Golf carts are everywhere in South Carolina, from beach communities along the coast to neighborhood streets in Columbia. While golf carts are a fun way to get around, most people don’t always think about safety when it comes to these slow-moving vehicles used to make short trips.
Each year, on average, 17,000 golf cart-related accidents require emergency room visits across the United States, and that number continues to rise as the economical, fun-to-drive carts become more popular on city streets. As we hear more stories of children being injured or dying as a result of these accidents, safety experts continue to push for increased safety measures, including seat belts for everyone, but especially for children. South Carolina requires each passenger under 12 years of age to wear a fastened seat belt when the golf cart is operated on public streets and highways in South Carolina. Experts also advise users not to let anyone ride in a golf cart whose feet do not touch the floorboard. Children are more susceptible to falling due to their small size, and they aren’t strong enough to hold onto the railings.
If you own a golf cart and plan to drive it on public roads, make sure you follow strict safety measures and South Carolina laws that require you to:
- Obtain a $5 golf cart permit decal and registration from the Department of Motor Vehicles upon presenting proof of ownership and liability insurance.
- Driver must hold a valid driver’s license and have it with them at all times.
- Maintain proof of insurance in the cart with you at all times while driving.
- Keep the registration card issued for the golf cart in it at all times.
- Stay within four miles of your residence or gated community.
- Operate only during daylight hours.
- Drive on roads with a posted speed limit of 35 mph or less.
- Buckle up passengers under the age of 12 who must wear a fastened seat belt when the golf cart is operated on public streets and highways of South Carolina.
- Renew or replace the permit and registration every five years and/or whenever your address changes.
- List secondary residences on the permit, in addition to your primary residence, if you plan on driving your golf cart near or around the second residence.
As more golf carts hit the road, the risk of injury increases, as well as other liabilities to consider when insuring this type of recreational vehicle. There are a variety of coverage options available for golf carts and endorsements to cover bodily injury and property damage. Some policy options only provide coverage for use on private property and are not intended to cover use on public roads.
If you own a golf cart, be sure to discuss your coverage options with your local Farm Bureau Insurance agent to determine what may work best for how and where you use the golf cart.