The Ultimate Guide to North Myrtle Beach Golf Cart Rules (2025 Edition)

Brad Fregeolle
Sep 6
12 min read

Introduction: Your Key to Cruising NMB Safely and Legally

There are few things more quintessentially North Myrtle Beach than the feeling of a warm, salty breeze as you cruise along the coast in a golf cart. It’s more than just transportation; it’s a core part of the vacation experience, a symbol of laid-back coastal living. Whether you're heading to the beach, exploring local shops, or visiting friends in a nearby resort, a golf cart offers a unique and fun way to soak in the scenery.

However, the freedom of open-air cruising comes with a critical responsibility: understanding and abiding by the law. For 2025, this is more important than ever. The State of South Carolina has enacted significant new legislation that changes the landscape of golf cart operation, and the City of North Myrtle Beach has responded with its own specific, updated ordinances. Navigating these rules can be confusing, but this guide is here to serve as your single, most comprehensive resource. From state registration and city parking decals to the exact streets you can and cannot drive on, we will provide the clarity you need to ensure your North Myrtle Beach golf cart adventure is safe, legal, and free of fines.

Part 1: The Golden Rule of NMB: State Law Sets the Stage, City Law Runs the Show

Before diving into specific rules, it’s essential to understand the two-tiered legal framework that governs golf cart use in North Myrtle Beach. Think of it as a pyramid of authority: at the base, you have the state laws set by South Carolina, and at the top, you have the specific ordinances enacted by the City of North Myrtle Beach. You must comply with both.

The foundation is the South Carolina Code of Laws, specifically the newly enacted Section 56-2-90, which replaced the old statute. This state law provides a baseline for everything from driver age to insurance requirements. However, the most crucial aspect of the 2025 legislative update is that it explicitly grants individual municipalities and counties the authority to establish their own, often stricter, rules regarding hours of operation, permitted locations, and methods of use.

This shift has effectively created a "patchwork quilt" of regulations across the state. The rules that apply in Myrtle Beach or Surfside Beach may be completely different from those in North Myrtle Beach. A tourist or resident cannot simply rely on a general understanding of "South Carolina golf cart laws." What is perfectly legal in one coastal town could result in a hefty fine just a few miles down the road.

Therefore, the most important takeaway is this: when operating a golf cart within the city limits of North Myrtle Beach, the city's ordinances are the ultimate authority. Where state law and city ordinance overlap, the city's more specific or restrictive rule is the one you must follow. This guide is built on that principle, providing a hyper-local focus that is now a legal necessity, not just a convenience.

Part 2: The 2025 Game-Changer: What's New in South Carolina Golf Cart Law?

The legislation signed into law on May 22, 2025, known as bill H. 3292, fundamentally reshaped golf cart regulations statewide. For the average driver, two changes stand out as the most significant. Understanding them is key to grasping the current rules in North Myrtle Beach.

1. The Child Safety Mandate

The most critical safety update is the new statewide requirement that all passengers under the age of 12 must wear a fastened seat belt when a golf cart is being operated on public roads. This law was enacted in response to a rise in injuries and fatalities involving unrestrained young riders and applies everywhere in South Carolina, including North Myrtle Beach.

While the direct penalty for a violation might seem minor—a fine of around $25—the true risk is far greater. The law introduces a significant legal liability for the golf cart owner and operator through a concept known as "negligence per se." This legal doctrine means that violating the statute—failing to have a child properly buckled up—is automatically considered a breach of a legal duty of care. If an accident occurs and an unbelted child is injured, the driver or owner could be held civilly liable for those injuries precisely because they broke the seatbelt law. The connection is direct: the failure to follow the law is presumed to have contributed to the harm. This elevates the rule from a simple traffic infraction to a major financial and legal risk, making compliance about much more than just avoiding a ticket.

2. The Power Shift to Local Government

The second major change is the decentralization of authority. The new state law now allows municipalities to set their own rules for golf cart operation, including permitting carts to be driven at night if they are equipped with working headlights and taillights. This created what might appear to be an "illusion of freedom," leading some to believe that night driving is now broadly legal across the coast.

However, this is a critical point of misunderstanding. The law only gives cities the option to permit night driving; it does not mandate it. In response to this new flexibility, the North Myrtle Beach City Council took a decisive, safety-conscious approach. They amended the city's ordinance to explicitly reaffirm the long-standing "sunrise to sunset" restriction. So, while the state opened the door for night driving, the City of North Myrtle Beach firmly closed it. This action demonstrates the city's conservative stance on golf cart safety and underscores the principle that local ordinances are paramount. In North Myrtle Beach, night driving remains strictly illegal for golf carts, regardless of any equipment the cart may have.

Part 3: Getting Street Legal: Your Two-Step, Two-Decal NMB Registration Guide

To legally operate a golf cart on public roads in North Myrtle Beach, you must complete a two-part registration process and display two separate decals. This is a common point of confusion that can lead to unnecessary fines, often referred to as the "Two-Decal Trap." A driver may diligently follow state law to get their operational permit, only to receive a parking ticket for not having the required city decal. Following both steps is mandatory.

Step 1: The State Requirement - Your SCDMV Permit Decal

This is the foundational permit that makes your golf cart street-legal anywhere in South Carolina.

What You Need: To begin the process, you must have proof of ownership for the golf cart, proof of liability insurance, and a valid driver's license.
The Form: You must complete the Golf Cart Permit Registration, also known as Form GC-2. This form requires information about the owner, the vehicle, and certification of insurance.
The Cost & Process: The fee for the permit is $5. You can submit the completed Form GC-2, proof of insurance, and payment either in person at any South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles (SCDMV) branch or by mailing it to the SCDMV Titles and Registration office in Blythewood, SC. Once processed, you will receive a registration certificate and a permit decal. The decal must be displayed on the golf cart, and the registration certificate must be kept in the cart at all times. This permit is valid for five years or until you change your address, at which point it must be renewed.

Step 2: The City Requirement - The North Myrtle Beach Parking Decal

This second decal is a local requirement specific to the City of North Myrtle Beach and is primarily for parking in city-owned paid parking areas.

Purpose: This decal allows residents and non-resident property owners to park in designated public spaces without paying at the meter or kiosk during the paid parking season (March 1 to October 31).
The Rule: While most vehicles now use a digital permit system tied to their license plate, golf carts are an exception and still require a physical decal to be displayed.
How to Get It:
- Residents: North Myrtle Beach residents may apply for up to two complimentary parking registrations per voting property address. New golf cart registrations must be completed in person at the Park NMB office, located at 904 2nd Avenue North.
- Non-Resident Property Owners: Non-resident property owners in North Myrtle Beach may apply for one complimentary parking registration for their personal vehicle or golf cart.
Proper Display: The physical NMB parking decal must be adhered to the front windshield of the golf cart. If your golf cart does not have a windshield, the decal must be placed on the front of the cart, next to the SCDMV permit sticker.

Part 4: The Rules of the Road: Your NMB Operator's Handbook

Once your golf cart is properly registered with both the state and the city, you must adhere to a strict set of operational rules. A golf cart is considered a motor vehicle, and all traffic laws apply.

Driver Requirements: Who Can Be Behind the Wheel?

Age and License: The operator must be at least 16 years old and hold a valid driver's license. It is illegal for an unlicensed minor to operate a golf cart on a public road, even with an adult in the passenger seat. Parents or guardians who allow an unlicensed child to drive can face fines exceeding $200.
Documents on Hand: While driving, the operator must have three documents in their possession at all times: their valid driver's license, the SCDMV-issued golf cart registration certificate, and proof of liability insurance.
Rental Age: Be aware that golf cart rental companies often have their own age requirements, which may be higher than the state minimum, typically 18 or 21 years old.

Hours of Operation: The "Sunrise to Sunset" Mandate

As established by the city's amended ordinance, golf carts in North Myrtle Beach may only be operated during daylight hours, defined as the period between sunrise and sunset. Night driving is strictly prohibited, even if your cart is equipped with headlights and taillights.

Permitted Roadways: Where You Can Legally Drive

Speed Limit: Golf carts are only allowed on secondary roads with a posted speed limit of 35 mph or less.
Distance Limit: Operation is restricted to a four-mile radius of the address listed on the SCDMV registration certificate. It is wise to keep a map on the cart to ensure you remain within this boundary.
Crossing Primary Roads: You are permitted to cross a primary highway or a road with a speed limit over 35 mph, but only at an intersection. You cannot travel along these roads.

Prohibited Zones: The Definitive "No-Go" List for NMB

Certain areas and roads in North Myrtle Beach are strictly off-limits to golf carts. Violating these rules is one of the most common and easily ticketed offenses.

Primary Highways: It is illegal to drive a golf cart on any primary highway. In North Myrtle Beach, this specifically includes:
- US Highway 17 (Kings Highway)
- Sea Mountain Highway
- 27th Avenue South
The Ocean Boulevard Restriction: This is a critical and often misunderstood rule. While much of Ocean Boulevard is a secondary road, a major central portion within North Myrtle Beach is legally classified as a primary highway and is therefore prohibited. This "no-go" zone runs on Ocean Boulevard from Sea Mountain Highway south to 27th Avenue South. A driver could be operating legally one moment and illegally the next without realizing they have crossed this invisible boundary.
Other Prohibited Areas: Golf carts are absolutely forbidden from being driven on:
- Beaches
- Sidewalks
- Bike paths or multi-purpose paths

Part 5: Safety, Parking, and Penalties: Staying Safe and Avoiding Fines

Operating a golf cart safely and responsibly is paramount to ensuring an enjoyable experience for everyone. This includes following passenger safety rules, parking correctly, and understanding the serious consequences of violations.

Essential Safety Protocols

Child Seatbelts: As detailed earlier, all passengers under 12 must be in a fastened seat belt.
Passenger Capacity: Do not exceed the number of passengers the golf cart was designed to carry. Each passenger must be in their own seat; no one should be standing or sitting on laps while the cart is in motion.
DUI Laws Apply: Driving a golf cart while under the influence of alcohol or drugs is illegal and carries the same severe penalties as a DUI in a standard automobile.
No Open Containers: Open containers of alcohol are strictly prohibited on a golf cart while it is in operation.
Avoid Distracted Driving: Just as in a car, using a cell phone while driving a golf cart is prohibited and dangerous.

Parking Your Cart in NMB

Legal Parking: Golf carts must be parked in a single, legally marked parking space.
Paid Parking: If you park in a city-owned paid space during the enforcement season, you must pay for it. For residents and property owners with the NMB Parking Decal, parking is complimentary. Visitors and those without a decal must pay via the parking app or kiosk.

Consequences of Non-Compliance: NMB's Enforcement

The City of North Myrtle Beach and its police department enforce these laws to ensure public safety. The penalties for violations are significant.

Fines and Incarceration: Under the city's amended ordinance, individuals found in violation of golf cart regulations may be subject to a fine of $100 and/or up to 30 days of incarceration.
Towing: Golf carts operated in violation of state or local law are subject to being towed at the owner's or renter's expense.
Parental Liability: As mentioned, parents face fines over $200 for allowing an unlicensed minor to operate a cart.

Part 6: Golf Cart vs. Low-Speed Vehicle (LSV): A Crucial Distinction

A common source of confusion for visitors is seeing cart-like vehicles on the road after dark, seemingly in violation of the "sunrise to sunset" rule. The explanation lies in the legal distinction between a standard golf cart and a Low-Speed Vehicle (LSV). They may look similar, but under the law, they are entirely different classes of vehicles with different rules.

An LSV is a specific category of vehicle that is factory-built to meet federal safety standards (FMVSS 500). Unlike golf carts, they are required to have equipment like headlights, turn signals, a windshield, seatbelts, and a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). Because they meet these higher safety standards, they are titled and registered with the SCDMV just like a regular car, complete with a license plate.

This "car-like" legal status is what grants them additional privileges. Most importantly, LSVs are legally permitted to be driven at night. Therefore, if you see a "cart" on the road after sunset, it is almost certainly a registered LSV, not a standard golf cart. It is crucial to note that South Carolina law prohibits retrofitting a standard golf cart with lights and other parts in an attempt to reclassify it as an LSV; the vehicle must be manufactured as an LSV from the start.

For those who desire the convenience of a small electric vehicle for evening trips to dinner or shops, renting or owning an LSV is the only legal option.

At-a-Glance: Golf Cart vs. Low-Speed Vehicle (LSV) in North Myrtle Beach

Feature	Standard Golf Cart	Low-Speed Vehicle (LSV)
Top Speed	Maximum 19-20 mph	20-25 mph
Registration	SCDMV Permit Decal (Form GC-2) & NMB Parking Decal	Full SCDMV Title & License Plate
Required Equipment	Basic	Headlights, taillights, turn signals, mirrors, windshield, seatbelts, VIN
Night Driving in NMB	Strictly Prohibited (Sunrise to Sunset Only)	Permitted
Can it be a retrofitted golf cart?	N/A	No, must be factory-built to federal standards (FMVSS 500)

Part 7: North Myrtle Beach Golf Cart FAQs

Can I drive my golf cart on the beach in NMB? No. It is strictly illegal to operate a golf cart on the beach at any time.
Do I need a special license to drive a golf cart? No, a valid standard driver's license is all that is required. The driver must be at least 16 years old.
Can my 14-year-old drive the golf cart if I'm in the passenger seat? No. The operator must be at least 16 years of age and hold a valid driver's license.
I have a golf cart rental from Myrtle Beach; are the rules the same in North Myrtle Beach? No. Due to the 2025 law changes, each municipality has its own specific ordinances. You must follow North Myrtle Beach's rules, such as the strict "sunrise to sunset" policy, when operating within its city limits.
What happens if my SCDMV permit decal expires? You must renew it. The permit is valid for five years. Operating a golf cart with an expired decal on a public road is illegal.
Can I drive a golf cart on Highway 17 to get to Barefoot Landing? No. Highway 17 is a primary highway and is strictly off-limits for golf cart travel. You may only cross it at an intersection.
My golf cart has headlights. Can I drive it at night in NMB? No. The City of North Myrtle Beach ordinance prohibits all golf cart operation after sunset, regardless of the cart's equipment. Only a registered Low-Speed Vehicle (LSV) can be driven at night.

Conclusion: Cruise with Confidence and Respect the Rules

Exploring North Myrtle Beach by golf cart is an experience that captures the heart of a coastal vacation. It offers a unique blend of freedom, fun, and convenience. By understanding and respecting the rules, you can ensure that your experience remains positive for you, your family, and the community. The 2025 laws have brought new clarity and an emphasis on safety, and compliance is straightforward when you know what to do.

As you head out, keep this simple checklist in mind:

Get Both Decals: Secure your state SCDMV permit and your city NMB parking decal.
Know Your Zone: Stay on secondary roads (35 mph or less) and keep off primary highways, sidewalks, and the beach.
Daylight Only: In North Myrtle Beach, operation is strictly limited to the hours between sunrise and sunset.
Buckle Up the Kids: It's the law for children under 12, and it protects you from significant legal liability.
Drive Sober & Safe: Remember that all traffic laws, especially those concerning DUI and distracted driving, apply to you.

Armed with this knowledge, you can now cruise with confidence. Enjoy the ride, respect the rules, and make the most of your time in beautiful North Myrtle Beach.