New Golf Cart Laws in SC

New Golf Cart Laws in SC — And What’s Going on in Lancaster County / Indian Land

In May 2025, South Carolina passed
Act No. 64 (H.3292), which overhauled many of the rules governing golf carts on public roads in the state. Among its biggest changes: giving counties and municipalities authority to adopt their own rules for golf cart use (hours, zones, nighttime operation, etc.)

This means that, while there is a statewide framework, whether more permissive (or more restrictive) rules apply in a particular place depends on local governments adopting ordinances.

If there is no local ordinance changing
things, here’s what still applies statewide:

• · A permit decal and registration from the SCDMV is required, along with proof of ownership and liability insurance.
• · The operator must be
  at least 16 years old and hold a valid driver’s license.
• ·Children under age 12 must wear a properly fastened seat belt when the cart is on public roads.
• · Carts may only be used on secondary highways or streets that have posted speed limits of 35 mph or less.
• · Operation is limited to a 4mile radius from the registered address (or from a gated community ingress, if applicable).
• · Only daylight hours operation is allowed unless a local ordinance allows otherwise (with proper lighting).
• · If there is no local ordinance, these default rules stand.

Because of this structure, the status of golf cart legality and permitted hours in Indian Land (in Lancaster County) hinges on whether the county or local municipalities have passed an ordinance.

If you have any questions about the new golf cart laws in SC, give us a call at Schiller and Hamilton Law Firm at 803-285-2900.