Surfside Beach, August 29, 2025
News Summary
Surfside Beach has approved new golf cart regulations allowing them to operate 24 hours a day. While this offers more freedom for residents, safety checks are necessary. Golf carts must have working lights at night and drivers must hold a DMV permit and liability insurance. The new rules are among the most relaxed in the Myrtle Beach area, prompting discussions about safety measures and community concerns regarding nighttime usage. The town’s leader supports balanced regulations to ensure safety while granting freedom to residents.
New Golf Cart Rules Hit Surfside Beach: Now You Can Ride ‘Round the Clock!
Surfside Beach is buzzing with excitement after the Town Council decided to shake things up regarding golf cart regulations! On August 26, a vote was held, and after a bit of discussion (and a few differing opinions), the council approved a shiny new ordinance that lets golf carts cruise around 24 hours a day—yes, you read that right!
What’s New?
Before this change, if you wanted to take your golf cart for a spin, you were pretty much limited to the daylight hours—specifically from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. every day from March 1 to Halloween. Now, though, you can jump in your golf cart anytime the mood strikes, as long as it meets a few safety checks. This means your golf cart must have working headlights and taillights illuminated during the hours when the sun isn’t shining, which is from 30 minutes after sunset until 30 minutes before sunrise.
Surfside Beach vs. Neighbors
So, how does Surfside Beach’s new policy stack up against nearby areas? Well, it turns out Surfside Beach is looking pretty good! The new rules are the most relaxed in the whole Myrtle Beach area. North Myrtle Beach only allows golf carts from sunrise to sunset, while Conway permits them until 11 p.m. Surfside Beach is ready to let the good times roll any hour of the day or night!
What You Need to Know
Now, before you race out the door, there are some important things to keep in mind. First off, those lovable little golf carts can only drive on roads with a speed limit of 35 mph or less. This is to keep everyone safe while navigating the streets. If you think that’s all there is to it, think again! Anyone behind the wheel of a golf cart must have a permit from the Department of Motor Vehicles, carry the required state-minimum insurance, and possess a valid driver’s license.
Raising Concerns
During the council meeting, community members didn’t hold back when it came to discussing safety. Several residents had worries about what allowing golf carts to operate at night could mean for safety, especially concerning younger drivers navigating after dark. One council member even raised points about the potential for misuse, suggesting that a cut-off time might be wise.
Keeping It Safe
In terms of safety, the interim police chief presented some accident data that definitely caught everyone’s attention. In 2025, there were 11 golf cart-related accidents, with two ending in injuries. This kind of data has everyone contemplating how to keep the roads safe for both golf cart enthusiasts and other drivers. To help with that, the ordinance now has a provision that requires seatbelts for children under 12. That’s right, if they’re riding along, buckle them up!
Legal Talk
There were a few eyebrows raised concerning the liability the council might face with this new policy, but the town’s attorney assured everyone that there shouldn’t be significant concerns on that front. This kind of reassurance may ease some minds, as golf carts become an even more popular way to get around.
Take Charge, Surfside!
Surfside Beach is clearly carving its own path when it comes to local golf cart regulations. Mayor Robert Krouse is a proponent of individual judgment, making it clear that he prefers to avoid imposing laws “for-your-own-good.” This new ordinance gives residents freedom while also keeping an eye on safety measures. So, grab your golf cart and enjoy the thrill of riding through Surfside Beach, anytime you want! Whether it be an afternoon ride or a midnight joyride, the open road awaits!
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Surfside Beach Approves 24/7 Golf Cart Use Ordinance
Charity Golf Tournaments in Myrtle Beach
Norwalk Welcomes PGA Tour Superstore for Golf Lovers
Surfside Beach Council Considers 24-Hour Golf Cart Rides
North Myrtle Beach Council Proposes New Outdoor Display Regulations
New Golf Cart Regulations in Conway Transform Community Rides
North Myrtle Beach Considers New Regulations for Outdoor Displays
Conway Approves New Golf Cart Ordinance
North Myrtle Beach Proposes New Restrictions on Outdoor Merchandise Displays
Golf Champion Emerges at Scottish Open in North Berwick
Additional Resources
- WBTW News
- Horry News
- WPDE News
- Myrtle Beach Online
- WMBF News
- Wikipedia: Golf Cart
- Google Search: Golf cart safety
- Google Scholar: Golf cart regulations
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Golf Cart
- Google News: Golf Cart News
Author: STAFF HERE MYRTLE BEACH
The HERE Myrtle Beach Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Myrtle Beach community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Myrtle Beach Our team includes lifelong Myrtle Beach residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent developments along the Grand Strand, Myrtle Beach’s tourism and hospitality industry, and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Coastal Carolina University programs). Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
