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. State code

The same state law requires the driver to hold and carry a valid driver’s license. State code

Daytime and nighttime use

South Carolina Code Section 56-2-90 limits golf cart use to daylight hours when no local ordinance applies. State code

The state law allows a municipality to permit nighttime use through an ordinance. State code

The state law requires working headlights and taillights when a local ordinance permits nighttime use. State code

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. State code

The state law allows a golf cart to cross a faster highway at an intersection when no local ordinance applies. State code

The state law limits travel to four miles from the registration address when no local ordinance applies. State code

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. State code

The permit application requires proof of ownership and liability insurance. State code

The state law requires the driver to carry the registration certificate, proof of insurance, and driver’s license. State code

Surfside Beach town rules

The town layer applies within Surfside Beach town limits. Garden City lies outside those limits. Town map

Streets, sidewalks, and hours

Golf carts may use town streets as vehicles, but they may not travel on sidewalks. Town Ordinance 25-0990, Section 9-60

The town allows carts on highways with speed limits of 35 mph or less. Town Ordinance 25-0990, Section 9-60

Surfside Beach permits year-round nighttime use only with permanent working headlights and taillights. Town golf cart notice

Beach and Ocean Boulevard restrictions

Golf carts may not operate on the beach. The ordinance exempts authorized emergency, maintenance, law enforcement, and franchise vehicles. Surfside Beach Code Section 12-71

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. Town public notices

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. Town parking rules

Golf cart violations under Section 9-60 carry a $50 fine plus court assessments for each cited violation. Town Ordinance 25-0990, Section 9-60

Request a golf cart rental

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