Myrtle Beach Golf Cart Laws (2026)

Myrtle Beach and the Grand Strand are one of the biggest golf cart rental markets in the Southeast. South Carolina law allows golf carts on secondary roads with speed limits of 35 mph or less, within 4 miles of the registered address, during daylight hours. The City of Myrtle Beach follows state law and does not extend operating hours beyond the default. Golf carts are not allowed on multipurpose paths or sidewalks within city limits. Rental companies are a major business along the Grand Strand, and visitors should be aware that the 4-mile radius is measured from the rental company's address (or the vacation property, depending on how the registration is set up).

• 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
• Operation is limited to daylight hours only: 6 AM to 6 PM (standard time) or 6 AM to 8 PM (daylight saving time)
• A valid driver's license is required; minimum age 16
• SCDMV registration ($5 permit, renewed every 5 years) and liability insurance are required
• Passengers under age 12 must wear a fastened safety belt (2025 update)
• Golf carts are NOT allowed on multipurpose paths or sidewalks in the City of Myrtle Beach
• Golf carts may NOT travel on Ocean Boulevard between 29th Avenue South and 82nd Avenue North during peak season enforcement periods
• US-17 Bypass and US-17 Business are primary highways and off-limits for golf cart travel
• The SCDMV permit decal must be displayed on the cart

• Ocean Boulevard - the main beachfront road; some sections are restricted for golf carts during peak season (check current enforcement)
• Kings Highway - runs parallel to Ocean Blvd a few blocks inland; portions have 35 mph speed limits and are cart-accessible
• Broadway at the Beach area - major shopping and entertainment district; surrounding streets are popular for cart access
• The Market Common - mixed-use district on the former Air Force Base property; low-speed streets suitable for carts
• US-17 Bypass - primary highway, off-limits to golf carts
• US-17 Business (Kings Highway in some sections) - check speed limits; portions exceed 35 mph
• Side streets between Ocean Boulevard and Kings Highway are generally cart-friendly with low speed limits

• The 4-mile radius is measured from the address on your SCDMV registration. If you rent a cart, ask the company what address is on the registration so you know your boundaries
• Daylight-only operation is strictly enforced. In winter, sunset can be as early as 5:15 PM. In summer, you can ride until 8 PM during daylight saving time
• Golf cart rentals are a huge business on the Grand Strand. Book in advance during summer weeks, Memorial Day, July 4th, and Labor Day
• Do not ride on multipurpose paths or sidewalks within the City of Myrtle Beach. Use the road
• North Myrtle Beach, Surfside Beach, and Murrells Inlet are separate municipalities with their own rules. The 4-mile radius may cross city lines, but check local ordinances
• Open container laws and DUI laws apply to golf carts in South Carolina. Myrtle Beach police enforce this, especially during busy tourist season