Surfside Beach, August 28, 2025
News Summary
Surfside Beach Town Council has approved a new ordinance allowing residents to use golf carts 24/7. The decision was made during an August meeting, prompting discussions on safety measures. While supporters celebrate this change, some council members express concerns about nighttime safety, especially regarding younger drivers. Golf carts must be equipped with working lights after dark, and operators must meet specific requirements. This law aligns Surfside Beach with regional regulations, fostering a community atmosphere while emphasizing safety on the roads.
Surfside Beach Town Council Greenlights 24/7 Golf Cart Use!
Surfside Beach, a charming coastal town known for its sandy shores and friendly atmosphere, is shaking things up with a new ordinance that allows residents to cruise around town on golf carts 24 hours a day! Yes, you heard that right. This change was approved during a Town Council meeting on August 26, and it has residents buzzing with excitement (and a bit of apprehension).
The Breakdown of the Vote
The Town Council voted 5-2, showing strong support for this new law that many locals are sure to take advantage of. However, not everyone is on board. Councilmembers Chris Stamey and William Kinken voiced their concerns about the potential for younger folks to misuse these vehicles come nightfall. Their worries echo through the community, as safety remains a hot topic among residents.
Nighttime Safety Measures
One of the exciting features of this ordinance is that while golf carts can now operate at all hours, there are some important rules to follow when driving after dark. To ensure safety, *golf carts must now be equipped with permanent working lights*. This means that from 30 minutes after sunset to 30 minutes before sunrise, you can hit the road in your golf cart—provided it’s lit up for visibility!
For those who don’t have lights, fear not! You still have the option to drive during the dawn and dusk hours—30 minutes before sunrise and after sunset—keeping things a little safer for everyone involved.
Surfside Beach Joins the Trend
This new ordinance falls in line with wider changes being implemented across the state, following a law that gives local governments the authority to regulate golf cart use. Neighboring towns like Conway and North Myrtle Beach have also updated their golf cart laws, but Surfside Beach has made its rules the most accommodating on the Grand Strand. So if you’re looking to zip around town in one of those fun little carts, this is *the place to be*!
New Regulations Ahead
While the excitement around 24/7 access is palpable, Surfside Beach does have some stipulations for golf cart operators. For example, there’s a 4-mile radius limitation that affects how far you can travel from your registered address during daylight hours—generally from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Along with this, golf carts can only be operated on roads where speed limits are 35 mph or less. Safety is key!
Accident Statistics to Note
Community Concerns
As is typical when laws change, residents took the opportunity to voice their concerns during public comments. Mainly, they pointed to potential safety issues and the possibility of lawsuits arising from accidents involving golf carts. These voices are crucial in guiding how Surfside Beach develops and protects its cherished community as it embraces more freedom with golf cart use.
Who Can Drive These Carts?
It’s crucial for would-be golf cart drivers to meet certain requirements to ensure everyone’s safety. Operators must have a DMV-issued permit, state-minimum insurance, and a valid driver’s license. Moreover, if you’re planning to transport young riders, make sure you have seatbelts for any passengers under 12—the last thing you want is a strain on safety amidst all this new freedom!
As Surfside Beach moves into this exciting new chapter of *golf cart accessibility*, it seems like residents are going to have a lot more fun whizzing around town—just remember to be safe and responsible while doing it!
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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Conway Approves New Golf Cart Ordinance
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North Myrtle Beach Proposes New Restrictions on Outdoor Merchandise Displays
Additional Resources
- WBTW: Surfside Beach Golf Cart Use
- Myrtle Beach Online: Golf Cart Regulations
- WMBF News: New Golf Cart Law
- WPDE: Surfside Beach Golf Cart Rules
- My Horry News: 24-Hour Golf Cart Operations
- Wikipedia: Golf Cart
- Google Search: Golf Cart Regulations
- Google Scholar: Golf Cart Safety
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Golf Cart
- Google News: Surfside Beach Golf Cart Law
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.
