Mount Pleasant Golf Cart Laws (2026)

Mount Pleasant is one of the fastest-growing towns in South Carolina, located just across the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge from downtown Charleston. Golf cart use has been growing steadily, especially in neighborhoods like the Old Village, I'On, and areas near Shem Creek. South Carolina law allows golf carts on secondary roads with posted speed limits of 35 mph or less, within 4 miles of the registered address. Mount Pleasant does not have a local ordinance extending operating hours, so the state default of daylight-only operation applies. Carts must be registered with the SCDMV and carry liability insurance.

• 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
• Golf carts may cross a primary highway to get to another secondary road, but may not travel along it
• A valid driver's license is required; minimum age 16
• Golf cart must be registered with the SCDMV ($5 permit, renewed every 5 years)
• Liability insurance is required under South Carolina law
• Operation is limited to daylight hours only (Mount Pleasant has no local ordinance extending hours)
• Passengers under age 12 must wear a fastened safety belt
• Street-legal LSVs (Low-Speed Vehicles) can be driven on any road with a posted speed limit of 35 mph or less without the 4-mile restriction
• The SCDMV permit decal must be displayed on the cart

• Old Village neighborhood - historic area with low speed limits; one of the most popular areas for golf cart use
• I'On neighborhood - planned community with walkable design and low-speed residential streets
• Shem Creek area - waterfront dining and shopping district; surrounding streets have low speed limits
• Coleman Boulevard - runs through the heart of the old Mount Pleasant commercial district; lower speed limits and pedestrian-friendly
• US-17 (Johnnie Dodds Boulevard) - prohibited for golf cart travel; this is the main highway through town
• Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge - connects to downtown Charleston; golf carts are prohibited on the bridge
• Rifle Range Road and Long Point Road - check posted speed limits; portions may exceed 35 mph

• The 4-mile radius rule means you need to plan your registration address carefully. If you live near Coleman Boulevard, you can reach Shem Creek, the Old Village, and I'On by cart
• US-17 (Johnnie Dodds Boulevard) is the main commercial highway and is off-limits to golf carts. You can cross it at intersections but not travel along it
• Do not attempt to take a golf cart across the Ravenel Bridge to Charleston. It is not allowed
• Daylight-only operation is the default in Mount Pleasant. In winter, sunset can be before 5:30 PM, so plan accordingly
• The Old Village and I'On neighborhoods have the most established golf cart culture. You will see plenty of carts on those streets
• If you want to avoid the 4-mile restriction, consider registering your cart as an LSV. LSVs can operate on any road posted at 35 mph or less without a distance limit