Myrtle Beach Golf Cart Safety

The Grand Strand of South Carolina welcomes over fourteen million guests each year from around the world. They come to our small piece of paradise and sometimes forget that there are rules and regulations to follow, or they may run afoul of the law. Some of the most misunderstood rules that apply to the Myrtle Beach and North Myrtle Beach areas pertain to golf carts. A very lucrative industry in most beach resorts is golf cart rentals. Back in the day, golf carts were used as a means of transporting a golf twosome, and their bags, from hole to hole while playing golf. Boy, have the times have changed!

Today, vacationers come to the beach with a golf cart rental already reserved. While the rental companies are bound to instruct and advise these renters, most people, quite frankly, don’t listen. They are too excited to pay attention. With that in mind, I thought it might be helpful to read these instructions before you arrive. Read these rules carefully; it could save you a lot of grief and money!!

In 2011, the state of South Carolina implemented a golf cart law specifically for carts that are used for a purpose other than golf.

Anyone operating a golf cart must be at least 16 years old and have a valid driver’s license. This sounds like a no-brainer, but there are times when vacationers forget to bring their common sense on vacation. IF YOU’RE YOUNGER THAN 16, DO NOT DRIVE A GOLF CART!
A golf cart may not travel more than four miles from your rental unit.
Golf carts may only travel on secondary roads with a posted speed limit of 35 mph or less. You may only cross an intersection of a major thoroughfare.
A licensed driver is allowed to operate a golf cart during day light hours only; from dawn until dusk.
All necessary paperwork and permits must stay with the cart while in operation
You can get a DUI while driving a golf cart on secondary roads.
A passenger can be arrested if there is an open container in the golf cart while in operation.
Do not drive a golf cart on sidewalks. Sidewalks are used as a conveyance for pedestrians only.
Be aware, at all times, of your surroundings. A golf cart offers neither safety nor protection in the event of a crash.

Every summer there are numerous accidents, and they range from a small dent to death. Please be careful if you’re coming to the beach and rent a golf cart. Just because you’re on vacation doesn’t mean that everyone is. Many of us are locals who are heading to and from work. Sometimes we drive too fast or get distracted, just like you do when you’re home going to and from work.

From a Myrtle Beach newspaper: “A Myrtle Beach man is in jail after authorities say he crashed his golf cart into a vehicle while driving under the influence of alcohol.”

From WBTW TV station: “North Myrtle Beach officials confirm one woman was killed after a driver crashed into a golf cart Wednesday evening in the 1500 block of Havens Drive around 6 p.m.”

From WBTW TV Station: “One person is dead after a crash involving a golf cart Thursday in North Myrtle Beach, according to Chief Garry Spain, with the North Myrtle Beach Fire Department.”

Be Safe, be aware, and slow down. After all, you’re on vacation!

Jason Coker is originally from the metropolis of Burlington, NC and is passionate about vacation rentals. Having served on the front lines of a premier vacation rental company, Jason has a great understanding of all aspects of this fantastic industry. An aficionado of music, sports, and all things geeky, Jason spends his free time performing music, grilling out, and relaxing with his son, daughter, and lovely wife, Amy.