(A) Golf carts.
(1) During daylight hours only, a permitted golf cart may be operated within four miles of the address on the registration certificate, and only on a secondary highway or street for which the posted speed limit is 35 miles per hour or less. Golf carts may cross Center Street or Folly Road, but may not drive on Center Street or Folly Road. (See S.C. Code § 56-2-105(B)(1) and (3).)
(2) A person operating a golf cart must be at least 16 years of age and hold a valid driver’s license. The operator of a permitted golf cart being operated on a highway or street must have in his or her possession:
(a) The registration certificate issued by the State of South Carolina;
(b) Proof of liability insurance for the golf cart; and
(c) His or her driver’s license. (See S.C. Code § 56-2-105(C).)
(3) Golf carts may not be operated at any time when windshield wipers are in use as a result of rain, sleet or snow, or when inclement weather or environmental factors severely reduce the ability to clearly discern persons and vehicles on the street or highway at a distance of 500 feet ahead. Any person who violates this division is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, may be fined up to $25. (See S.C. Code §§ 56-5-4450.)
(4) Golf carts may only operate daylight hours. Any person violating the provisions of this division shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, shall be fined not more than $200 or imprisoned for not more than 60 days or both. (See S.C. Code § 56-5-4470.)
(5) A golf cart must be equipped with a rear vision mirror.
(6) The number of occupants in a golf cart shall be limited to the number of persons for whom individual seating is installed and provided on the golf cart. The operator and all occupants shall be seated in the golf cart, and no part of the body of the operator or any occupant shall extend outside the perimeter of the golf cart while it is in motion.
(7) The driver of a golf cart shall use hand signals when turning or stopping unless the golf cart is equipped with turn signals.
(8) Golf carts are subject to all traffic rules and regulations and parking laws governing the operation of motor vehicles.
(B) Low speed vehicles.
(1) Low speed vehicles may be operated on a secondary highway or street for which the posted speed limit is 35 miles per hour or less. (See S.C. Code § 56-2-100(A)(B)(E).)
(2) A person operating a low speed vehicle must be at least 16 years of age and hold a valid driver’s license. The operator of a low speed vehicle being operated on a highway or street must have in his or her possession:
(a) The registration certificate issued by the State of South Carolina;
(b) Proof of liability insurance for the low speed vehicle; and
(c) His or her driver’s license. (See S.C. Code §§ 56-2-110 and 56-2-100(D).)
(3) A low speed vehicle must meet the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 500 (49 C.F.R. § 571.500) at all times when operated on any highway.
(Ord. 27-12, passed 10-23-12; Am. Ord. 25-14, passed 1-13-15; Am. Ord. 23-17, passed 8-8-17; Am. Ord. 15-19, passed 6-11-19)