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South Carolina Golf Cart Laws

All Rogers EV Golf Carts Meet South Carolina Street-Legal Requirements

Whether you're cruising the neighborhood or commuting across your community, every golf cart sold at Rogers EV meets the latest street-legal requirements set by the State of South Carolina. Our carts come equipped with the necessary safety features, and we’re happy to help with registration and compliance support.

New South Carolina Golf Cart Laws (Effective May 22)

If you drive a golf cart in South Carolina, new state regulations went into effect on May 22 that you need to know. These laws impact anyone operating a golf cart on public roads with a speed limit of 35 mph or less, and allow cities and counties to create their own local golf cart rules.

At Rogers EV, we want to help you stay informed and street legal. Here's a breakdown of the updated SC golf cart laws:

Golf Cart Permit & Registration Requirements

To legally drive your golf cart on public roads in South Carolina, you must:

  • Obtain a golf cart permit decal and registration through the SC DMV

  • Provide proof of ownership and liability insurance

  • Pay a $5 registration fee

  • Renew your permit every 5 years or after an address change

Golf Cart Driver Requirements

  • Minimum age: 16 years old

  • Must hold a valid driver’s license

  • Must carry the following at all times while driving:

    • Golf cart registration certificate

    • Proof of insurance

    • Driver’s license

Golf Cart Safety Requirements

  • Children under 12 years old must wear seat belts

  • If operating at night (where allowed), the cart must have:

  • Working headlights and taillights

Local Ordinances & Flexibility

Cities and counties in South Carolina have the power to regulate golf cart use by local ordinance. These may:

  • Set specific hours, routes, and methods of operation

  • Allow nighttime use of golf carts equipped with proper lighting

  • Create designated golf cart paths

  • Not require proof of property ownership or rental for cart use

  • All golf cart use must remain on roads with a posted speed limit of 35 mph or less

Where You Can Drive Your Golf Cart (If No Local Ordinance)

If your town or county hasn’t passed its own golf cart rules, the state law allows you to:

  • Operate your golf cart during daylight hours only

  • Drive only on secondary roads with a speed limit of 35 mph or less

  • Stay within 4 miles of your home address or the entrance of a gated community

  • Cross highways with higher speed limits—but only at intersections

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