Isle of Palms Golf Cart Laws (2026)

Isle of Palms is a barrier island east of Charleston where golf carts and LSVs are a popular way to get to the beach, restaurants, and shops. The city follows South Carolina state law: golf carts can operate on secondary roads with speed limits of 35 mph or less, within 4 miles of the registered address, during daylight hours only. The key local distinction is Palm Boulevard (SC-703), the main road running the length of the island. Standard golf carts cannot travel along Palm Boulevard, but they can cross it at designated points. LSVs, which meet federal safety standards, can drive on Palm Boulevard and even cross the Breach Inlet Bridge. Wild Dunes resort has its own additional rules for carts on its property.

• Golf carts may operate on secondary roads with posted speed limits of 35 mph or less
• You must stay within 4 miles of the address on your SCDMV registration
• Palm Boulevard (SC-703) is a primary highway. Golf carts may cross Palm Boulevard (from 41st Avenue to Breach Inlet) but may NOT travel along it
• SC-517 (IOP Connector) is completely prohibited for both golf carts and LSVs (45 mph speed limit)
• LSVs (Low-Speed Vehicles) are allowed to drive on Palm Boulevard and cross the Breach Inlet Bridge
• Operation is limited to daylight hours only (sunrise to sunset)
• A valid driver's license is required; minimum age 16
• Golf cart must be registered with the SCDMV ($5 permit, renewed every 5 years) and carry liability insurance
• Passengers under age 12 must wear a fastened safety belt
• Golf carts may NOT be parked on beach access paths unless signs indicate golf cart parking is allowed

• Palm Boulevard (SC-703) - the main road running the length of the island; golf carts can cross it but not travel along it. LSVs can use it
• Ocean Boulevard - runs parallel to the beach on the east side; cart-friendly residential street
• Designated beach parking for golf carts at 9th Ocean Boulevard, 28th Avenue, and 31st Avenue on Palm Boulevard
• SC-517 (IOP Connector) - the bridge connecting Isle of Palms to the mainland; prohibited for all carts and LSVs
• Breach Inlet Bridge - connects Isle of Palms to Sullivan's Island; LSVs can cross, standard golf carts cannot
• Wild Dunes - gated resort community at the northeast end of the island with its own cart rules
• Side streets between Palm Boulevard and the beach are generally cart-friendly with low speed limits

• The biggest thing to remember on IOP: you can cross Palm Boulevard in a golf cart but you cannot drive along it. If you need to travel the length of the island, use the side streets or get an LSV
• LSVs have a big advantage on Isle of Palms because they can legally use Palm Boulevard and cross the Breach Inlet Bridge. If you are renting, ask for an LSV instead of a standard golf cart
• Designated golf cart parking at the beach is limited to specific locations (9th Ocean Blvd, 28th Ave, 31st Ave). Do not park on beach access paths unless posted signs allow it
• Wild Dunes has its own rules. Only owners and club members can have credentialed golf carts on the property. Standard cart rentals are not allowed inside Wild Dunes, but LSV rentals are
• The IOP Connector (SC-517) is off-limits to all carts and LSVs. You cannot take a golf cart to or from the mainland
• Book cart rentals early for summer weekends and holiday weeks. Isle of Palms is a popular Charleston-area beach and inventory goes fast