.
Know your South Carolina Golf Cart Laws Because the Police Will!
Golf carts are a great way to get around, but South Carolina takes their regulations seriously. If you own or operate one, make sure you’re following the law—both for your safety and to avoid legal trouble.
The Greenville Police Department is aware of these rules and intends to enforce them. Greenville police public affairs division officer Michelle Lentz has stated in an article on WYFF4 that the police “will be on the lookout for unlawful golf cart operation in the coming weeks and months.”
Let that be your warning! If you own a golf cart and want to enjoy it this summer with no legal ramifications, follow these rules.
If you’ve been involved in a golf cart accident or have questions about liability, contact David R. Price, Jr., P.A. at 864-271-2636. Our experienced legal team is here to help.