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Golf Cart Rules on Isle of Palms. Wild Dunes. and  Sullivan’s Island.

Are you planning a beach vacation on Isle of Palms (IOP), Wild Dunes or Sullivan’s Island? Renting a golf cart is one of the most convenient and fun ways to cruise around—but it’s crucial to know and follow local rules so you can enjoy your ride safely and legally. At Just Beachy Golf Carts, we’re the area’s most trusted rental provider and want to make sure you’re informed and prepared before hitting the road.

Age & Licensing Requirements

• South Carolina state law requires that any driver of a traditional golf cart or a street‑legal low‑speed vehicle (LSV) be at least 16 years old and possess a valid driver’s license.

• At Just Beachy, we go a step further: our primary renter must be at least 25, and any other licensed drivers must be 21 or older with their own valid license and be added to your rental agreement.

Registration, Insurance, & Permits

• On Sullivan’s Island, operators must carry a valid driver’s license, the registration certificate, and proof of insurance at all times.

• Also, you must follow DUI laws—no drinking or driving, and open containers are prohibited just as they would be in a car.

Speed Limits & Where You Can Drive

Traditional Golf Carts (unmodified):

• Can be operated only during daylight hours Isle of Palms Vacation Rentals+9City of Isle of Palms, SC+9sullivansisland.sc.gov+9.

• Must remain within 4 miles of the registered address, or entrance of the gated community where it’s registered Golf Cart Resource+7City of Isle of Palms, SC+7sullivansisland.sc.gov+7.

• They are allowed only on secondary roads and streets with posted speed limits up to 35 mph Steinberg Law Firm+9City of Isle of Palms, SC+9sullivansisland.sc.gov+9.

• Crossing major roads (speed limit > 35 mph) is only permitted at an intersection—not traveling along the highway Steinberg Law Firm+9City of Isle of Palms, SC+9Go With Garrett’s Golf Cars+9.

• On Isle of Palms, these carts may cross Palm Boulevard (SC-703) at an intersection but cannot travel along it. They are prohibited on both SC‑703 and the IOP Connector (SC‑517).

• Off limits on bridges such as Ben Sawyer Bridge into Mount Pleasant and SC‑517 connector.

Low-Speed Vehicles (LSVs / street‑legal carts):

• All of the vehicles that Just Beachy Carts rents are built to meet federal safety standards: headlights, tail lights, turn signals, mirrors, windshield, seatbelts, etc. This ensures that when you rent a golf cart or low-speed vehicle from us that you have piece of mind knowing you’re in a safe and legally operable vehicle.

• Can travel at speeds of up to 25 mph, and legally operate after dark on roads posted up to 35 mph.

• Golf carts and low-speed vehicles are allowed on any road on Sullivan’s Island or Isle of Palms, including crossing the Breach Inlet bridge between them.

• When operating a golf cart or low-speed vehicle you cannot cross the Ben Sawyer bridge to Mount Pleasant because that road exceeds 35 mph

Safety & Child Seatbelt Law

• As of May 2025, South Carolina law now requires all passengers under age 12 to wear a fastened seat belt anytime the golf cart is on a public road.

• Safety is key while operating a golf cart of low-speed vehicle. Overloading, standing while the cart moves, extending limbs outside the vehicle, or carrying unsecured cargo are all unsafe and discouraged.

Golf Cart Rules on Isle of Palms Beach, Sidewalk & Path Restrictions

• Absolutely no golf carts or LSVs are allowed on beaches, beach access paths, golf course paths, sidewalks, or bike paths on Sullivan’s Island or Isle of Palms.

• Golf carts and low-speed vehicles can be parked only in designated areas or regular car parking spots—not on dunes or beach access areas.

Driving & Operating Hours

• Traditional golf carts: Daytime hours only—you cannot drive them before sunrise or after sunset.

• Low-Speed Vehicles (LSVs): have a very unique and key advantage as they can be driven any time, including after dark. The only requirement is that the vehicle is properly equipped with headlights and taillights (which all of the LSV’s we rent are properly equipped!)

Golf Cart and Low Speed Vehicle Parking Rules

• On Isle of Palms: look for designated golf cart parking zones, e.g. at 9th Ave on Ocean Blvd, and at 28th & 31st Avenues on Palm Blvd. Also, standard parking is fine where cars can park legally.

• On Sullivan’s: follow signage, and park yours where carts are allowed—not on beach paths or blocking access justbeachycarts.com.

Why Choose Just Beachy Golf Carts?

• We offer both traditional carts for short daytime commuting and fully street‑legal LSVs for more flexibility and extended road access.

• We ensure every cart is registered, insured, and compliant with state law and local ordinances.

• Our rental contract clearly outlines age restrictions, safety guidelines, and parking rules to keep your trip carefree and fun .

• Our team provides a full orientation on your rental, including battery care, courteous road etiquette, and local highlights—plus we install seat belts or ensure they’re working properly when children under 12 are on board.

Vacation Tips for a Safe, Smooth Ride

1. Buckle every kid under 12 before hitting the road—it’s the law and a must for safety.

2. Know what type you’re renting: traditional carts are limited in range and hours; LSVs offer more access.

3. Stay off major roads and bridges (exceeding 35 mph), and never drive on the beach or paths.

4. Drive under the speed limit, yield to pedestrians and cyclists, and follow normal traffic laws.

5. Charge responsibly: if you’re in an electric cart, plug in overnight and avoid draining the battery below 30 %.

6. Park smart: use designated spots—not beach access paths or residential driveways where prohibited.