In Charleston, SC, golf carts on public roads have become increasingly popular, leading to questions about their legality. While convenient and eco-friendly, the legal aspects of golf cart usage can be complex.
Learn about the regulations governing golf carts in Charleston for safe and legal operation. Whether you’re a resident or visitor, understanding these laws before using your Isle of Palms golf cart rental helps prevent accidents and ensures a fun local adventure.
Who is Allowed to Drive a Golf Cart or LSV in South Carolina?
Golf carts and Low-Speed Vehicles (LSVs) are regulated under South Carolina’s motor vehicle laws. For all golf cart rentals on the Isle of Palms and Charleston, the following rules apply:
- Age requirements. You must be at least 16 in South Carolina to drive a golf cart or LSV. However, Charleston golf cart rental companies can impose higher age limits on renters. Just Beachy Golf Cart Rentals requires primary renters to be at least 25 years old and drivers accompanying the primary renter to be at least 21.
- Licensing requirements. State law requires all golf cart drivers to have a valid driver’s license. If the cart is street-legal, you must have a driver’s license, proof of liability insurance and registration certificate when driving the cart. At Just Beachy Golf Cart Rentals, we provide you with all documentation after verifying your valid state driver’s license.
Golf Carts vs. LSVs
Golf carts and LSVs look similar and have the same age and licensing requirements, but they have different features and uses. Here’s a breakdown of these characteristics of golf carts versus LSVs:
| Feature | Golf Carts | LSVs |
| Top Speed | Up to 15 mph. Suitable for short-distance travel, primarily within gated communities or golf courses. | Up to 25 mph. Designed for longer distances and can handle local roads more effectively. |
| Safety Features | No safety equipment is required; may include basics like lights and reflectors. | Advanced features that are required by federal law:
|
| Use Case | Primarily for golf courses, short-distance travel within communities and recreational use. Not intended for commuting. | Suitable for neighborhood and local travel, including commuting short distances, running errands and general transportation in residential areas. |
Where Can I Drive a Golf Cart or LSV in Charleston?
When planning to drive a golf cart or LSV in Charleston, specific rules and regulations apply to where you can operate the vehicle. Here’s what you need to consider regarding speed limits, locations and driving distances:
- Speed limits. State law restricts drivers from operating LSVs and golf carts on streets and highways with speed limits over 35 mph. However, you are allowed to cross streets and highways with higher speed limits at intersections, provided you remain on a road with a 35 mph speed limit.
For example, you can cross Highway 703 on Isle of Palms (IOP) from one secondary street to another due to the island-wide speed limit of 25 mph. However, you cannot drive on the IOP Connector or Highway 517 to Charleston because of the 45 mph speed limit.
- Location. Non-LSV golf carts cannot be driven more than 4 miles from the address listed on the SCDMV permit. This restriction ensures that golf carts are used primarily within local neighborhoods and areas where their lower speeds do not pose a significant risk.
For instance, on the Isle of Palms (IOP), non-LSV golf carts cannot cross Breach Inlet Bridge. LSVs are allowed to travel back and forth over Breach Inlet Bridge but not Ben Sawyer Bridge due to its higher speed limit.
The best golf cart rental if you plan to travel through IOP, Sullivan’s Island, and Charleston is an LSV from Just Beachy. We’re accredited by the Wild Dunes Community Association, which lets you easily explore the entire coastal region.
Is It Legal to Drive a Golf Cart at Night in Charleston?
State regulations make driving a non-LSV golf cart unlawful at night due to the lack of equipment to drive safely in the dark. LSVs have headlights and taillights, meaning they are permitted after dark.
Just Beachy Golf Cart Rentals provides fully street-legal LSVs to renters, ensuring you can enjoy your vacation any time.
Discover the Best of Charleston and IOP, SC, With Just Beachy Golf Cart Rentals
Explore the Isle of Palms at your own pace with Just Beachy golf cart rentals! Our 100% electric LSVs are a fun and exciting way to get around in one of the most picturesque regions of the Charleston area. Book your cart rental on IOP today or contact our team with questions. We are here to help make your stay as enjoyable as possible.
