Golf carts have long been considered a fun way to get around neighborhoods, beaches, and golf communities across South Carolina. While convenient, they can pose significant safety risks, especially to children. In response to growing concerns and recent incidents, a 2025 South Carolina law on golf cart safety addresses these risks. Now, children under the age of 12 are required to wear seatbelts while riding in golf carts on public roads. This South Carolina law reflects an increased focus on preventing injuries and fatalities that occur when young passengers are thrown from moving vehicles. The new regulations not only protect children but also make golf cart safety a statewide priority.
Joye Law Firm Injury Lawyers are committed to the safety of our community. In this article, we provide details of the legislation, explain what it means for golf cart owners and drivers, and outline how we assist families affected by golf cart accidents. With the right safety practices and legal support, South Carolina communities can continue to enjoy golf carts while staying safe and compliant with the law.
Golf Cart Seatbelt Law in South Carolina
On May 22, 2025, South Carolina enacted a law requiring children under 12 to wear seat belts while riding in golf carts on public roads. This regulation was introduced following a concerning rise in golf cart-related injuries, including several involving kids. According to law enforcement officials, children are at an especially high risk of being injured or even ejected during collisions or sudden stops due to the lack of protective restraints. The law specifically applies to areas under the jurisdiction of local governments to address localized safety needs.
The law mandates that any motor vehicle, including golf carts, that carries young children must be equipped with proper seat belts. This represents a shift from previous guidelines and a growing recognition of the safety concerns associated with the use of recreational vehicles. The South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles emphasizes that anyone intending to carry children in golf carts must be compliant or face potential fines.. Golf cart operators who wish to transport children under 12 years old and do not have seat belts installed must either install seat belts or keep kids off the vehicle.
Why Golf Cart Riders of All Ages Should Wear Seatbelts
While South Carolina law only requires children under 12 to wear seatbelts on golf carts, we strongly encourage all riders, including adults, to buckle up. Golf carts may not travel at highway speeds, but that doesn’t mean accidents are harmless. A sudden turn, unexpected obstacle, or reckless driver can cause a cart to flip or eject passengers, leading to serious, even life-threatening injuries.
We’ve seen just how devastating these crashes can be. One of our clients, a Hilton Head resident, was enjoying a Fourth of July celebration when a reckless golf cart driver caused a crash that threw her from the vehicle. She suffered broken ribs, a fractured collarbone, and multiple spinal fractures. The road to recovery was long and costly.
Attorney Randell “Ran” Stoney III took on the case and fought to ensure she received the care and compensation she deserved. He successfully secured settlements from all three insurance companies involved, resulting in a $1.2 million recovery to cover her medical expenses, lost wages, future treatment, and pain and suffering.
Law Provides Provision for Cities and Counties to Pass Additional Golf Cart Ordinances
The golf cart safety law also includes updated language allowing local municipalities “to stipulate the hours, methods, and locations of golf cart operations” (S.C. Code Ann. § 56-2-105). This change grants local governments more flexibility in setting rules tailored to their communities’ unique needs.
As South Carolina municipalities consider enacting their own ordinances, we hope they do so with a strong focus on public safety. Enhancing access should not come at the expense of increasing crash risk for golf cart drivers, passengers, and others who share the road. With thoughtful planning and clear safety standards, local governments can strike a balance between mobility and protection for all.
Golf Cart Operation Rules in South Carolina: Licenses, Hours, Miles & Safety Requirements
To ensure that golf cart users operate these vehicles safely, South Carolina law includes several key rules. First, a valid driver’s license is required to operate a golf cart. The driver must be at least 16 years old and carry both their license and proof of liability insurance. According to SCDPS, golf carts may only be driven during daylight hours and only within four miles of the owner’s residence, business, or the place where the cart is legally registered.
Additionally, golf carts are only permitted to travel on roads where the speed limit does not exceed 35 mph. These rules are meant to limit exposure to high-speed traffic and reduce the likelihood of serious accidents. It’s also required that carts be properly equipped with functioning headlights, brake lights, and reflectors if they are used close to sunrise or sunset. Most importantly, all carts must have seatbelts, especially if children will be passengers.
Failing to comply with these regulations can result in fines and even revocation of a cart permit. It’s crucial that owners stay informed and aware of their responsibilities to avoid legal consequences and, more importantly, to protect lives.
It’s also important to note that due to provisions in the May 2025 law, rules may vary between municipalities in regard to hours, methods, and locations of permitted golf cart usage. If you are traveling to a different community in South Carolina and plan to use golf carts to get around, be sure to review the city and county ordinances to ensure you are following local laws as well as state laws.
Golf Cart Safety for Children Can’t Be Ignored
Children are more vulnerable to golf cart accidents compared to adults. Their smaller size makes them more likely to be thrown from the vehicle during sharp turns or sudden stops. Without seat belts, even a low-speed impact can result in broken bones or head trauma. In recent years, hospitals in South Carolina have reported a noticeable uptick in child injuries linked to unrestrained passengers in golf carts.
State law requiring seatbelts for children under 12 in golf carts is a critical intervention. When vehicles, even recreational ones like golf carts, are used on public roads, safety standards must match the risks. Seat belts dramatically reduce the chance of ejection and injury, even at slower speeds.
Education is also key. Parents and caregivers must be informed about the dangers and ensure that any child riding in a golf cart is safely buckled in. When properly equipped and operated, golf carts can still be a fun way to travel, but not at the cost of a child’s well-being. It’s up to all drivers to create a culture of safety and responsibility on South Carolina’s roads.
Joye Law Firm Supports Golf Cart Safety: Legal Help for Families Affected by Golf Cart Accidents
When golf cart accidents occur, the consequences are unimaginable, especially when children are harmed. At Joye Law Firm, we are deeply committed to promoting golf cart safety and holding negligent parties accountable for their actions. Our attorneys are well-versed in the laws governing motor vehicles, including golf carts, and have helped numerous families recover damages after accidents involving unsafe or improperly operated vehicles.
If you or your child was injured in a crash involving a golf cart, you may be entitled to compensation. Our firm can help you understand your rights and responsibilities. With offices across South Carolina, Joye Law Firm is the advocate for accident victims. We believe every family deserves peace of mind. And that starts with accountability and education.
Call us at (888) 324-3100 or schedule a consultation online, and let our legal team help you protect what matters most.
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