BERKELEY COUNTY, S.C. – Saturday is National Golf Cart Day, a fun little holiday celebrating the evolution of the golf cart — from a quiet course companion to a popular neighborhood ride.
Whether you love cruising through your community with the breeze in your hair or simply enjoy the convenience of a quick hop to a neighbor’s house, golf carts have become part of everyday life in many South Carolina towns.
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But in Berkeley County, where golf carts are everywhere from Cane Bay to Moncks Corner to the lake communities, it’s important to remember that a golf cart on a public road is still a motor vehicle — and the law treats it like one.
Before you (or someone you know) takes a golf cart out on a public street or highway, the South Carolina Department of Public Safety has a clear checklist every driver must follow.
Golf Cart Rules Every Berkeley County Resident Should Know
1. Your golf cart must be insured, permitted, and registered with the SCDMV.
You must carry:
- Your registration certificate
- Proof of liability insurance
If you’re unsure how to register your cart, the SCDMV has step‑by‑step guidance on its website.
2. The driver must be at least 16 and have a valid driver’s license.
No exceptions. A golf cart on a public road is legally treated like a car when it comes to licensing.
3. Children under 12 must wear a seat belt.
If the cart is being driven on a public street or highway, kids under 12 are required to be buckled in.
4. You must stay within 4 miles of the address on your registration.
This includes:
- Within 4 miles of your home
- Or within 4 miles of a gated community entrance if your address is inside that community
This rule matters in large developments like Cane Bay, Nexton, and Del Webb where residents often travel between amenities.
5. You can only drive on roads with a posted speed limit of 35 mph or less.
Even if traffic is slow, even if the road “feels safe,” the posted limit is what counts.
6. Golf carts may be operated during daylight hours only.
No nighttime cruising unless your local jurisdiction has adopted different rules.
Important Update As Of May 22, 2025
South Carolina Code of Laws Section 56‑2‑90 now allows local and county governments to set their own rules regarding:
- Hours of operation
- Methods of operation
- Locations where golf carts may be driven
However, all golf carts must still remain on roads with speed limits of 35 mph or less.
Berkeley County residents should check county and municipal ordinances for any additional restrictions.
Why This Matters in Berkeley County
With rapid growth in areas like Cane Bay, Carnes Crossroads, and Nexton, golf carts have become a common sight on neighborhood roads. But as traffic increases, and as more families move in, safety becomes even more important.
Local law enforcement has repeatedly emphasized that many golf cart accidents involve:
- Unlicensed drivers
- Nighttime operation
- Travel on roads that exceed 35 mph
- Overloaded carts with unrestrained children
A few simple precautions can prevent serious injuries.
