Rangeley Bailey | Golf Cart |
Are Golf Carts Legal on South Carolina Roads?

If you live in certain South Carolina communities, chances are you’ve seen increasing numbers of golf carts on your neighborhood roads. Many people find golf carts a convenient means of getting around. But you might be wondering: Are golf carts legal on streets?

The answer is yes, under certain circumstances, but several requirements and restrictions apply.

Laws on Operating a Golf Cart on Public Roads and Streets in SC

In South Carolina, golf carts can be street-legal. However, the following stipulations apply:

  • The golf cart must be covered by liability insurance and registered with the DMV.
  • The golf cart must display a state-issued golf cart permit decal, and the registration papers must be carried at all times.
  • Golf carts are not permitted on roads with a speed limit above 35 mph. However, they may cross roads with higher-speed traffic if they can do so safely.
  • Drivers may only operate their golf carts within four miles of the golf cart’s registered address, within four miles of a point of entrance or exit to a gated community, or on an island that does not have a bridge accessible to automobiles.
  • Golf carts are allowed on public roads during daylight hours only.
  • Golf cart drivers must be 16 or older with a valid driver’s license.
  • Drivers must not operate golf carts under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
  • Golf cart drivers must obey all other traffic laws regarding other motor vehicles.

Differentiating Golf Carts from Other Vehicles

Golf carts are distinct from other motor vehicles in several key ways:

  • Size and speed – Golf carts are much smaller and slower than cars, trucks, and SUVs. They typically do not exceed speeds of 15 mph. Their lightweight and low power make them ideal for short trips around neighborhoods, golf courses, or campuses. However, these features also mean they offer less protection in crashes.
  • Intended use – Golf carts are designed for recreation, not as a primary means of transportation. While they may be street-legal in some states, they lack standard safety features like airbags and crush-resistant frames.
  • Licensing and registration – In South Carolina, golf cart owners must license and register their golf carts with the DMV to operate them on public roads. Other motor vehicles, like cars and motorcycles, have separate licensing procedures.

Is Your Golf Cart Street-Legal in South Carolina? Get Expert Advice from Jebaily Law Firm!

If you have suffered injuries in a golf cart accident in South Carolina, get in touch with Jebaily Law Firm as soon as possible. Our experienced golf cart accident attorneys are ready to fight for the compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation to learn more about how we can help you.

Rangeley Bailey
Rangeley C. Bailey, Esq.

Partner Rangeley Bailey

Rangeley Bailey is a South Carolina attorney with a heart for people and a passion for justice. A partner at Jebaily Law Firm in Florence, she represents individuals in Personal Injury and Social Security Disability cases—clients who are often facing some of the hardest moments of their lives. Rangeley brings not just legal experience, but empathy, grit, and a belief that everyone deserves to be heard.

Dillon Native, Lifelong Florence Resident, South Carolina Law School Graduate

Born in Dillon and raised in Florence, Rangeley is a proud product of small-town roots and strong community values. She graduated cum laude from Columbia College with a degree in history and a minor in Leadership. She went on to earn her law degree from the University of South Carolina. After law school, she began her legal career clerking for Circuit Court Judge John Milling before moving into civil litigation and ultimately dedicating her practice to helping injured individuals and those denied the benefits they deserve.

Rangeley is a former municipal judge for the City of Florence. She also served as President of the Florence County Bar and was appointed to the South Carolina Access to Justice Commission, reflecting her commitment to making the legal system more accessible to all.  She also recently completed the McLeod Fellows program, where she learned in depth about how McLeod Hospital is run.

Outside of work, Rangeley is a mom to two college students at USC and dog mom to Lexie and Sandy. She enjoys strong coffee, Gamecock football, and a good laugh with friends. Her approach to law—and life—is grounded in compassion, common sense, and an unwavering belief in doing the right thing.

Volunteer Awards from the American Heart Association

Representing injured workers means that Rangeley must keep up to date on medical developments. That is a requirement she particularly enjoys. Her legal work has also sparked her interest in the treatment of cardiovascular disease and led to extensive involvement in the American Heart Association. That association has bestowed numerous volunteer fundraising awards on her.

She’s active in the Florence County Bar Association and has held several offices, culminating in the presidency in 2010. She was a Commissioner for the South Carolina Access to Justice Commission.

 

Admitted to South Carolina Bar: 2002

Years of Legal Experience: 24

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