What Are The Requirements To Operate My Golf Cart in Charleston?
Before operating a golf cart or LSV, please be sure to read the following checklist from the SCDMV:
- The driver must have a valid driver’s license and be at least 16 years of age
- The golf cart must be registered with the South Carolina DMV
- The golf cart must be permitted and insured
- The golf cart can only be driven on roads where the speed limit is 35 mph or less
- The golf cart can only be driven on roads, not the sidewalk!
- The golf cart can only be driven within 4 miles of your home
** Golf Carts and LSV rentals cannot be driven downtown! **
Can I Rent a Golf Cart/LSV in Downtown Charleston?
Not legally! Per Sec. 54-223. of the Charleston Municipal Code,
” In the Amusement and Recreation Services, AR Overlay Zone, land may be used and buildings or structures may be erected, altered or used for any purpose allowed by the underlying zoning district, except that the use of buildings, structures or land for the short term rental of amusement and recreational vehicles or for providing sightseeing services by air are prohibited.
……
4. “Low speed vehicle” shall mean any two (2)- or four (4)-wheeled motor vehicle whose top speed is greater than eight (8) miles per hour, but not greater than twenty-five (25) miles per hour. This group includes neighborhood electric vehicles, Segway transporters, speed-modified golf carts, and similar types of vehicles whose top speed is greater than eight (8) miles per hour, but not greater than twenty-five (25) miles per hour.”
There may be companies willing to rent you a golf cart or low speed vehicle downtown, but be cautious – as the renter you could end up with fines, or lack of insurance coverage if something were to happen. As the rental company, it is illegal and could lead to infractions, fines, or even loss of license.
How Can I Make My Golf Cart Street Legal?
Golf Carts and Low Speed Vehicles can be operated in South Carolina if they have the following:
- VIN
- Seatbelts
- Turn Signals
- DOT Approved Headlights
- DOT Approved Windshield
- Windshield Wipers
- Side and rearview mirrors
- Taillights
- Speedometer
- Horn
- Parking Brake
Can I Drive My Golf Cart Cart At Night?
If you rent a golf cart from GolfCart.Fun, yes you can! Our fleet of golf carts consists of nothing but street legal vehicles, so you can cruise the streets at any point in time. Don’t forget to follow standard motor vehicle laws and turn your headlights on! And don’t forget you cannot rent Downtown!
What Do I Need To Rent A Golf Cart?
To Rent a Golf Cart in Charleston you need the following:
- Drivers must be 21+ years old and have a valid driver’s license
- Drivers must have an auto insurance policy
- Drivers must sign a liability waiver
What Are Some Other Resources for Golf Cart Regulation in Charleston?
The above summary applies to the Charleston golf cart rules, please be sure to visit your local government’s website for more information about the regulation in your jurisdiction. There are are many great sources of information regarding golf carts in Charleston, specifically:
- CharlestonGolfCarts – Great breakdown of the charleston golf cart rules
- Isle of Palms Golf Cart Rules – The rules for driving a golf cart in Isle of Palms
- CollinsAndLancy -Information about South Carolina Golf Cart Driving Rules
- SCDPS – South Carolina Deparment of Public Safety golf cart checklist
- SCDMV – South Carolina DMV
- Top 4 Places to Visit in Mt Pleasant – The best places to visit in Mount Pleasant
- Top 5 Restaurants in Isle of Palms – Great Restaurants in Isle of Palms
