News Summary
A new law effective May 28, 2025, mandates that children under 12 in South Carolina must wear seat belts while riding in golf carts on public roads. This legislation, introduced on January 14, 2025, aims to enhance safety for young passengers. Local authorities can tailor additional rules, but the requirement for seat belts is clear. The law also encourages responsible driving, particularly in popular areas like Myrtle Beach, where golf carts are integral to community culture. Law enforcement plans to educate rather than penalize initially, emphasizing the importance of compliance for children’s safety.
New Legislation Ensures Golf Cart Safety for Young Passengers in South Carolina
In a big move toward enhancing children’s safety, a fresh law is now in effect across South Carolina, specifically targeting young golf cart passengers. As of May 28, 2025, children under 12 years old are required to wear a fastened safety belt when riding in golf carts while traversing public streets and state highways. This change aims to make trips on these popular vehicles a whole lot safer for the little ones.
How It All Came About
The road to this new rule began on January 14, 2025, when the bill was first introduced to the South Carolina House. Fast forward to February 18, 2025, it made its way to the Senate, garnering support along the way. Governor Henry McMaster officially signed it into law, effective right away, leaving no time for the public to waste in ensuring their children buckle up during their golf cart adventures.
What the Law Entails
This law isn’t just a casual suggestion—there are specific stipulations! Whenever a golf cart is physically moving on public roadways, all minors must be securely buckled in. This is not only a step towards responsible driving but also a much-needed safety precaution, as golf carts are often seen as a fun way to explore neighborhoods and communities.
Feel free to breathe easy, though! This law permits local municipalities and counties to come up with their own rules regarding golf cart operations, tailoring them to suit their unique needs and road conditions.
Golf Cart Guidelines to Keep in Mind
Before heading out for a spin, here are a few important regulations to keep in mind:
- Golf carts can only operate on public highways where the speed limit is 35 mph or below.
- To legally drive a golf cart, individuals must be at least 16 years of age and hold a valid driver’s license.
- These vehicles should only be driven during daylight hours and can only travel a maximum distance of four miles from the registered owner’s address.
With these guidelines, the intention is clear: safety first!
A Welcome Change for Local Communities
Encouraging the law is Derrick Nunziante, a manager at Bintelli Golf Carts, who echoes the law’s importance in enhancing safety for kids. He clearly understands the risks that accidents can pose, recalling incidents that have involved both younger and older children. Nunziante passionately believes that choosing high-quality, three-point DOT safety belts for golf carts can drastically improve safety on these paths.
Local communities, including shoppers at Bintelli Golf Carts, have shown their support for this initiative, sharing a common sentiment about the need for better protection for youth riding in golf carts.
An Eye on Safety in Myrtle Beach
This new law is especially expected to uplift safety protocols for both locals and tourists in popular golf cart hotspots such as Myrtle Beach. Here, golf carts are not just a means of transport; they are an important part of the local culture.
Law Enforcement Takes a Proactive Approach
Local law enforcement agencies, including the Georgetown County Sheriff’s Office, have already declared plans to educate the public about these new requirements. Rather than immediately jumping to penalties, they intend to emphasize education first and will likely issue warnings for non-compliance before any fines come into play.
For those who might think twice about adhering to the buckle-up rule, be aware that the initial fine for failing to comply with this seat belt requirement is set at a reasonable $25.
Riding Safe, Riding Smart!
As South Carolina takes this proactive step towards enhancing safety for young golf cart riders, the focus is now on everyone to commit to making these rides not only enjoyable but safe as well. Remember—when it comes to the little ones, it’s better to be safe than sorry!
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Additional Resources
- WBTW News: Myrtle Beach Golf Cart Store Reaction
- WMBF News: New Law on Golf Carts
- AOL: Driving Golf Carts in South Carolina
- WPDE: Golf Cart Bill Details
- ABC Columbia: SC Golf Cart Seatbelt Bill
