Golf carts and Low Speed Vehicles (LSVs) are often seen on the roads and streets of Charleston, SC and neighboring communities like the Isle of Palms (IOP) and Sullivan’s Island. Golf carts are typically limited to private or designated areas, while LSVS are street-legal golf carts that allow you to travel on roads with speed limits of 25 mph or under.
Whether driving a regular golf cart or LSV, you need to understand licensing and other requirements before taking it out for a cruise. Learn what you need to drive a Charleston golf cart rental and other rules you must follow.
License Requirements for Driving a Golf Cart or LSV in Charleston
In South Carolina, you must be at least 16 years old and possess a current driver’s license to legally drive golf carts and LSVs. While the state sets the minimum age limit, rental companies may have their own specific rules for safety and to protect their equipment.
For an Isle of Palms golf cart rental with Just Beachy, you must be at least 25 years old and have a valid license to rent the vehicle. However, you can be 21 or older with a valid license to drive it.
Do You Need Any Other Documents or Permits to Drive Legally?
Besides meeting the age requirement and having a driver’s license, a golf cart or LSV in South Carolina must be fully insured and registered. If you’re the driver, you should always carry your license, registration certificate and proof of liability insurance with you or inside the cart.
When renting a golf cart or LSV from Just Beachy, be ready to show a valid driver’s license from your home state, whether that’s South Carolina or another location. We’ll have you fill out the rental contract and provide you with the proof of liability insurance and registration certificate you need to legally enjoy your cart.
Rules You Should Know
Driving a golf cart rental on the Isle of Palms is a fun way to get around and is sure to be one of the highlights of your vacation in Charleston. To make sure your group and everyone around you remain safe and have a good time, follow these rules and safety regulations:
- Don’t park on beach access paths or beaches. Charleston and the Isle of Palms generally prohibit all motorized vehicles on the beach or accesses. Use a regular parking lot or park in areas with signage allowing golf carts.
- No golf carts at night. Golf carts are generally not allowed after dark. LSVs, which have headlights and taillights, are allowed 24 hours a day. Anytime usage makes LSVs the best golf cart rental for those looking to enjoy the nightlife the area has to offer, like concerts, dining or festival events.
- Only drive on roads with speed limits of 35 mph or lower. The top speed of most golf carts and LSVs rarely exceeds 25 mph. This feature means you can only drive on roads with a posted speed limit of 35 or less. Check local laws for specific exemptions—for example, crossing bridges or intersections.
- Never drive while intoxicated. Don’t drink and drive, even in a golf cart! Always drive responsibly and treat the cart or LSV as you would your regular car or truck. Intoxicated driving can result in DUI penalties or harm to yourself or others.
Tips for Responsible Golf Cart Driving
While carts are fun to drive, you should always drive as safely and responsibly as possible. Here are a few tips and recommendations to help you be the safest golf cart driver you can be:
- Buckle up and stay in. Always verify you and all your passengers put their seatbelts on before driving. Ensure all passengers remain seated and always keep their arms, legs, hands and feet inside the cart.
- Don’t overload. Keep it to one person per seat! If you need a cart capable of carrying more than 4 passengers, 6-seater carts are available!
- Be courteous. While golf carts are smaller and less powerful, you should drive as safely and courteously as if you were in your regular car. Avoid abusing the horn, don’t text and drive, minimize distractions and don’t drive on the sidewalk. If you’re driving an LSV, remember to use your turn signal before changing directions.
- Keep it under control. Avoid sharp turns or sudden stops; they can destabilize your cart and tip it onto its side.
Rent a Road-Legal Golf Cart with Just Beachy Today!
Discover the Isle of Palms and neighboring communities with Just Beachy Golf Cart Rentals! We have a complete range of fully street-legal 4-seater and 6-seater electric carts. Book your LSV rental on IOP today or contact our team with any questions about golf cart rentals.
