NORTH MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. -- The North Myrtle Beach City Council has approved an amendment to Chapter 21, Traffic, of the City’s Code of Ordinances regarding the regulated use of golf carts within City limits.

The ordinance follows the recent enactment of Section 56-2-90 of the Code of Laws of South Carolina by the South Carolina General Assembly. This legislation allows municipalities to establish operating hours for golf carts on highways with a speed limit of thirty-five (35) miles per hour or less.

Under the new local ordinance, permitted golf carts may only be operated on secondary roads within the City of North Myrtle Beach with a posted speed limit of 35 miles per hour or less between the hours of sunrise and sunset. Permitted golf carts may cross a highway or street at an intersection where the highway has a posted speed limit of more than 35 miles per hour. These measures are intended to promote safety for both golf cart operators and other motorists.

Additionally, the ordinance includes a penalty provision for violations. Individuals found in violation may be subject to a fine of $100 and/or up to 30 days incarceration.

The State Law also now requires that children under the age of 12 must wear a seat belt when riding in a golf cart on a public road.

A grace period was not written into the law; therefore, the City is encouraging all residents to come into compliance immediately to ensure the safety of our youngest passengers.

As always, the North Myrtle Beach Police Department’s philosophy is to educate, warn, and cite. Residents and Visitors may be stopped by an Officer if observed operating a golf cart with an unbelted child. This should not be seen as punitive—it is the City's duty to inform and protect the community by ensuring awareness and compliance with new laws. 

City Officials urge all golf cart owners and operators to familiarize themselves with the new laws to ensure compliance and help maintain a safe environment for all who share our roadways.