Golf cart rules and licenses in Surfside Beach, SC

South Carolina state rules

The state layer sets the driver, road, document, and default operating-hour rules below.

Driver license and minimum age

South Carolina Code Section 56-2-90 requires a public-highway golf cart driver to be at least 16 years old. Source: State code (opens in a new tab)

The same state law requires the driver to hold and carry a valid driver's license. Source: State code (opens in a new tab)

Daytime and nighttime use

South Carolina Code Section 56-2-90 limits golf cart use to daylight hours when no local ordinance applies. Source: State code (opens in a new tab)

The state law allows a municipality to permit nighttime use through an ordinance. Source: State code (opens in a new tab)

The state law requires working headlights and taillights when a local ordinance permits nighttime use. Source: State code (opens in a new tab)

Roads and route limits

South Carolina Code Section 56-2-90 limits golf carts to secondary highways with speed limits of 35 mph or less when no local ordinance applies. Source: State code (opens in a new tab)

The state law allows a golf cart to cross a faster highway at an intersection when no local ordinance applies. Source: State code (opens in a new tab)

The state law limits travel to four miles from the registration address when no local ordinance applies. Source: State code (opens in a new tab)

SCDMV permit and documents

South Carolina Code Section 56-2-90 requires the owner to get an SCDMV permit decal and registration certificate before public-highway use. Source: State code (opens in a new tab)

The permit application requires proof of ownership and liability insurance. Source: State code (opens in a new tab)

The state law requires the driver to carry the registration certificate, proof of insurance, and driver's license. Source: State code (opens in a new tab)

Surfside Beach town rules

The town layer applies within Surfside Beach town limits. Garden City Beach lies outside those limits. Source: Town map (opens in a new tab)

Streets, sidewalks, and hours

Golf carts may use town streets as vehicles, but they may not travel on sidewalks. Source: Town Ordinance 25-0990, Section 9-60 (opens in a new tab)

The town allows carts on highways with speed limits of 35 mph or less. Source: Town Ordinance 25-0990, Section 9-60 (opens in a new tab)

Surfside Beach permits year-round nighttime use only with permanent working headlights and taillights. Source: Town golf cart notice (opens in a new tab)

Beach and Ocean Boulevard restrictions

Golf carts may not operate on the beach. The ordinance exempts authorized emergency, maintenance, law enforcement, and franchise vehicles. Source: Surfside Beach Code Section 12-71 (opens in a new tab)

The town rules add these beach and sidewalk restrictions beyond the state layer.

All Ocean Boulevard parking requires a permit and is limited to designated areas on the west side. Source: Town public notices (opens in a new tab)

Parking decals and enforcement

A town parking decal is not the SCDMV operating permit. At the listed beach-access pay areas, operators must pay or display a current town decal. Source: Town parking rules (opens in a new tab)

Golf cart violations under Section 9-60 carry a $50 fine plus court assessments for each cited violation. Source: Town Ordinance 25-0990, Section 9-60 (opens in a new tab)

Request a golf cart rental

Share your property address, rental dates, and planned route. Ask the provider which local rules apply to your route.