24Feb
Spring is here, and you know what that means—golf carts are buzzing around Myrtle Beach like bees on a sunny day! Whether you’re a local enjoying the breeze or a tourist taking the scenic route, there’s just something about zipping around in a golf cart that feels like freedom on four wheels. Plus, it’s a budget-friendly alternative to renting a car. But before you grab the keys, let’s talk about the rules, regulations, and insider tips to make your golf cart adventure as smooth as that sunshine-filled ride.
Golf Cart Rentals: Your Ticket to Easy Breezy Travel
Myrtle Beach is the place for golf cart rentals. From scenic beachside cruises to hitting up your favorite local spots, renting a golf cart is a must-try experience. So how do you get your hands on one?
Renting a Golf Cart
You’ve got options! Booking your cart is a breeze. You can either hop on your phone or computer and make a reservation online (we suggest this during peak season to avoid forever waiting on hold), or call the rental place the old-fashioned way.
Where to Rent a Golf Cart
Before you pull the trigger on a rental, consider where you’re staying and where you want to go. South Carolina’s law says golf carts are restricted to a 4-mile radius from the address where they’re registered. So make sure to choose a rental company close to where you plan to cruise around. Oh, and check if your hotel or rental home has any rules on golf carts—some places have specific parking policies or won’t allow carts on-site at all.
Who’s Allowed to Rent a Golf Cart? Spoiler: Not Your Pet Chihuahua
So you’re ready to rent that sweet ride, but are you legally allowed to? Here’s the deal:
Driver’s License Required
If you’re over 16, congrats—you can legally drive a golf cart on public roads in South Carolina, as long as you’ve got a valid driver’s license. However, most rental companies want you to be 18 or 21 years old to rent. If you’re under 21, check with the rental company to make sure you're good to go.
Getting Ready to Hit the Road (Safely, Please) Once you’ve got your cart and are ready to roll, there are a few things you’ll need to make sure you’ve got before driving:
- A valid driver’s license (hopefully that’s you!)
- The golf cart’s registration certificate
- Proof of liability insurance for the cart (don’t worry, the rental company usually has this covered)
And when you’re cruising the Grand Strand, follow these simple tips to avoid a fine or a run-in with your local EMTs:
- Stick to the golf cart’s seating capacity (no overcrowding, please)
- Keep all body parts safely inside the cart (you don’t want your arm to become a target for a flying sandcastle)
- Don’t weave into another lane—stay in your lane, my friend!
Timing Is Everything: When You Can (and Can’t) Drive
When’s the best time to roll around in your golf cart? The golden rule is: daylight hours only. Here’s the breakdown:
- Normal Hours: Golf carts are allowed on the roads between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m.
- Daylight Saving Time: During DST, you get an extra 2 hours (woohoo!)—the hours extend to 8 p.m.
So, no midnight golf cart adventures, unfortunately.
Where Can You Drive? Let’s Get Specific
If you’re thinking of taking your golf cart on a scenic drive down the highway or cutting through some sand dunes, think again. Here’s where golf carts are (and aren’t) allowed:
- Speed Limits: Golf carts can only be driven on roads with speed limits of 35 mph or less. No speeding down highways in your golf cart, sorry!
- Intersection Crossings: Golf carts can cross roads with higher speed limits but can only do so at intersections.
- Special Areas to Avoid:
- No golf carts allowed on the beaches in Myrtle Beach, North Myrtle Beach, or Surfside Beach.
- In unincorporated Horry County, golf carts are prohibited on beaches from Feb. 28 through Nov. 1 (time to find another way to ride the waves).
- No cruising on sidewalks or bike lanes in Myrtle Beach.
Also, make sure to grab a map from your rental company that shows exactly where you can and can’t go. It’ll save you from the dreaded "uh-oh" moment when you realize you’re on a road you shouldn’t be on.
Final Thoughts: Be Safe, Have Fun, and Don’t Forget the Ice Cream
Golf carts in Myrtle Beach? Totally doable—and a lot of fun. Just remember to follow the rules, respect the local laws, and enjoy the ride. After all, nothing beats cruising along with the wind in your hair, a view of the beach on one side, and maybe a cone of soft-serve in your hand. Safe travels, and remember: always drive responsibly! For more details on golf cart laws and local restrictions, check out the full guide on South Carolina’s regulations and municipal ordinances for Myrtle Beach, North Myrtle Beach, and Surfside Beach.
How’s that for a golf cart adventure in Myrtle Beach? Smooth sailing (or driving) all the way!
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