Golf Cart Safety Regulations in Charleston Highlighted as Usage Increases
As the summer vacation draws to a close in Charleston, families and college students have taken to the streets in increasing numbers on their golf carts. According to Charleston Police Sgt. Christopher Stinson, golf carts are undoubtedly becoming more popular.
Golf Carts a Convenient, but Potentially Dangerous, Travel Option
Charleston’s city councilman Mike Seekings confirms this growing trend, attributing increased usage to the golf carts’ storage ease, easy maneuverability on narrow city streets, and convenience. However, Seekings warns of the risks associated with golf carts, due to the lack of safety measures compared to traditional motor vehicles.
An unfortunate incident in 2023 at Folly Beach, which resulted in a newlywed bride’s death after her golf cart was hit by a car, serves as a grim reminder of golf cart safety. Seekings reminds residents that golf carts are designed to be driven outside traffic, not within it.
South Carolina Rules for Golf Cart Usage
Despite their popularity, golf carts are subject to the same laws and regulations as any other motor vehicle according to the S.C. Department of Public Safety (DPS). They must be insured, operated by a licensed driver, cannot be driven on the sidewalk, and require payment at meters for parking.
Nicholos Pye, a community relations officer for the S.C. Highway Patrol, insists that golf carts need to be operated as though they are cars while on the road. This means adhering to rules such as not using your mobile phone while driving and definitely not driving under the influence.
In addition to these standard rules, golf carts have additional restrictions including the requirement for a visible state permit decal, limits on the distance from the driver’s home (four miles), roads they can operate on (35mph or less speed limit), daylight-only operation, and prohibitions on commercial use.
Practices Worthy of Note in Golf Cart Usage
Despite the established rules, golf cart violations are not uncommon. Charleston’s City Councilman Seekings witnesses frequent operation of golf carts after daylight hours, including sightings of children driving unsecured and often with open carry alcohol.
Seekings Pleads for Caution
In response to this alarming trend, Seekings urges golf cart operators to exercise extra vigilance and responsibly adhere to rules and restrictions set in place for their safety. By informing and educating people about the rules, Sgt. Stinson believes safety concerns can be minimized, and golf carts can continue to provide a fun, convenient transportation option for Charleston residents.
What’s Next for Golf Cart Legislation?
While Charleston city already has several ordinances restricting golf cart usage, notably parking and commercial usage, other cities in the state are adopting similar laws to regulate golf cart usage. For instance, in Columbia, a recently proposed ordinance aims to outlaw golf carts’ use as taxis, citing enforcement difficulty for existing laws.
Despite seeing a need for stricter enforcement, Councilman Seekings has expressed hesitation in pushing for additional restrictions, revealing the challenges city officials face due to mixed jurisdictions between Charleston and the state Department of Transportation.
In conclusion, Pye encourages common sense for all golf cart operators. If it seems unsafe, it probably is.
